Do I Need Travel Insurance For Austria?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 18/03/2025

Austria receives over 40 million international visitors each year. And there’s plenty of reasons why. Along with being the home of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Freud, and Schwarzenegger, the country also boasts both the oldest still-operating restaurant and oldest zoo in Europe. Then there’s its snow-capped Alps, crystal-clear lakes, charming little villages, and a stunning mix of Baroque and modern architecture. Plus world-class wining and dining, vibrantly diverse arts and culture scenes, and some of Europe’s best coffee.

But whether you're hiking the Tyrolean mountains, savoring a slice of Sachertorte (i.e., not just any chocolate cake), or anything in between — you’ll want to make sure your journey is a safe one. That’s why AXA has everything you need to know about travel insurance for Austria below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Austria?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Austria?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Austria?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Austria
• A few more practical tips for prepping your trip to Austria

Is travel insurance mandatory for Austria?

Whether or not travel insurance is mandatory for your trip to Austria depends on a few factors. But mainly — on where exactly you’re coming from.

Because along with having one of the world’s oldest flags, Austria also happens to be one of Europe’s many European Union and Schengen countries. As such, it requires that most travelers from non-EU countries apply for a Schengen visa to visit.

Meanwhile, one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements is that all applicants have the proper Schengen travel insurance. So just in case, here’s a quick breakdown:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Austria (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You’re good for Austria (and the rest of the Schengen/EU) for up to three months visa-free if you are:

-A national of the Schengen area and/or the European Union;

-A national of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and/or one (or more) of the roughly 60 countries that don’t need a Schengen visa thanks to their visa-exemption agreements with the EU.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Austria?

Travelers who do need that visa, meanwhile, are generally nationals of a country that has not signed that visa waiver agreement — such as China, India, Russia, any African nation, most of the Middle East, and nearly a hundred more.

The European Commission provides full lists of all countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen.

PRO-TIPS:

-But AXA can also tell you who needs that Schengen visa in no time.

-If you do, we can also guide you through the process of getting a visa for Austria specifically (and in just a few easy steps!).

-And if you’re hoping to stay in Austria for more than 90 days — we have all you need to know about the type D Schengen visa (aka “long-stay” or national visa) as well.

-Oh, and while Austria is, we can tell you which European countries are not in the Schengen too. In case you’re planning to venture out!

So click away.
 

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

Well, travel insurance is still a smart choice. Because even though Austria is generally considered one of the safest countries in Europe, any trip abroad entails the unexpected. And whether you’re hiking the Alps, exploring Vienna's grand palaces, or just sipping on some coffee — accidents can happen.

If they do, navigating the Austrian healthcare system can be tricky, time-consuming, or even downright frustrating. Especially if you don’t speak German, are faced with high medical costs, wait times, and so on.

On the other hand, whether you're on a big city tour, hitting the slopes, or just relaxing in the lush Austrian countryside — comprehensive travel insurance gives you both security and peace of mind. And the right plan provides immediate, comprehensive, 24/7 support if you need assistance in an emergency or face any unexpected travel disruptions.

In short, while you may not need it for a visa, having the right insurance ensures your and your family’s Austrian adventure stays stress-free from start to finish.

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Austria?

And that’s where AXA comes in.

First off, all three of our plans meet all the health insurance requirements for being granted a Schengen visa. Just in case, these requirements state that your plan:

-is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;

-has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);

-is accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone;

-is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay

Oh, and if your Austrian visa is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide an official explanation as to why your visa was refused from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

AXA’s plans also have no age limit, don’t require a medical exam, and have zero deductibles. Moreover, with AXA, you get:

-Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;

-Medical repatriation & transport;

-Up to 180 days of coverage;

-Coverage in Austria, all Schengen, and most European Union countries (including the U.K. — depending on the chosen plan);

-24/7 assistance;

-And free Video and Phone Medical Consultations (with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature) in English, French, and a number of other languages;

And, finally, purchasing a plan is quick, easy, and straightforward. And AXA’s travel insurance certificate — which can be instantly downloaded (and/or printed) online — is accepted by all Austrian (and other Schengen) consulates and embassies worldwide.

What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Austria?

