

Insurance in Austria: Complete Guide for Health, Car, Life & Travel Plans
Austria has one of the most reliable insurance systems in Europe, designed to protect residents, workers, students, and visitors. From mandatory health insurance to optional coverage, such as life or liability insurance, having the right plan is essential not only for peace of mind but also for meeting visa and residence permit requirements.
This complete guide will help you understand the types of insurance in Austria, average costs, coverage details, and government requirements, while showing how to compare and buy insurance online.
Why Insurance in Austria Is Essential
- Legal Requirement – Certain types of insurance, such as health, pension, accident, and unemployment insurance, are compulsory under Austrian law.
- Visa & Residence Applications – Health insurance is required for students, workers, and expats applying for Austrian residence permits.
- Financial Protection – Insurance helps avoid unexpected expenses such as hospital bills, accidents, or job loss.
- Everyday Security – With proper coverage, you can live, work, and study in Austria without unnecessary risks.
Government-Mandated Insurance in Austria
The Austrian government requires the following insurance for residents and employees:
- Health Insurance – Compulsory for all residents and students.
- Pension Insurance – Mandatory contributions are deducted from employee salaries.
- Accident Insurance – Covers work-related injuries, paid by the employer.
- Unemployment Insurance – Mandatory, funded by both employers and employees.
- Car Insurance – Third-party liability insurance is required for every vehicle owner.
- Travel Insurance – Required for Schengen visa applicants (minimum coverage of €30,000).
- Student Insurance – Non-EU students must show proof of valid health insurance.
Optional but highly recommended policies include liability insurance and home & property insurance.
Main Types of Insurance in Austria
- Health Insurance in Austria – Mandatory for all residents; covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care.
- Pension Insurance in Austria – Funded through social security contributions; provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
- Unemployment Insurance in Austria – Ensures financial support and job-seeking assistance if you lose your job.
- Accident Insurance in Austria – Covers workplace accidents, occupational illnesses, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Car Insurance in Austria – Third-party liability is mandatory; comprehensive plans cover theft, fire, and natural damage.
- Home & Property Insurance in Austria – Protects homes and apartments against fire, theft, water damage, and natural disasters.
- Liability Insurance in Austria – Recommended for all residents; covers accidental damage caused to others or property.
- Travel Insurance in Austria – Required for Schengen visas and travel; covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and baggage loss.
- Life Insurance in Austria – Provides financial protection for the family in case of death, with term or investment-linked options.
- Student Insurance in Austria – Mandatory for international students; covers healthcare and often includes accident and liability insurance.
Insurance Costs in Austria (Average Per Month)
Insurance Type |
Mandatory / Optional |
Average Monthly Cost (€) |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Health Insurance |
Mandatory |
€120 – €450 |
Public is income-based; private depends on age & coverage |
Pension Insurance |
Mandatory |
22.8% of salary |
Deducted automatically |
Unemployment Insurance |
Mandatory |
≈6% of salary |
Shared by employer & employee |
Accident Insurance |
Mandatory |
Paid by employer |
No direct cost for the employee |
Car Insurance |
Mandatory |
€50 – €150 |
Third-party only; higher with comprehensive |
Home & Property |
Optional |
€20 – €60 |
Often requested by landlords |
Liability Insurance |
Optional |
€5 – €15 |
Strongly recommended |
Travel Insurance |
Optional / Visa Req. |
€30 – €80 |
Varies by trip duration |
Life Insurance |
Optional |
€25 – €100 |
Depends on plan & age |
Student Insurance |
Mandatory (non-EU) |
€60 – €120 |
For visa and studies |
Insurance Coverage in Austria
Insurance Type |
Main Coverage Areas |
---|---|
Health Insurance |
Medical care, prescriptions, hospital stays, maternity |
Pension Insurance |
Retirement income, disability, survivor pensions |
Unemployment Insurance |
Income support, job assistance |
Accident Insurance |
Work accidents, occupational illnesses, and rehab |
Car Insurance |
Damage to others (mandatory), theft & fire (optional) |
Home & Property |
Fire, theft, water, and natural disasters |
Liability Insurance |
Damage caused to others/property |
Travel Insurance |
Medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage |
Life Insurance |
Death benefit, family financial security |
Student Insurance |
Health care, sometimes liability & accident |
Difference Between Public and Private Insurance in Austria
Feature |
Public (Government) Insurance |
Private Insurance |
---|---|---|
Eligibility |
Mandatory for residents, employees, and students |
Optional for self-employed, expats, and higher earners |
Coverage |
Standard medical care, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care |
Broader benefits such as private hospital rooms, faster access, and more specialists |
Costs |
Income-based contributions (automatically deducted) |
Premiums based on age, health, and chosen coverage |
Access |
Longer waiting times for doctors and specialists |
Shorter waiting times and faster appointments |
Flexibility |
Limited choice of doctors and hospitals |
Greater choice of doctors, hospitals, and services |
Family Coverage |
Dependents are often included at no extra cost |
Each family member requires a separate premium |
Suitability |
Best for employees, students, and low-to-mid income residents |
Best for self-employed, expats, and those seeking premium healthcare |
How to Choose the Right Insurance in Austria
- Check Legal Obligations – Health, pension, accident, unemployment, and car insurance are compulsory.
