Study Abroad

Student Health Insurance in Austria: Travel Insurance, ÖGK and Residence Permit Requirements

July 21, 2026

Student Health Insurance in Austria: Travel Insurance, ÖGK and Residence Permit Requirements

Health insurance is one of the most important requirements for Indian students planning to study in Austria.

It is not simply an optional safety measure. Students from non-EU countries generally need valid insurance when entering Austria, collecting their residence permit and renewing their legal stay.

The process can initially appear confusing because Austria distinguishes between two different forms of coverage:

Travel health insurance for entering Austria
Comprehensive health insurance covering all risks for living in Austria

A short-term travel policy may help you travel to Austria and cover the transition period after arrival. However, it does not normally replace the comprehensive insurance required for the full duration of your residence.

For many Indian students, the most practical long-term option is the discounted student self-insurance offered by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, known as the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse or ÖGK.

As of 2026, eligible students can obtain this coverage for €78.84 per month. Private health insurance may also be accepted, but it must satisfy strict conditions and provide coverage broadly comparable to Austria’s public system.

This guide explains the difference between travel insurance and ÖGK coverage, the current residence-permit requirements and the steps Indian students should complete before and after arriving in Austria.

Health Insurance in Austria: The Basic Structure

Indian students should understand that one policy may not cover every stage of the study-abroad process.

Stage	Insurance Usually Required	Main Purpose
Before travelling	Travel health insurance	Covers entry and the initial transition period
Residence-permit application	Evidence of all-risks coverage or a credible plan to obtain it	Shows that the student will remain comprehensively insured
After arrival	ÖGK student self-insurance or accepted private insurance	Provides long-term health coverage in Austria
Residence-permit collection	Confirmation of active qualifying insurance may be required	Completes the residence process
Residence-permit renewal	Current proof of qualifying insurance	Demonstrates continuous compliance

The exact documents requested can vary depending on the Austrian embassy, local residence authority and the student’s circumstances.

Students should therefore distinguish carefully between:

Insurance for travel
Insurance for residence
Insurance accepted by the university
Insurance used for actual medical treatment

Is Health Insurance Compulsory for Students in Austria?

Yes. Third-country students generally need health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks during their residence.

Austrian immigration guidance states that proof of health insurance covering all risks must already be provided when applying for a residence title. For entry, travel health insurance can usually cover the temporary period before comprehensive insurance is activated.

Without acceptable coverage, a student may face difficulties with:

Obtaining a Visa D
Entering Austria
Collecting the Residence Permit – Student
Renewing the residence permit
Receiving non-emergency medical treatment
Completing certain university registration procedures

Insurance should therefore be planned alongside admission, proof of funds and accommodation rather than after the visa process has started.

Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance Covering All Risks

The most important distinction is between temporary travel insurance and comprehensive residence insurance.

Travel Health Insurance

Travel insurance is normally used for:

Entering Austria
The journey from India
The period before ÖGK registration is completed
Medical emergencies during the initial days after arrival
Recovery and repatriation expenses

OeAD guidance states that travel insurance for entry should be valid in Austria and provide coverage well above €30,000, including possible recovery or repatriation costs.

Health Insurance Covering All Risks

All-risks health insurance is the long-term coverage required for residence.

It should provide broad protection for medical treatment rather than only emergencies caused by accidents or sudden illness.

For most eligible international students, ÖGK student self-insurance satisfies this requirement. A suitable private policy may also be accepted when its benefits are substantially comparable to statutory insurance.

Why Travel Insurance Alone Is Usually Not Enough

Many Indian travel-insurance policies are designed mainly for short international trips.

They may contain:

Maximum claim limits
Sub-limits for individual treatments
Restrictions relating to pre-existing conditions
Waiting periods
Limited outpatient care
Exclusions for routine treatment
Reimbursement-only claim procedures
A fixed end date
Coverage only for medical emergencies

These limitations can make a standard travel policy unsuitable as long-term residence insurance.

Austria’s residence authorities generally require comprehensive coverage that does not contain substantial gaps compared with the Austrian public health system.

OeAD states that private insurance used for residence should not contain waiting periods, cost caps or exclusions of particular risks. It must also pay for medical treatment in Austria and be supported by an explicit written confirmation from the insurer that the policy meets the all-risks requirement.

A policy marketed as “Schengen travel insurance” is therefore not automatically sufficient for a one- or two-year student residence permit.

