Settling In 105obtain information from his or her office as to which doctors
in your neighbourhood have a similar practice.
The Krankenkasse is a wonderful system and protects you
generously. Some of its highlights include maternity leave,
annual physicals, paid sick leave and treatment in other countries
(make sure you have a certificate or Auslandsbetreungsschein
for care in a foreign country to exercise this privilege).
Private medical insurance (Nebenversicherung or
Zusatzversicherung) is for those who require special services
in a hospital or treatment by doctors who do not have
contracts with the Krankenkasse. There are numerous plans
to choose from, some of which might be available through
your employer.
Doctors
You can find an English-speaking doctor through your
employer, private insurance provider, embassy, consulate
or friends. Consult the White Pages in a telephone book or
at http://www.Herold.at. The White Pages have a listing by district
under Ärzte. Look under “telefonbuch”. You need to type in
“Ärzte” in the “Wer” field, and the federal state, e.g. “Wien” in
the “Wo” field. Be aware that during a doctor’s appointment,
the chances are high that if you must disrobe, there will be
no gown for you to wear.
Pharmacies (Apotheken)
Pharmacies proliferate as most drugs need a prescription,
and common items such as aspirin and cough syrup must be
bought at a pharmacy and not a drugstore (Drogerien).
Pharmacies take turns staying open during lunch and after
hours. A notice of the next pharmacy open is posted on each
pharmacy door. In some cases, the pharmacy remains closed
and you make your purchase through a small window. There
is an extra charge for medicine purchased after hours.
Immunisations
Austrians are big on having both regular and incidental (for travel)
immunisations. An important shot for anyone living in Austria
is the tick shot, which guards against Meningoencephalitis,