Social insurance in Austria is composed of health, pension and accident insurance. As soon as a person takes up a job, he or she is automatically covered by insurance. Insurance protection extends to school and university students, as well as pensioners. Insurance contributions are calculated on the basis of a person’s income. Since 2005, all persons insured and their co-insured family members have received the so-called e-card. The e-card replaces the health insurance certificate that was used before. With the e-card, you verify insurance coverage. You should have it with you every time you visit a doctor. You need not apply for the e-card as your health insurance institution automatically sends it to you by mail.
People not covered by the social insurance may take on a self insurance. Contribution for this voluntary insurance is EUR 333.59 per month. Contributions may be reduced by producing proof of tax assessment, wage slip, savings book, maintenance payments and others more. As with compulsory insurance, family members may be co-insured. However, only spouses and children are recognized as family members. Self-insurance expires once compulsory insurance starts or the person moves abroad.