The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Austria in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Austria
- Is it currently safe to travel to Austria?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Austria?
- Why take out travel insurance for Austria?
- What Your Travel Insurance for Austria Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Austria
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Austria?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Austria?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Austria: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Austria covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Australians but is strongly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Austrian healthcare is high quality but very expensive, costing over AUD 1,500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Austria typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Be aware of tick-borne diseases in rural areas, a key medical risk to cover.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Austria.
The best travel insurance plans for Austria
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Recommended for travel in Austria, combining extensive cover and modern guarantees. - high medical ceiling - repatriation - flexible for Schengen standards |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Reliable solution for city or rural trips, with strong medical support. - 24/7 helpline - hospital costs covered - cancellation included |
| Tourist Card | 790k AUD | Solid protection for tourists and families traveling Austria. - good medical benefits - emergency assistance - attractive for value |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.3M AUD | Comprehensive policy with strong medical and repatriation support. - repatriation - broad hospital coverage - suitable for remote activities |
| Globe Partner | 475k AUD | Simple and effective contract for short or longer stays. - necessary medical cover - civil liability included - clear claims process |
| Globe Traveller | 790k AUD | Cost-effective for shorter visits to Austria. - covers basic medical costs - quick reimbursement - limited ceiling but efficient for urban trips |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation
- flexible for Schengen standards
- 24/7 helpline
- hospital costs covered
- cancellation included
- good medical benefits
- emergency assistance
- attractive for value
- repatriation
- broad hospital coverage
- suitable for remote activities
- necessary medical cover
- civil liability included
- clear claims process
- covers basic medical costs
- quick reimbursement
- limited ceiling but efficient for urban trips
Is it currently safe to travel to Austria?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade rates Austria as a safe destination where travellers should exercise normal safety precautions. The most recent advisory notes a heightened terrorism threat after an attack in Villach, but there are no overall restrictions on travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Austria currently has a high terrorism alert, especially in public spaces and transit hubs like Vienna Hauptbahnhof. Petty theft and pickpocketing are also frequent in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
- Health risks: Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are common from spring to autumn in rural and forested areas, such as the Vienna Woods or the Salzkammergut region. Medical care is high quality but costly for foreign visitors, with routine hospital care often exceeding AUD 1,000 per day.
- Legal constraints: Austrian law requires all visitors to carry passports at all times. Random police checks occur, and failure to present valid identification may result in fines.
- Environmental factors: Seasonal alpine weather changes can lead to sudden snowstorms or flash flooding in areas such as Tyrol and Carinthia. Take care on mountain trails and check local conditions before hiking.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Austria.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Austria?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens to enter Austria for short stays of up to 90 days under Schengen rules.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because medical care in Austria is of high quality but also very expensive for foreign visitors. The Australian government will not cover overseas medical expenses, and costs for hospital stays, emergency care or medical repatriation can be significant.
According to our data, 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Austria, mainly due to the expensive health system and the unpredictability of accidents or medical emergencies.
Why take out travel insurance for Austria?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Austria.
Austria offers high standards of medical care, but costs are significant for international visitors. In Vienna, private hospitals such as Privatklinik Döbling or Wiener Privatklinik can charge premium prices for care. Even public facilities like AKH Vienna require upfront payment from foreigners, and the same applies in cities like Salzburg or Graz.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medications, ambulance transport and repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Austria.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Privatklinik Döbling | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | EUR 3,200 (AUD 5,250) | Up to AUD 1,800,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | EUR 2,200 (AUD 3,600) | Up to AUD 1,800,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | EUR 45,000 (AUD 74,000) | Up to AUD 1,800,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | EUR 8,500 (AUD 14,000) | Up to AUD 1,800,000 |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Your Travel Insurance for Austria Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor's fees, hospitalisation, and medication in case of accident or illness. Recommended minimum: AUD 1,000,000 |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation & repatriation | Covers medical transport to AU or a third country if care in Austria is insufficient. Recommended minimum: AUD 500,000 |
| 🧳 Luggage & personal belongings | Covers loss, theft, or destruction of baggage and valuables. Recommended minimum: AUD 4,000 |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Reimburses pre-paid trips in case of illness, accident, or major incident. Recommended minimum: AUD 7,000 |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Covers damages caused to third parties (bodily injury or material). Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000,000 |
| 🦟 Infectious disease coverage | Includes hospitalisation or medical costs linked to tick-borne or mosquito-borne diseases. Recommended minimum: AUD 100,000 |
| 🏔️ Adventure & activities | Certain policies cover hiking, skiing, or mountain sports, which are common in Austria. Recommended: check that the coverage is included and adequate |
Recommended minimum: AUD 1,000,000
Recommended minimum: AUD 500,000
Recommended minimum: AUD 4,000
Recommended minimum: AUD 7,000
Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000,000
Recommended minimum: AUD 100,000
Recommended: check that the coverage is included and adequate
Travel insurance from local providers or payment card schemes is often limited, with low coverage ceilings and many exclusions. Opt for a reputable insurer with high limits and wide-ranging cover. You can easily compare the best plans on HelloSafe and get certified instantly online.
