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
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
Visit a Pharmacy: Pharmacists can advise on minor conditions and sell over-the-counter medication.
See a Doctor: Use TravelDoctor EU for quick online consultations.
Know Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 or 144 if immediate care is needed.
Contact Your Insurer: Save receipts for insurance claims.
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.
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