Healthcare in Austria: Find English-Speaking Doctors & Emergency Care Fast

Need urgent medical care in Austria? Find English-speaking doctors, 24/7 pharmacies, hospitals, and online consultations via TravelDoctor EU. Get fast medical help now!

1/29/20252 min read

city beside body of water during daytime
city beside body of water during daytime

Healthcare in Austria: Find English-Speaking Doctors & Emergency Care Fast

An in-depth guide on healthcare in Austria for travelers, from pharmacy runs to emergencies – here's everything you need to know.

Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe, boasts a high-quality healthcare system that is both accessible and affordable. Whether you're visiting Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck, understanding how to access medical care can make your trip stress-free.

Quick Summary: How to Get Medical Help in Austria

  • 📞 Emergency? Dial 112 for general emergencies, 144 for an ambulance.

  • 🏥 Need a Doctor? Use TravelDoctor EU for fast online consultations.

  • 💊 Pharmacies: Look for Apotheke signs; 24-hour options available in major cities.

  • 📜 Travel Insurance? Have EHIC (for EU citizens) or private insurance for additional coverage.

Understanding Austria’s Healthcare System

Austria has a universal healthcare system, with a mix of public and private options. The country is also known for its short waiting times and high medical standards.

Public Healthcare (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse, ÖGK)

  • Covers Austrian residents and EU citizens with an EHIC card.

  • Employers and employees contribute to health insurance.

  • Emergency treatment is available in public hospitals.

Private Healthcare

  • Faster appointments, broader specialist options, and higher comfort levels.

  • Many tourists opt for private healthcare due to shorter wait times.

  • Fees vary based on age, medical history, and type of service.

Emergency Numbers and Accessing Services

  • Dial 112 for general emergencies.

  • Dial 144 for an ambulance.

  • Dial 141 for Austria's Ärztefunkdienst (medical radio service), which arranges house calls from doctors.

  • Multi-lingual operators are available through 112.

Finding English-Speaking Doctors in Austria

While many doctors in Vienna and other large cities speak English, it’s best to prepare in advance.

  • Use TravelDoctor EU for virtual consultations with English-speaking doctors.

  • Learn key phrases:

    • "I need a doctor." – Ich brauche einen Arzt.

    • "Where is the nearest pharmacy?" – Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?

Pharmacies in Austria: Where to Go

  • Pharmacies (Apotheke) are widely available and marked by a green cross.

  • Operating Hours: Most pharmacies open 9 AM – 6 PM (Monday–Friday), with limited Saturday hours.

  • 24-Hour Pharmacies: Each region has at least one on-call pharmacy (Apotheken-Notdienst).

Cost of Healthcare in Austria

  • Doctor Consultation: €50 – €100 per visit.

  • Hospital Stay: €100 – €300 per day (without insurance).

  • Prescription Fee (Public Insurance): Around €6 per medication.

  • Payment Methods: Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, and PayPal accepted.

Seeing a Specialist in Austria

  • Austria offers a medical radio service (Ärztefunkdienst) for urgent home visits.

  • Available 7 PM – 7 AM on weekdays and 24/7 on weekends.

  • Dial 141 to use this service.

  • Some specialists require a referral from a GP.

Dental & Pediatric Care in Austria

  • Dentists: Many private dentists speak English, but outside Vienna, options may be limited.

  • Children’s Healthcare: Pediatric care is available via state hospitals and university medical centers.

Hospitals in Austria

Austria is known for state-of-the-art medical facilities with short wait times.

Top Hospitals by Region:

  • Vienna: AKH Wien, St. Anna Kinderspital

  • Salzburg: Landeskrankenhaus Salzburg

  • Graz: Regional Hospital Graz West

  • Linz: Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Linz

Emergency & After-Hours Healthcare

  • Ambulance Response Times: Among the best in Europe.

  • Hospital staff often speak English, though paramedics may not.

  • Dial 133 for police, 144 for an ambulance, 112 for general EU-wide emergencies.

Steps to Take If You Get Sick in Austria

  1. Visit a Pharmacy: Pharmacists can advise on minor conditions and sell over-the-counter medication.

  2. See a Doctor: Use TravelDoctor EU for quick online consultations.

  3. Know Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 or 144 if immediate care is needed.

  4. Contact Your Insurer: Save receipts for insurance claims.

  5. Visit a Hospital: For severe issues, go directly to an emergency room.

With this guide in hand, you can explore Austria with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that top-tier medical care is easily accessible.