Travel Insurance Requirements for Indian Students

Before travelling to Austria, students should arrange a policy that:

Is valid throughout Austria
Begins no later than the date of entry
Covers the complete transition period before long-term insurance begins
Provides medical coverage above €30,000
Covers emergency treatment
Covers recovery and repatriation expenses
Provides clear documentation in English or German
Is issued by a recognised insurer
Clearly states the insured person’s name and policy period

Students should keep:

The complete policy document
Certificate of insurance
Schedule of benefits
Proof of premium payment
Insurer contact information
Emergency assistance number
Written confirmation of territorial validity

The embassy or residence authority may request the detailed policy rather than accepting only a payment receipt.

How Long Should Travel Insurance Be Valid?

The safest approach is to maintain travel coverage from the planned entry date until the date on which comprehensive Austrian insurance becomes active.

Students should avoid buying a policy that expires immediately after landing.

After arrival, the student must:

Register their Austrian address
Complete final university enrolment
Obtain the required university documents
Apply to ÖGK or activate qualifying private coverage
Receive confirmation of insurance
Present that confirmation to the residence authority where required

The time needed to complete these steps can vary. A small overlap between the travel policy and long-term insurance can help prevent an uninsured gap.

What Is ÖGK Student Self-Insurance?

ÖGK is Austria’s national public health insurance provider for a large section of the population.

Eligible students who are not already covered through compulsory insurance can apply for a discounted form of public health coverage called student self-insurance.

ÖGK describes this as insurance covering all risks. The monthly student contribution is €78.84 in 2026.

This is substantially lower than ordinary voluntary health self-insurance, which costs €565.25 per month in 2026 before any approved contribution reduction. Students should therefore ensure that they apply under the correct student category.

Who Is Eligible for ÖGK Student Insurance?

ÖGK student self-insurance may be available to students who:

Study at a recognised university or University of Applied Sciences
Attend an eligible University Preparation Programme
Are not already covered through compulsory statutory health insurance
Have their usual place of residence in Austria
Meet the applicable study-duration and income conditions
Have not changed their field of study more frequently than permitted

Regular degree students at Austrian universities and Universities of Applied Sciences can use ÖGK student insurance to satisfy the residence-permit requirement.

Eligible non-degree students attending recognised University Preparation Programmes may also use this route.

Admission to an Austrian university does not automatically enrol the student in ÖGK. A separate application must be submitted.

Who May Not Qualify for the Discounted Student Rate?

The reduced student contribution may not be available when:

The student exceeds the applicable annual income limit
The programme has been changed too many times
A programme change occurred later than permitted
The standard study duration has been exceeded beyond the allowed tolerance
The student already has compulsory insurance
The person has completed a previous degree and does not fall under an applicable continuation exception
Required enrolment conditions are no longer met

ÖGK applies detailed rules relating to income, study duration, programme changes and previous studies. Individual cases should be checked directly with the regional ÖGK office.

If the reduced student scheme is unavailable, the student may need:

Ordinary ÖGK self-insurance
Insurance linked to employment
Self-insurance for marginal employment
An accepted private all-risks policy
Co-insurance through an eligible family member

How Much Does ÖGK Student Insurance Cost?

The discounted student self-insurance contribution is:

€78.84 per month in 2026

Contributions are due at the beginning of each calendar month and should reach ÖGK within the prescribed payment period. ÖGK recommends direct debit to prevent missed or late payments.

The contribution is adjusted periodically. Students applying for a later intake should verify the amount applicable during their year of enrolment.

A basic annual calculation at the 2026 rate would be:

€78.84 × 12 months = €946.08 per year

This figure covers the insurance contribution only. Students should separately budget for possible:

Prescription charges
Certain dental expenses
Private doctors
Private hospital services
Non-covered therapies
Medical devices requiring co-payment
Annual e-card charges where applicable

What Does ÖGK Student Insurance Cover?

ÖGK student self-insurance provides access to broad in-kind healthcare benefits.

These include:

General-practitioner consultations
Specialist consultations
Hospital treatment
Prescription medicines
Dental treatment and dental prostheses within applicable rules
Preventive examinations
Medical aids
Selected vaccinations and preventive services
Mother-and-child health examinations where applicable

Students generally use their e-card when visiting doctors who have a contract with ÖGK.