- Identify Personal Needs – Students, freelancers, and expatriates may require additional coverage.
- Compare Providers Online – Look at premiums, coverage, and exclusions before deciding.
- Meet Visa Rules – Ensure your policy satisfies Austrian immigration requirements.
- Plan for the Future – Pension and life insurance protect your long-term financial stability.
Compare Insurance in Austria with AtoZSerwisPlus.com
AtoZSerwisPlus.com is not an insurance company. Instead, we provide an informational and comparison platform to help you make the right choice.
With our platform, you can:
- Compare health, car, life, student, and travel insurance plans in Austria.
- Get instant quotes and save on premiums.
- Learn about government insurance requirements for visas and residence permits.
- Connect directly with licensed insurers for secure purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Insurance in Austria
1. Is health insurance mandatory in Austria?
Yes, health insurance is compulsory for all residents, employees, and international students in Austria.
2. Can expats buy private health insurance in Austria?
Yes, expats and self-employed individuals can choose private health insurance if the public system does not cover them.
3. Do I need insurance for an Austrian residence permit?
Yes, valid health insurance is a requirement for most Austrian residence and visa applications.
4. How much does health insurance cost in Austria?
Public health insurance contributions are income-based, whereas private insurance costs depend on factors such as age, coverage, and provider.
5. Is car insurance compulsory in Austria?
Yes, third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners.
6. What is covered under Austrian accident insurance?
Workplace accidents, occupational illnesses, medical treatment, and rehabilitation costs are covered.
7. Do students in Austria need insurance?
Yes, international students must have health insurance. Many also choose liability insurance for extra protection.
8. Can I use travel insurance for my Austrian visa?
Yes, travel insurance is required for Schengen visa applications and must cover medical emergencies.
9. What is liability insurance in Austria?
Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people or their property. It is highly recommended but not compulsory.
10. Does Austria have unemployment insurance?
Yes, employees are automatically covered through social security contributions, which provide support if they lose their jobs.
11. Is home insurance mandatory in Austria?
Not by law, but landlords and banks often require it for rented or financed properties.
12. What types of life insurance are available in Austria?
You can choose between term life insurance, investment-linked plans, and retirement-oriented life insurance.
13. Do pension contributions include insurance?
Yes, Austria’s pension insurance is part of the social security system, funded by contributions from both employees and employers.
14. Can tourists get insurance in Austria?
Yes, short-term travel insurance can be purchased for medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations.
15. How do I compare insurance plans in Austria?
You can compare online through platforms like AtoZSerwisPlus.com, which shows coverage, premiums, and benefits.
16. Can I switch insurance providers in Austria?
Yes, you can change providers, but you should check cancellation terms and waiting periods before switching.
17. Is dental care covered by Austrian health insurance?
Basic dental services are covered, but advanced treatments may require private or supplemental insurance.
18. How much does student health insurance cost in Austria?
On average, it ranges from €60 to €120 per month, depending on the provider and coverage.
19. Do freelancers need insurance in Austria?
Yes, self-employed individuals are responsible for arranging their own health, pension, accident, and liability insurance.
20. Can insurance in Austria be purchased online?
Yes, most providers are
Partner with AtoZ Serwis Plus: Sponsored Articles for Insurance Services
Is your company providing insurance services such as health, travel, car, life, student, or liability insurance? Join us as a Sponsored Article Partner and gain visibility across our high-ranking, country-specific insurance and compliance guides.
By partnering with AtoZ Serwis Plus, your company will:
- Be featured in our country-based insurance articles, reaching individuals, students, expats, and businesses searching for insurance solutions.
- Get prominent logo placement and a direct link to your website for maximum visibility and traffic.
- Boost SEO rankings and strengthen brand authority by associating with trusted employment, migration, and insurance resources.
- Attract new clients looking for health, travel, student, car, and visa-related insurance services worldwide.
Our platform consistently ranks at the top of Google search results for insurance and visa-related queries. Becoming a Sponsored Partner ensures your business is discovered by people actively searching for insurance providers in Austria, Poland, Germany, and other countries.
Register now and feature your company as a Sponsored Article Partner:
https://www.atozserwisplus.com/sponsor/advertise
Final Thoughts
Insurance in Austria is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity. From mandatory health and car insurance to optional policies like liability, travel, and life insurance, there are plans suited for every stage of life.
With AtoZSerwisPlus.Com, you can easily compare insurance providers, understand Austria’s government requirements, and purchase the right plan from licensed insurers online.
Disclaimer: AtoZSerwisPlus.com is not an insurance company. We provide information, comparison tools, and connections to licensed insurance providers in Austria.