With AXA, you have three comprehensive plans to choose from for Austria:

-Our Low-Cost plan provides our most basic coverage while meeting all Schengen visa requirements. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, it covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses (along with hospitalization and repatriation, including in case of death). And you and your family are protected across not just Austria but all Schengen Zone countries — as well as in the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

-Meanwhile, Europe Travel may be the better option for the more adventurous traveler, those traveling with family, and/or those looking to explore more of Europe. It also meets all the requirements for an Austrian (and Schengen) visa. Additionally, it covers medical expenses of up to €100,000, and offers additional benefits — such as protection for lost documents and/or valuables. And geographically, it also provides coverage for Austria, all Schengen countries, and the European microstates above — but it also includes all EU member states and the U.K.

-And our Multi-Trip option option — while offering all the benefits mentioned above — covers you for an entire year. It’s therefore especially suited for frequent travelers, business travelers, those applying for a multi-entry Schengen visa, and/or anyone who plans to enter Austria (and/or the Schengen Area) multiple times throughout the year.

So make sure to compare AXA’s different options and get a free quote

as you map out your upcoming Austrian adventure (and/or that visa application).

What to do if injured or ill while in Austria

And in case something does go wrong once you’re there, remember that AXA's got your back.

Just contact our AXA call center (via the number provided with your insurance policy) and our medical professionals are there to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or help you find the nearest medical facility — 24/7, seven days a week.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

-Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");

-The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);

-Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

List of Emergency Numbers in Austria

And just in case, here are the other essential emergency numbers to keep on hand:

-General emergency (for all of the EU): 112

-Police: 133

-Fire Brigade: 122.

-Ambulance 144.

-Medical Emergency Number: 141.

A few more practical tips for prepping your trip to Austria

And, finally, to make sure you don’t skip a beat when in the musical center of Europe, here’s some more helpful info for Austria:

Security

Austria is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with a crime rate significantly lower than the EU average. Nevertheless, standard precautions should still be observed — especially in busy tourist areas like central Vienna.

PRO-TIP: For the latest safety tips and crime reports, check the Austrian Ministry of the Interior’s website.

Public Transport

Austria’s public transport is reliable, efficient, and extensive. ÖBB trains and buses connect major cities, and — in Vienna — the Wiener Linien offers easy-to-use trams, buses, and subways.

Driving License

EU/EEA licenses are valid in Austria. Non-EU travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license. For driving laws and tips, you can visit the Austrian Road Safety Council.

Weather

The winters are cold (but ideal for skiing) and summers — mild, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C in cities. So pack accordingly.
PRO-TIP: For the latest forecasts, you can visit Austria’s ZAMG website.

Opening hours

Shops typically open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday-Friday) and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Most businesses are closed on Sundays — with exceptions at transport hubs and touristy areas.

Restaurants

Austria is famous for its hearty cuisine — from Wiener Schnitzel to Sachertorte and everything in between. Locals tend to eat lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. But, again, the tourist spots will be more flexible. Oh, and tipping 5-10% is appreciated.

Currency

Austria uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted — but it's always handy to carry some cash for smaller purchases, and especially in rural areas. ATMs are plentiful though, and currency exchange services are available at major airports, train stations, banks, and so on.

FINAL PRO-TIP: For further travel advice, you can check out Austria's official tourism website.

And on that note, AXA wishes you a very safe travels — and hopes we can help you enjoy the Lebensgefühl once you’re there!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• How much does Schengen travel insurance for Europe cost?
• How to fill out the Schengen visa application form

FAQ

Does a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover Austria?

Yes, the EHIC covers necessary healthcare in Austria for EU/EEA and Swiss residents. However, the card only covers care received through public healthcare services (i.e., not private ones), may not cover all costs involved, and does not cover medical repatriation or expenses in the event of death. So additional travel insurance is highly recommended.

Can I take out Schengen travel health insurance for someone else?

Yes. AXA allows you to purchase a travel insurance plan on behalf of guests and/or loved ones. You’ll simply be asked to provide their personal info (such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary).

Can I work or study in Austria with a tourist visa?

No. A tourist (aka Type C or “short-stay”) visa allows you to visit for vacation, a short business trip, or to see family. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re in Austria.