Coverage is subject to the Austrian public-health system’s normal rules. Not every medical product, private treatment or optional service is automatically free.

What Is Not Included?

The discounted student scheme provides healthcare services but does not generally include cash benefits such as:

Sick pay
Maternity allowance
Income replacement during illness

ÖGK explicitly distinguishes between medical benefits provided in kind and cash payments. Student self-insurance covers the former but not the latter.

Private rooms in hospitals, treatment by fully private doctors and certain specialised dental procedures may also involve additional costs.

Does ÖGK Student Insurance Have a Waiting Period?

ÖGK’s current student-insurance guidance states that eligible students have access to covered in-kind services from the beginning of the student self-insurance period.

This includes doctor visits, hospital treatment, medicines and medical aids.

Students should not confuse this with ordinary voluntary self-insurance, which can involve a six-month waiting period when the applicant does not have sufficient previous statutory insurance. The discounted student scheme follows its own conditions.

Documents Required for ÖGK Student Self-Insurance

Students commonly need to submit:

Completed and signed ÖGK application form
Passport or photo identification
Austrian address-registration certificate, known as the Meldezettel
Current university enrolment or admission confirmation
Study record or Studienblatt
Confirmation of continuing enrolment
Evidence of previous insurance periods where applicable
University Preparation Programme confirmation where relevant
German-course confirmation where prescribed
Additional documents requested by the regional office

The application should be submitted to the ÖGK office responsible for the Austrian federal state in which the student normally lives.

For example:

Students in Vienna apply through ÖGK Vienna
Students in Graz apply through ÖGK Styria
Students in Linz apply through ÖGK Upper Austria
Students in Innsbruck apply through ÖGK Tyrol

When Does ÖGK Student Insurance Begin?

Student self-insurance generally begins on the day after the application is submitted.

When an application is made within the applicable period after previous statutory insurance ends, the new coverage may connect directly to the earlier insurance period.

Students should obtain written confirmation of the effective starting date.

Do not assume that coverage begins:

On the date of university admission
On the date of arrival in Austria
On the date the form is downloaded
When the first premium is paid without an accepted application

The effective date shown by ÖGK is the date that matters.

How to Apply for ÖGK After Arriving in Austria

Step 1: Register Your Austrian Address

After moving into accommodation, complete the address registration and obtain the Meldezettel.

International students generally need to register their address within three working days of moving into accommodation.

Step 2: Complete Final University Enrolment

Obtain documents confirming that you are officially admitted or enrolled.

Depending on the institution, these may include:

Enrolment confirmation
Studienblatt
Confirmation of continuing studies
Student identification
University Preparation Programme confirmation

Step 3: Complete the ÖGK Application

Use the official application for student self-insurance.

Ensure that the form is signed and all supporting documents are included.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Send or deliver the documents to the appropriate regional ÖGK office.

Students should retain copies of everything submitted.

Step 5: Obtain Confirmation of Insurance

Request proof showing:

Type of insurance
Effective date
Student’s identity
Active coverage in Austria

Step 6: Present the Confirmation to the Residence Authority

When a student stated during the residence application that they would take out ÖGK coverage after arrival, the insurance confirmation may need to be presented before collecting the Residence Permit – Student.

Using a Written Declaration During the Residence Application

A student applying from India may not yet be able to activate ÖGK insurance because they do not have:

An Austrian registered address
Final university enrolment
Local documentation

OeAD guidance allows applicants who intend to use ÖGK student insurance to state this plan in the residence-permit application or attach a written declaration confirming that they will take out student self-insurance after entry and enrolment.

The student still needs valid travel insurance for entry.

After arriving in Austria, the student must activate ÖGK coverage and provide the resulting confirmation to the relevant authority.

What Is the E-Card?

After registration in Austria’s statutory health system, insured students receive an e-card.

The e-card is used as proof of public health-insurance entitlement when accessing covered healthcare.

Students can generally present it when visiting:

Contracted general practitioners
Contracted specialists
Contracted dentists
Public hospitals
Other participating healthcare providers

ÖGK-covered treatment is normally processed directly when the student visits a contracted provider and presents the e-card.

Students should confirm that a doctor accepts ÖGK before booking an appointment.

