For EU/EEA nationals
If you can stay health insured in another EU/EEA country, it should be possible to use your insurance in Austria with to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If not, you can also conclude an Austrian health insurance with Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK), see option 1 below. ISEP exchange students must take out health insurance with national social security ÖGK as well.
For non-EU/EEA nationals
- Exchange students for 1 semester: you should have a suitable insurance for your visa already.
- Exchange students for 1+ semesters & degree-seeking students: you must take out an insurance that complies with the residence permit regulations, see below.
Option 1: national social security (recommended)
Self-insurance for students at the national social security provider ÖGK:
Requirements
You can take out an insurance for students at Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) www.gesundheitskasse.at if you fulfill the insurance requirements. These are:
- no compulsory insurance in Austria or another EU/EEA country
- habitual residence in Austria
- enrolled as degree-seeking student ("ordentliches Studium") OR enrolled to participate in the VGUH Graz OR enrolled as exchange student
- you do not earn more than 10.000€ per calendar year*
We also recommmend to actively contact the insurance provider how to proceed in case of medical emergencies or illnesses and how to pay for treatments.
*This does not apply to exchange students.
Usefull documents to this topic:
Download the applicatin form here and find out how to complete the form (exchange students or all other students).
How to find a doctor who speaks a foreign language.
How to use your ÖGK insurance.
Option 2: private insurance
You can also obtain a private insurance. Non-EU/EEA nationals have to ensure that the insurance fulfills the requirements for the residence permit.
Several providers have products for students that can also be obtained online, e.g. www.feelsafe.at or www.care-concept.at. Numerous other insurance providers, such as Wiener Städtische, Alllianz, Uniqa to name only a few, have suitable policies as well. However, not all policies cover all risks, which is necessary for the Austrian residence permit. You should ensure that the insurance can be accepted for the residence permit before concluding it.
We also recommmend to actively contact your private insurance provider how to proceed in case of medical emergencies or illnesses and how to pay for treatments.