Austrian insurance coverage abroad

The EHIC ensures that you receive medical care in accordance with the rules of the country in question. The proof of entitlement is personal.

Therefore, each co-insured family member needs their own EHIC. To be able to use the EHIC abroad, the data fields on the back of the e-card must be completed in full. If the data fields are filled in with asterisks, the e-card is not valid as proof of entitlement.

The e-card is valid in most European countries (EU, EEA, Switzerland, United Kingdom, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina). For Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, please note that you must present the EHIC to the social insurance institution responsible for your place of residence and exchange it for a valid certificate of entitlement.

The EHIC is only valid if you are staying in these countries temporarily (e.g. vacation, business trip or studying abroad).

Anyone who lives or works in another European country is either covered by local health insurance or requires a separate certificate to claim medical benefits (certificate of entitlement to healthcare benefits for persons who do not live in the country in which they are insured, form S1).

In many other countries, you must bring an international treatment certificate with you. In some cases, such as in Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on the back of your e-card is accepted.

If you require medical assistance in a country outside the EU/EEA, you will have to cover all costs directly.

However, you can apply for a small refund later, provided you keep the invoice.