Terms that may appear in doctor listings include:

Kassenarzt: Contracted public-insurance doctor
Alle Kassen: Accepts patients from all major statutory insurers
Wahlarzt: Private-choice doctor who may require upfront payment
Privatarzt: Fully private doctor

Visiting a private doctor may require the student to pay first and later request partial reimbursement, depending on the applicable rules.

Are Medicines Free with ÖGK?

Prescription medicines are generally subsidised through Austria’s public health system, but a prescription charge may apply for each prescribed item.

The amount is adjusted periodically, and exemptions can apply in certain circumstances.

Students should therefore not assume that every medicine will be completely free. Non-prescription medicines purchased directly from a pharmacy are normally paid for by the student.

Can Private Insurance Replace ÖGK?

Yes, provided the policy meets Austria’s all-risks requirement.

Private coverage may be useful for students who:

Do not qualify for discounted ÖGK student insurance
Have not yet completed university enrolment
Are attending a programme not covered by the student scheme
Prefer specific private services
Need coverage that starts before arrival
Require a policy designed specifically for residence-permit purposes

However, the policy must generally:

Be valid throughout Austria
Cover all medically necessary treatment
Be broadly comparable to statutory health insurance
Avoid significant risk exclusions
Avoid waiting periods
Avoid restrictive cost caps
Cover outpatient and inpatient treatment
Pay for treatment in Austria
Provide explicit written confirmation of residence-permit compliance

The residence authority makes the final decision on whether a private policy is acceptable.

Questions to Ask a Private Insurer

Before purchasing a private policy, ask the insurer to confirm in writing:

Is the policy accepted for Austria’s Residence Permit – Student?
Does it cover all risks?
Are there waiting periods?
Are there annual or lifetime cost limits?
Are pre-existing conditions excluded?
Does it cover outpatient treatment?
Does it cover hospitalisation?
Does it cover prescription medicines?
Does it cover mental-health treatment?
Does it pay Austrian providers directly?
Does it cover pregnancy-related care where applicable?
Can the insurer issue an official compliance statement in German or English?

A low premium is not useful when the policy is rejected by the residence authority.

Travel Insurance vs ÖGK vs Private Insurance

Feature	Travel Insurance	ÖGK Student Insurance	Private All-Risks Insurance
Main purpose	Entry and temporary protection	Long-term public student coverage	Alternative long-term coverage
Suitable for full residence period	Usually no	Yes, for eligible students	Yes, when accepted
2026 cost	Depends on insurer	€78.84 per month	Depends on policy and applicant
Emergency treatment	Usually covered	Covered within public-system rules	Depends on policy
Routine doctor visits	Often limited	Covered through contracted providers	Depends on policy
Hospital treatment	Usually subject to limits	Covered within public-system rules	Depends on policy
Waiting periods	May apply	Student benefits begin with coverage	Must generally be absent for residence approval
Cost caps	Common	Public-system rules apply	Restrictive caps can cause rejection
Residence-permit suitability	Temporary only	Accepted for eligible students	Accepted only when requirements are met

Insurance and the Residence Permit – Student

Indian students intending to remain in Austria for more than six months generally apply for a Residence Permit – Student.

The insurance process usually follows this sequence:

Before Applying

Obtain university admission
Decide whether you plan to use ÖGK or private insurance
Prepare the required insurance declaration or preliminary contract
Arrange travel insurance for entry

During the Residence-Permit Application

Submit the requested evidence showing that:

You have travel coverage for the entry period
You will obtain qualifying all-risks insurance
The insurance will provide benefits in Austria

After Approval

Apply for the Visa D where required and travel to Austria with valid travel insurance.

After Arrival

Register your address
Complete university enrolment
Activate ÖGK or private all-risks insurance
Obtain confirmation of insurance
Present it when collecting the residence card, if requested

OeAD states that students who declared their intention to take out ÖGK insurance must obtain the confirmation after arrival and present it to the residence authority when collecting their permit.

Insurance for Residence-Permit Renewal

Health insurance must remain active throughout the student’s stay.

When renewing the Residence Permit – Student, the student must again demonstrate insurance that:

Covers all risks
Provides benefits in Austria
Is currently active
Covers the relevant renewal period

A policy that has expired, been cancelled or become invalid due to unpaid premiums can place the renewal application at risk.

Students should apply for renewal before the current permit expires and avoid insurance gaps.

