Austrian Health care and retirement benefits

The standard of Austrian health care has been found to be amongst the best in the European Union

The regulation governing Expats, from with in EU, are standard throughout the Union. Upon reaching 60 for a woman and 65 for a man, provided you have made 40 years NHI contributions, your rights in Austria are the same as you would have received in the UK - you receive free health care.

Register with a local Doctor

If you are registered with a local GP, you will usually be seen without an appointment in under an hour. If you need to see a specialist, then you are given a referral and you make an appointment direct with the specialist. This would take place well within a week. Should you need hospital treatment, you will normally be admitted immediately or within a few days.

Prescriptions

Prescription are chargeable - currently 4.70 Euros.

The Austrian health scheme works on the basis of trying to keep you healthy – rather than simply treating illnesses when they occur. As part of this approach you receive a full annual medical - to detect possible future concerns. Hospitals are spotlessly clean and also very well equipped.

Dental treatment

The state only pays for basic care, such as a simple filling. Crowns and other treatments are chargeable. Generally, Dentists are as expensive as the UK – sometime more so! However, you can always drive over the border and receive first class treatment at a lower price in many of the adjoining countries.

Pensions

Your state retirement pension can be paid into to your Austrian bank account, in Euros. You will continue to receive the annual cost of living increases as well the Winter heating allowance.