As you prepare for your January intake in Austria, you may be wondering what is covered under student health insurance Austria 2026 and how to choose the right plan for your needs. This ultimate guide will walk you through Austria’s public and private student health insurance options, coverage details, costs, application steps, and tips to file claims smoothly. Whether you’re an EU citizen holding an EHIC or a non-EU student requiring private coverage, you’ll find everything you need to navigate health insurance requirements for your study visa and stay.
When finalizing your course choices for January intake masters, ensuring you have comprehensive medical coverage is just as important as meeting academic deadlines. Health insurance in Austria ranks among the world’s top systems, yet international students face different rules depending on nationality, program length, and residence status. Read on to align your policy with visa regulations and personal needs.
Understand Austrian health insurance
Austria maintains a dual system of public and private health insurance. Nearly 99 percent of residents receive coverage through social security or private plans [1]. As a student you’ll generally fall into one of three categories:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Non-EU students eligible for public insurance under Gebietskrankenkasse (GKK)
- Non-EU students requiring private or travel health insurance
Each option differs in eligibility, cost, coverage scope, and waiting periods. Your choice should align with residence permit requirements, university waiver criteria, and budget.
Public vs private insurance
Public insurance through GKK offers extensive benefits at a fixed monthly fee, while private plans vary by provider and often include repatriation, dental, and maternity cover not fully available under public schemes. Private coverage may also satisfy visa mandates for non-EU nationals who lack access to GKK.
Role of the EHIC
If you hold an EHIC issued by an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can access treatment in Austria at reduced cost or free under the same conditions as Austrian nationals [1]. Keep in mind that EHIC benefits cease if you extend beyond short-term study stays or leave the EU.
Review Care Austria Education
Care Austria Education is a private plan designed for students, language school attendees, au pairs, and travelers aged 12–35 staying in Austria up to 364 days. It meets visa requirements for non-EU nationals and fills gaps in public coverage.
Outpatient and inpatient treatment
- Medically necessary outpatient care by licensed physicians
- Inpatient hospital treatment in a shared standard care room\
These services are covered at 100 percent of billed costs [2].
Maternity and dental benefits
- Pregnancy examinations and treatment (if pregnancy begins after policy inception)
- Childbirth covered after an eight-month waiting period
- 100 percent coverage for simple dental treatments, annual check-ups, and teeth cleaning
- 80 percent coverage for medically necessary dental prostheses up to €750, 100 percent for accident-related prostheses up to €3,000 (prior treatment plan required)\
Source: Care Austria
Repatriation and liability cover
- Medically advisable and prescribed repatriation travel costs to your home country
- Patient transport to hospitals
- Funeral costs up to €25,000 in case of death during your stay
- Liability and accident follow-up coverage during short home country vacation stays (14–28 days depending on total stay)\
Maximum medical aid reimbursement is up to €2,500; valid for up to 364 days including renewals.
Explore public insurance options
If you qualify, public student insurance via the Austrian Gesundheitskasse (GKK) delivers broad coverage at a predictable cost. Most degree-seeking students can apply.
Eligibility and application
To enroll, you must be a “regular degree programme student” at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences, arts university, or the University Preparation Programme [3]. Submit an online application; coverage begins the day after submission. Pre-existing illnesses are generally excluded.
Premiums and e-card details
- Monthly fee: €73.48 as of January 2025
- Annual service fee for the e-card (includes EHIC): €14.65\
Your e-card grants access to contracted doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies throughout the EU, EEA, and Switzerland at no extra charge.
Service network and limitations
You must obtain care from GKK-contracted providers to avoid out-of-pocket costs. Some elective services (e.g., private hospital rooms, non-emergency repatriation) may not be covered.
Compare private insurance plans
Non-EU students who cannot access GKK must secure private or travel insurance meeting Austrian visa criteria. Coverage must include at least €30,000 for acute illnesses.
Minimum coverage requirements
Visa regulations stipulate coverage of emergency medical care, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and repatriation of remains. Check your chosen policy to ensure it satisfies your specific visa and university waiver requirements.
Popular private student options
- Care Austria Education (detailed above)
- Comprehensive travel-health policies from global insurers
- University-approved private plans with deductibles under €500 and coverage limits of €100,000 or more for waiver eligibility\
For a broader look at Europe-wide options, see international health insurance students europe january intake.
Compare key features
Use this checklist to weigh your options before deciding:
- Coverage scope
- GKK: full inpatient/outpatient within network
- Care Austria: broader dental, maternity, repatriation
- Waiting periods
- GKK: none for new students (excludes pre-existing)
- Care Austria: childbirth after eight months
- Cost predictability
- GKK: fixed monthly fee
- Care Austria: varies by age, duration
- Repatriation and funeral costs
- GKK: not covered
- Care Austria: up to €25,000
- Validity term
- GKK: continuous for enrolled students
- Care Austria: up to 364 days
Choose your insurance plan
As you select a policy, consider these criteria:
- Visa and university requirements
- Scope of benefits (maternity, dental, repatriation)
- Network restrictions and provider access
- Premium and service fees
- Policy term and renewal options
Create a simple pros and cons list to compare your top two or three plans side by side.
Prepare application process
Securing health insurance is often a prerequisite for your student visa. Include it on your Austria student visa checklist 2026 as follows:
- Gather personal details: name, date of birth, passport number
- Select plan and obtain official policy certificate
- Translate documents into German or English if required
- Submit health insurance proof with visa application
- Confirm coverage start date aligns with your arrival
Document requirements
- Policy certificate stating coverage limits and term
- Confirmation of waiting periods and exclusions
- Proof of premium payment or guarantee letter
For full study visa requirements, review study in austria january intake 2026 requirements.
File claims effectively
When you need medical care, follow these steps to minimize hassle:
Claim submission process
- Pay provider upfront if required, retaining all receipts
- Complete claim form provided by your insurer
- Attach itemized invoices, treatment reports, and proof of payment
- Submit via insurer’s online portal or email
Reimbursement timelines
- Private plans: typically 2–4 weeks
- GKK: direct billing with providers, no reimbursement needed\
Keep digital copies of all documents until your claim is finalized.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get coverage for pre-existing conditions?
Public insurance excludes illnesses predating enrollment. Private plans may offer partial coverage after a waiting period check policy details carefully.
Can I extend beyond 364 days?
Private plans like Care Austria Education cap at 364 days. For longer stays, you must switch to GKK if eligible or renew with another private provider.
What happens after graduation?
If you transition to a work permit, update your insurance status promptly. Public coverage continues if you remain employed; otherwise choose an affordable private or expat plan. See how to switch health insurance from student to work permit germany for guidance in Germany similar steps apply in Austria.
Next steps and resources
You now understand what is covered under student health insurance Austria 2026 and how to secure the plan best suited to your situation. To keep your journey on track:
- Review 2026 university application deadlines europe international students
- Explore bachelor programmes europe january intake 2026 or January intake masters
- Bookmark official insurer contacts and your e-card details
With the right coverage in place, you can focus on studies, campus life, and exploring Austria with confidence. Good luck with your application and welcome to your Austrian adventure!