Maintaining ÖGK Coverage During Your Studies

To keep student insurance active:

Pay contributions on time
Submit continuing-enrolment documents
Inform ÖGK of address changes
Report employment that creates compulsory insurance
Report a change in study programme
Report completion or discontinuation of studies
Respond to requests for updated documentation
Monitor the account for unpaid contributions

OeAD advises students to submit valid confirmation of continued university enrolment to ÖGK. ÖGK also requests updated enrolment documents for each new semester.

Failure to pay two months of contributions can lead to termination of the insurance and may trigger restrictions on immediate re-entry to the scheme.

What Happens When a Student Starts Working?

Insurance can change when a student takes up employment.

Employment Above the Compulsory-Insurance Threshold

When employment creates statutory compulsory health insurance, the employer normally registers the student.

In that case, discounted student self-insurance may end because the student is now covered through employment.

Marginal Employment

Students earning no more than Austria’s marginal-employment threshold may not automatically receive full compulsory health insurance from that job.

For 2026, the threshold is €551.10 per month. A separate self-insurance option for marginal employment costs €83.49 per month and includes health and pension coverage, subject to eligibility.

Students should not change insurance based only on informal advice from an employer or friend. The correct option should be confirmed with ÖGK.

Does India Have a Social-Insurance Agreement with Austria for Student Healthcare?

Austria recognises certain health-insurance arrangements with a limited group of countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey.

India is not included in the list stated in the current OeAD student guidance. Indian students therefore generally cannot use that bilateral arrangement as a replacement for Austrian student insurance.

Indian students will normally need the travel-insurance-plus-ÖGK or accepted-private-insurance route.

Can Indian Students Use an EHIC?

The European Health Insurance Card is mainly relevant to eligible individuals insured in EU or EEA countries and Switzerland.

A standard Indian health-insurance card is not an EHIC.

Indian students coming directly from India should not assume that their domestic medical-insurance membership provides the same rights as European statutory insurance.

Does University Insurance Cover Medical Treatment?

Students sometimes confuse compulsory student-union or accident insurance with full health insurance.

Payment of university fees or the Austrian Students’ Union contribution does not automatically provide comprehensive health coverage for illnesses, doctor visits and hospital treatment.

University-related accident cover may protect students in limited situations connected with academic activities. It should not be treated as a replacement for ÖGK or accepted private all-risks insurance.

Does Insurance Cover Family Members?

ÖGK states that certain family members may be co-insured under student self-insurance, including:

Spouses
Registered partners
Children

Additional conditions and contributions may apply.

Students travelling with dependants should not assume that the student’s individual insurance automatically covers the entire family.

Each family member’s residence-permit and insurance requirements must be reviewed separately.

Common Insurance Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid

1. Buying Only a Short Schengen Policy

A travel policy may cover entry but not long-term residence.

2. Choosing the Cheapest Policy Without Checking the Terms

Low-cost plans may include caps, waiting periods or exclusions that make them unsuitable.

3. Assuming ÖGK Starts Automatically

Students must submit a separate application after meeting the eligibility conditions.

4. Allowing Travel Insurance to Expire Too Soon

Keep coverage active until ÖGK or an accepted private policy has officially started.

5. Confusing Application Date with Insurance Start Date

Use the effective date confirmed by the insurer.

6. Applying Under the Wrong ÖGK Category

Ordinary self-insurance is far more expensive than the discounted student scheme.

7. Ignoring Programme Changes

Changing courses repeatedly can affect eligibility for the reduced student contribution.

8. Missing Monthly Payments

Contribution arrears can result in termination of coverage.

9. Failing to Submit Enrolment Confirmation

ÖGK needs updated evidence that the student remains eligible.

10. Assuming Every Doctor Accepts the E-Card

Check whether the doctor has an ÖGK contract.

11. Treating Insurance as Proof of Funds

Health insurance and proof of financial means are separate residence requirements. Insurance costs may also need to be included in the student’s financial planning.

12. Cancelling Insurance Immediately After Receiving the Permit

The insurance requirement continues throughout the period of residence and will be reviewed again during renewal.

