Do I Need Travel Insurance For Austria?

Did you plan to go to Austria?

With around 46 million visitors in 2019, Austria is an extremely popular travel destination in Europe - whether it’s skiing in the Austrian Alps, at resorts like St. Anton and Kitzbuhel, biking or walking in the mountains in summer, or a city break to see the stunning sights of Vienna, like the Schönbrunn Palace or the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to masterpieces by Rubens and Rembrandt – there's something for everyone. Music lovers can visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, while foodies can dine on Austria’s national dish, Wiener schnitzel. Or simply relax in a spa hotel drawing on some of the finest and most picturesque hot springs in central Europe.  

If you are traveling to Austria, AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Austria and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Austria cover?

Starting at €33 per week of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses
• Medical repatriation & transport
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen, European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is a travel insurance required for Austria?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa for Austria. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with coronavirus protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Austrian visa application?

Yes! For over 10 years, AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa. All you need to do is print the electronic health insurance certificate form and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number which is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Austria visa?

To obtain a Schengen visa to Austria your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons

I don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Austria - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

As the saying goes, "better safe than sorry". Even though Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen visa - 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen visa application is denied

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Austria?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Austria?

Security: Austria is mostly a safe country but you should beware thieves operating in busy tourist neighborhoods and the U-Bahn metro trains. One must always remain vigilant and be careful with personal items. As in other busy cities around the world, it’s a good idea to avoid using mobile phones on public transport or on the street or brandishing valuables.

Public transport: Like many European countries, Austria has excellent public transport, with a high speed rail network. Vienna is served by its U-Bahn metro system. In Vienna only, masks may remain compulsory on public transport as a precaution against COVID-19.

Opening hours: Shops are usually open Monday to Friday from 8 or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but in smaller towns and villages, shops may close for 1 to 3 hours at midday. They usually open from 8 or 9 a.m. to midday or 1 p.m. Some open on Sundays but it is exceptional. Most of Vienna’s famous museums open from Tuesday to Sunday. 

Driving license: Visitors from most countries can drive on Austrian roads for up to six months as long as they have a valid license from their country of residence.

Restaurants: The vast majority of cafés, bars and restaurants in Vienna are table service only, often even those that look like you should order at the bar. It can be considered rude to do otherwise. Most will open for lunch and dinner service.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Austria and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Austria you can find out more, here.