Austria is probably best-known as a ski destination, but the gorgeous Alpine scenery is making it increasingly popular as a summer destination too. Vienna’s history and architecture makes it popular for short breaks, and its position at the heart of Europe makes Austria a popular stop-off destination for people road tripping or inter-railing through the continent. Whatever your reasons for visiting Austria, chances are that your visit will be without incident. If however you’re unfortunate enough to have an accident or fall ill when you’re in Austria, here’s what you need to know about accessing state healthcare under the EHIC scheme.
GKK
Austria doesn’t have a national healthcare system as in the UK, and each region is responsible for health in its own area. The regional authorities, or the GKK, keep lists of providers who are contracted to provide healthcare in that particular region. Most of this information is in German, and if you don’t speak the language, it can be impossible to navigate through the websites. A good rule of thumb is to look for “Kassenarzt” which means a doctor under contract to the regional insurance company, or “Alle Kassen” which is another way of saying a doctor working in the state system. If in doubt, ask as private healthcare is never covered under EHIC rules.
Costs for Treatment
If you are ill enough to need hospital treatment, ensure that you are taken to a large hospital which is operating under the state system. These are usually the hospitals associated with Universities, or in regional capitals. Treatment in these hospitals is free of charge, but if it’s not an emergency you’ll have to be referred by a GP. Unlike the UK, you will be charged a daily sum to cover “board and lodging” while you are in hospital of anything between 11.60 and 19.40 euros. These sums are also payable by Austrian residents, so cannot be reclaimed from the Austrian government or the NHS. If you end up in hospital for a long time, and rack up charges which are more than your travel insurance excess, you might be able to make a claim on that policy. Always keep invoices and receipts for anything you are asked to pay. There is also a standard flat rate for any prescriptions you are issued, which is around 5.40 euros per item.
Will I Need to Speak German?
Austrian doctors are highly trained, and the healthcare system in the country is good quality. In larger hospitals, there is a good chance that the doctor or nurse you are dealing with will speak good English. In more remote area, this may not always be the case, so having a few words of German might help. If you only remember one phrase the most useful is “Sprechen sie Englisch?” or “Do you speak English?” Other useful words and vocabulary can be found on the angloinfo.com website, which has a glossary of useful medical terms covering everything from human anatomy to describing problems with the digestive system.