Recommended Insurance Timeline

Six to Nine Months Before Departure

Review residence-permit requirements
Decide whether ÖGK is likely to be available
Compare accepted private options
Check policy wording carefully

Three to Six Months Before Departure

Prepare the residence-permit application
Obtain any required preliminary insurance confirmation
Purchase appropriate travel coverage
Keep complete copies of all insurance documents

Before Flying

Confirm the policy begins on the entry date
Check the emergency number
Save electronic copies
Carry printed policy documents
Confirm coverage for recovery and repatriation

Within the First Days in Austria

Register your address
Complete final university enrolment
Apply for ÖGK immediately
Keep the travel policy active

After ÖGK Approval

Obtain the insurance confirmation
Present it to the residence authority where required
Set up contribution payments
Wait for the e-card
Confirm the exact coverage start date

During Every Semester

Submit updated enrolment documents
Pay contributions
Report changes
Retain confirmations for residence renewal

How SPAN International Supports Students Planning to Study in Austria

Health insurance must be coordinated with admission, accommodation and the Residence Permit – Student process.

SPAN International supports eligible students with:

Austrian university and course selection
Intake and application planning
Residence-permit document checklists
Travel-insurance requirement guidance
ÖGK process guidance
Private-insurance documentation checks
Proof-of-funds planning
Accommodation support
Visa and residence-permit preparation
Pre-departure orientation

Our team helps students understand which insurance is required before entry and which coverage must be activated after arriving in Austria.

Final Thoughts

Indian students planning to study in Austria generally need two connected forms of protection:

Travel health insurance for entry and the initial transition period
ÖGK student self-insurance or accepted private all-risks coverage for residence

For eligible students, ÖGK is often the most practical long-term option. It currently costs €78.84 per month in 2026 and provides access to doctors, hospital care, medicines and other public-health services.

The most important steps are:

Arrange suitable travel insurance before leaving India
State your long-term insurance plan during the residence application
Register your Austrian address after arrival
Complete final university enrolment
Apply for ÖGK without delay
Obtain written confirmation of coverage
Maintain continuous insurance throughout your studies

Never assume that a policy is accepted merely because it mentions Austria, Europe or Schengen.

The correct policy must match the specific stage of your journey and meet the Austrian authority’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance mandatory for Indian students in Austria?

Yes. Indian students generally need travel insurance for entry and health insurance covering all risks for their residence in Austria.

Is travel insurance enough for an Austrian student residence permit?

Travel insurance is normally sufficient only for entry and the temporary period before comprehensive insurance begins. Long-term residence requires all-risks coverage.

How much travel-insurance coverage is required?

OeAD advises coverage well above €30,000, including possible recovery and repatriation costs.

What is ÖGK student self-insurance?

It is discounted public health insurance offered by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund to eligible students who are not otherwise covered through compulsory insurance.

How much does ÖGK student insurance cost?

The student self-insurance contribution is €78.84 per month in 2026. The amount may be adjusted in future years.

Does ÖGK cover hospital treatment?

Yes. Eligible student self-insurance covers in-kind services including doctor visits, hospital treatment, medicines and medical aids under the applicable public-system rules.

Does ÖGK cover dental treatment?

ÖGK’s student self-insurance includes dental treatment and dental prostheses within the public insurance system’s applicable coverage rules.

Can I apply for ÖGK before arriving in Austria?

Students normally need an Austrian residence and current university admission or enrolment documentation. During the residence application, they can state that they intend to obtain ÖGK student insurance after arrival.

What documents are needed for ÖGK?

Common requirements include an application form, passport, Meldezettel, enrolment confirmation, study record and evidence of previous insurance where applicable.

Does ÖGK insurance start immediately?

Student insurance generally begins on the day after the application is submitted, subject to the applicable rules. Eligible students receive covered in-kind benefits from the beginning of the insurance period.

Can I use private health insurance instead of ÖGK?

Yes, when the private policy meets the all-risks requirement and is accepted by the residence authority. It should not contain waiting periods, restrictive caps or significant exclusions.

Does an Indian medical-insurance policy work in Austria?

It may provide temporary international coverage, but it is not automatically accepted for residence purposes. The policy must satisfy Austria’s all-risks requirements and provide benefits in Austria.

What happens to ÖGK insurance when I start working?

If employment creates compulsory statutory health insurance, student self-insurance may end because the student becomes insured through employment.

Do I need insurance when renewing my residence permit?

Yes. Students must continue to show valid health insurance covering all risks and providing benefits in Austria.

Can SPAN International assist with Austria’s insurance and residence-permit process?

Yes. SPAN International supports eligible students with university applications, residence-permit documentation, travel-insurance planning, ÖGK guidance, financial preparation, accommodation and pre-departure support.