Medical Assistance

National health service in Austria is of a very high standard. Depending on your country of origin and the duration of your stay your national health insurance service provider may cover the costs of any necessary treatment in Austria. It is therefore advisable to contact your health service provider before leaving for Austria. More information at http://www.oead.ac.at (Study & Research in Austria à Life in Austria).

Steiermärkische Gebietskrankenkasse (GKK)
(Health insurance company)
Josef-Pongratz Platz 1, 8010 Graz
Tel.: +43/(0)316/8035-0
http://www.stgkk.at
service@stgkk.sozvers.at

In Austria you may choose your own physician, general or specialist, by making your own appointment. You can search for specific doctors online. You may also go to the university hospital clinic at the "Landeskrankenhaus" or to "Steiermärkische Gebietskrankenkasse" itself. In very urgent cases during the night or on Saturdays/Sundays you may call the "Ärztenotdienst" (doctor's emergency service), phone: 141. They will make home calls. In case of an emergency, call the "Rettung" (ambulance), phone: 144.

If you stay in Austria during the summer term you are strongly advised to get a tick vaccination. For effective protection against tick bites (they can cause encephalitis) you need two shots; the first one around March and a booster 3-4 weeks later. You can go to GKK where you currently have to pay € 22.

If you currently take medication, please bring an additional prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to take this medication (prescription dosages, etc.). Then, in case you run out of your medication, it will be easier for you to get what you need. If possible, bring enough medication with you to last throughout your stay. Drug stores are called 'Apotheke' in Austria. You can mainly get prescription drugs there but they also sell aspirin and general painkillers over the counter. To find out which pharmacies are on duty for night and weekend service click here.