Austria's public system is one of Europe's best funded — and it does not enrol retired newcomers automatically. Your route is self-insurance at €565.25/month (2026), with a waiting period to plan around. Here's the whole picture.
Last verified: 8 July 2026Statutory insurance — the ÖGK for most people — covers almost the entire population through employment, Austrian pensions, or family co-insurance. Coverage buys you contract doctors (Kassenärzte) with no per-visit fee, referral-based specialists, and hospital care in the general class. Many Austrians add private supplementary insurance for private hospital class and free choice of doctor. Quality is high and waiting lists are short by Canadian standards — but none of it applies to you until you're insured.
| Stage | What you need |
|---|---|
| Entry visa | Travel medical insurance, €30,000 minimum coverage incl. repatriation (Schengen standard). |
| Permit application & first months | A comprehensive policy covering all risks in Austria, no deductible. Keep it running until public benefits actually begin. |
| After registering your address | Apply for self-insurance under §16 ASVG at your regional ÖGK office: €565.25/month in 2026, generally a 6-month wait before benefits. |
| Settled resident | ÖGK as the backbone; optional private supplementary cover for speed and comfort. |
Self-insurance under §16 ASVG: the 2026 cost, who qualifies, the waiting period, the reduction, and bridging cover.
Read the guide →How the two-track doctor system works, what the 80% refund really refunds, and finding English-speaking doctors.
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Most visas require proof of cover before you apply. We'll match you with an expat health insurance specialist we've independently vetted for Austria. Free, no obligation.