104 CultureShock! Austria
Emergency Telephone Numbers (For All of Austria)
Ambulance or Rettung: 144
Police or Polizei: 133
Fire or Feuerwehr: 122
European Emergency No: 112
(for crime or accident)Austrian National Health Insurance
The Austrian national health insurance is the Krankenkasse
(KK). It is part of Austria’s huge social security system. Health
insurance is mandatory for all Austrian workers and as soon
as a person is employed, they are automatically covered.
Insurance protection extends to school and university
students as well as pensioners. Insurance contributions
are calculated on the basis of a person’s income. Half the
premium for coverage is a set percentage paid out of a
person’s salary; the other half is paid by the employer. Any
permanent resident can become part of the KK by applying
at the health insurance agency (Gebietskrankenkasse). You
can also apply for self-insurance (Selbstversicherung) if you
are self-employed or unemployed.
Once a part of the KK, all insured persons and their family
members will receive the e-card which is the European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC): a smart card with an embedded
computer chip. The e-card replaces the health insurance
certificate that was issued in the past and is used to verify
insurance coverage. You should have it with you every time
you visit a doctor. It will also be used to retrieve and/or add
information. You don’t need to apply for the e-card because
it is automatically sent to you by mail.
Once you have found a doctor, expect a long wait as
doctors are paid a minimum sum per patient, and the system
is there to serve everyone. Be prepared with all of your
questions ahead of time and you will not be disappointed. If
further consultation with a specialist is necessary, your doctor
will give you a referral voucher (Überweisungsschein). If you
are unhappy with your doctor, you may opt for a change at
the end of the quarter. If your doctor is on vacation, you can