Travel insurance for Austria
What we know about insurance rules for visitors to Austria, how sure we are, and where to confirm it before you travel.
- Region:
- Europe
- Capital:
- Vienna
- Currency:
- EUR
- Reviewed:
Is travel insurance required?
Applicants who need a short-stay Schengen visa must hold at least €30,000 of medical cover valid across all member states. Visa-exempt visitors are not caught by this visa rule. Read the Schengen guide.
Ski trips set the agenda
Most insurance questions about Austria begin on the slopes. Standard travel policies often need a winter sports add-on for skiing and snowboarding, and off-piste skiing may have its own conditions. The UK government warns that a GHIC or EHIC won't cover extra costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, and that's the kind of bill that surprises people.
Before a ski trip, confirm:
- Whether on-piste and off-piste skiing are included, and whether you need a guide or a helmet
- Who pays for helicopter or mountain rescue
- Whether hired equipment, lift passes and lessons are protected
- What happens if a resort is closed by lack of snow or avalanche risk
- Whether your medical limit covers treatment at a private clinic in the resort
Healthcare and emergency contacts
In an emergency, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurer or assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility, since ski resort clinics may be private and bill you directly. Ask about this before treatment if you can.
UK nationals can use a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare. It doesn't cover private care, additional standard costs or medical repatriation.
Health risks in the mountains
The UK advice lists altitude sickness as a risk in parts of Austria, and it mentions tick-borne diseases too. If you're hiking in forests or meadows in the warmer months, read the official health guidance and ask your doctor whether you need any precautions. Check your policy's altitude limit if you're trekking at height.
Border checks
Austria is in the Schengen Area, so visa applicants need at least €30,000 of medical cover. UK government advice also says that British visitors may be asked for proof of travel insurance and accommodation at the border, even without a visa. Other nationalities should check their own rules, and you can read how to prepare a certificate of insurance.
Other points to consider
Avalanches and heavy snow can disrupt transfers. A closed road or cancelled train may fall under delay cover, but check the covered reasons. If you're driving, read our rental car guide, and check your winter equipment rules.
Sources
- UK Government: Austria travel advice, entry requirements and health sections
- UK Government: Foreign travel insurance
Some details above come from UK government advice, which is written for British nationals. Visa, border and healthcare rules can differ for your nationality, so check with your own government as well.
Cover you might already have
- UK residents: a GHIC or EHIC gives access to state healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as residents. It isn't a replacement for insurance. See the UK guide.
Check official travel advice
Government advice covers entry rules, safety and health. Traveling against official advice can also affect your insurance.
Before you buy a policy for this trip
- Confirm that Austria and any stopovers fall within the policy's territory.
- Check that medical and evacuation limits suit how far you'd be from good hospitals and from home.
- Compare your planned activities against the exclusions, including scooters and adventure sports.
- Declare your health conditions accurately.
- Carry a certificate of insurance. See how to read one.
Have an official source for Austria? Send it to us and we'll check it. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.