International students in Austria must have health insurance. Austrian law mandates valid coverage for all international students, whether attending a language course, exchange semester, or full degree program.
Austria boasts a top-tier healthcare system in Europe. As a student, you can access it via the public health insurance (ÖGK) or private international student plans. This guide outlines the top 10 options to help you choose based on your study plans, visa needs, and budget.
🏥 1. ÖGK (Austrian National Health Insurance Fund)
Eligibility: Available to students enrolled in degree programs or university prep courses.
Monthly Premium: Approx. €73.48 (2025 rate)
Coverage:
- Comprehensive (“all-risk”) treatment
- Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions
- No deductibles with public doctors
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Why It’s Great: It’s the gold standard for students in Austria. If you’re staying long-term (e.g., for a bachelor’s or master’s program), ÖGK offers excellent and affordable coverage.
Note: Coverage starts after application approval. Family members (spouse, children) may also be included.
👉 More info(https://oead.at/en/to-austria/scholars/before-arrival/insurance/gebietskrankenkassen)
🌐 2. Care Austria (Care Concept)
Plans: Care Austria Standard, Care Austria Education
Premium: From €51/month
Coverage Highlights:
- Accepted for visa/residence permits
- Inpatient and outpatient care, dental, hospital transport, repatriation
- Emergency and basic medical services
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Why It’s Great: Affordable and recognized nationwide. Ideal for language school attendees, exchange students, or anyone needing a visa-compliant plan.
👉 More info(https://www.care-austria.com)
🛡️ 3. FeelSafe Students Health Insurance
Premium: Starts from €65.65/month
Coverage:
- Up to €2.9 million per year
- Worldwide emergency coverage for up to four weeks
- Home doctor visits, private consultations, complementary medicine
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Claim Process: Pay upfront and submit claims online for reimbursement—usually fast for outpatient visits.
Why It’s Great: Combines private-level flexibility with full visa approval. Great for both short- and long-term stays.
👉 More info(https://www.feelsafe.at/students-health-insurance/)
💙 4. Swisscare
Plan Type: International Student Health Insurance Austria/Europe
Premiums: Highly affordable and tailored to study stays
Coverage Includes:
- Emergency treatment
- Dental emergencies
- Repatriation and medical evacuation
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Why It’s Great: Quick online sign-up and instant delivery of policy documents. Perfect for short stays and EU/non-EU student visa requirements.
👉 More info(https://swisscare.com/en/country/austria)
💙 5. Care Concept (Care Austria)
Premiums: From €51/month
Coverage:
- Exceeds ÖGK in some areas
- Suitable for both visa and long-term stay
- Includes dental, hospitalization, outpatient
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Unique Feature: Part of premiums support global social health initiatives.
Why It’s Great: Better value than many public options while maintaining full legal acceptance.
👉 More info(https://www.care-concept.de/oesterreichversicherung_eng.php?navilang=eng)
🌍 6. Cigna Global
Plan Type: Expat and international student insurance
Coverage Options:
- Emergency, repatriation, inpatient/outpatient
- Customizable with dental, maternity, mental health
- Worldwide network access
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Why It’s Great: Ideal for students looking for luxury private services, or those used to premium international coverage.
👉 More info(https://www.cignaglobal.com/where-we-cover/austria)
🧠 7. AXA Global Healthcare
Coverage:
- Short-term or full-year plans
- Includes hospitalization, evacuation, virtual doctors
- Mental health services, second opinions
Why It’s Great: Global reputation, great for students seeking professional healthcare and quick claims processing.
👉 More info(https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/austria/)
🏠 8. UNIQA FeelSafe (via home4students)
Premium: From €65.65/month
Term: Up to three years, cancellable monthly
Eligibility: Under 35, enrolled in Austrian institutions
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Why It’s Great: Especially designed for international students and fully accepted for visa applications. Easy online sign-up.
👉 More info(https://www.home4students.at/en/health-insurance-for-students-in-austria/)
🌐 9. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Specialties:
- Tailored for international students in Austria
- Includes repatriation, evacuation, doctor visits
- Monthly or annual payment options
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Why It’s Great: If you’re not eligible for ÖGK, this is a great fallback. Highly student-focused with online management.
👉 More info(https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/austria-student-insurance.php)
🔍 10. Student Insurance Portal
Services:
- Compares both public and private health insurance options in Austria
- Helps identify which plans meet visa/residence requirements
- Especially useful for non-EU/EEA students
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Why It’s Great: Not an insurer, but a valuable comparison and advisory tool when evaluating Austrian insurance requirements.
👉 More info(https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/austria)
🧾 Public vs. Private Health Insurance for International Students
| Feature | Public Insurance (ÖGK) | Private Student Insurance |
| Visa Validity | Fully accepted | Most plans meet visa standards |
| Cost | Approx. €73.50/month | From €51/month and up |
| Coverage | Extensive in Austria | Varies; may include evacuation, dental, worldwide |
| Billing | Direct billing with network doctors | Pay upfront, submit claims |
| Family Coverage | Yes | Limited |
| Application | Requires enrollment proof; done offline | Fast online sign-up |
| Best for | Long-term, degree-seeking students | Short-term stays, non-EU/EEA, more flexibility |
📝 Important Notes for Students
- EU/EEA Students: You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic services, but it may not cover repatriation or additional travel-related services.
- Non-EU/EEA Students: Must have either Austrian statutory insurance or a recognized private policy to obtain a visa or residence permit.
- Short-Term Students (under 6 months): Swisscare, ISI, or Care Austria offer suitable temporary coverage that meets entry requirements.
- Repatriation and Evacuation: Not automatically included in public plans; private insurers often include this, which is vital in case of emergency travel home.
- Proof of Insurance: Mandatory for all visa/residence permit applications. Print and submit confirmation with your application package.
🎯 Final Recommendation
Your insurance choice should be guided by:
- Your duration of stay
- EU/Non-EU status
- University/program requirements
- Your budget and care expectations
For long-term degree students, ÖGK offers the most affordable and comprehensive coverage. If you aren’t eligible or want quicker, more flexible options, consider plans from Care Austria, FeelSafe, or Swisscare.
Carefully examine all details, confirm visa rules, and fully grasp the claims procedure and coverage limits before agreeing to any policy.