The cost of travel insurance for Austria
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 38 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 55 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 75 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 146 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Austria depends on several key factors: your age, trip duration, level of cover, any pre-existing conditions, and optional extras like ski cover. It's crucial to consider these to choose the right policy, ensuring you're protected against potentially high medical costs during your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Austria?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Austria while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Duration of stay | The length of your trip will affect the total insurance price. | Only insure the exact travel dates and avoid rounding up the period unnecessarily for better value. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Traveller’s age | Insurers often increase premiums for older travellers, especially those in higher age brackets. | If you are over 62, consider Heymondo, as it does not increase prices for seniors. |
| 🚴♂️ Activities planned | High-risk sports and activities in Austria such as skiing may require special coverage. | Exclude unplanned risky sports from your policy to reduce costs, and declare only activities you truly intend to do. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Broad coverage for health, luggage and repatriation is key for a costly healthcare market. | Choose the right deductible: a higher excess means a lower premium, but ensure you can afford the excess if needed. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Some policies cover Europe, worldwide or selected countries, influencing cost. | Select “Europe” only if visiting Austria and neighbouring countries to avoid unnecessary worldwide surcharge. |
| 👪 Family or group plans | Insuring a family or group together can be cheaper than individual coverage. | Request a family or group quote to benefit from possible group discounts offered by insurers. |
| 💳 Payment method | Payment options may offer discounts or extra charges depending on method used. | Pay in a single lump sum if possible to avoid transaction fees or monthly surcharges from your insurer or bank. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Austria?
It is common to wonder whether your Australian public health insurance or the coverage offered by your credit card will be enough for a trip to Austria. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Only travel insurance offers the broad protection needed abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Austria? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | Covers only treatment within Australia, not valid overseas. No coverage for medical, hospital or rescue services. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 10,000,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some plans offer limited reimbursement abroad (often up to AUD 500), no repatriation or search and rescue. | Travel insurance reimburses large expenses, up to AUD 10,000,000, including winter sports and ambulance fees. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ, Westpac, NAB) | Limited coverage | May include emergency medical (up to AUD 2,500) with many restrictions. Misses repatriation, sport injuries. | Travel insurance includes cancellation, baggage loss, adventure activities and higher medical coverage. |
| Premium credit card (Platinum, Signature, Rewards) | Limited coverage | May cover health care (up to AUD 200,000), but strict eligibility and many exclusions for sports or epidemics. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 10,000,000, no gaps, plus 24/7 assistance and evacuation services. |
Example
While hiking in the Tyrol, Liam contracted tick-borne encephalitis, requiring intensive care. The hospital bill hit $45,000. His NAB debit card offered no medical cover, and Australia's reciprocal health agreement only covered a fraction of the public system costs, leaving him with a crippling out-of-pocket expense.
Expert advice
Trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death is often excluded from your bank card or health insurance. Always check the fine print of your existing policies to avoid surprises. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Austria?
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Austria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business under Schengen rules. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area. Always carry your passport as identification during your stay in Austria.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Austria?
To purchase travel insurance for Austria, start by comparing plans with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Assess the cover and exclusions, particularly for Austria-specific risks like high medical costs or outdoor activities. Buy your chosen policy online. You will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical costs high in Austria for Australian travellers?
Yes, medical care in Austria is of a high standard but can be very expensive for visitors without European health coverage. Emergency treatment, hospital stays, and ambulance transport often require upfront payment. Travel insurance with at least AUD 250,000 in medical cover is strongly recommended for all Australians travelling to Austria.
Does travel insurance cover adventure sports or skiing in Austria?
Austria is popular for winter sports and mountain activities. Many travel insurance policies provide cover for ski injuries, hiking accidents, and adventure activities, but some require an additional premium. Always check the list of included activities and clarify exclusions before travelling if you plan to ski or participate in adventure sports.
Is cover for theft or lost personal items included in travel insurance for Austria?
Most travel insurance plans include protection for theft, loss, or damage to luggage, electronics, and important documents. Policy limits and claim conditions vary, with typical coverage ranging from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000. Review the terms for making claims, including the requirement to report theft to local police.
Are tick-borne illnesses a risk for travellers in Austria?
There is a moderate to high risk of tick-borne diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease in Austria, especially during spring and summer. Many travel insurance policies cover medical expenses if you become ill, but vaccinations and preventive care may not be included. Take additional precautions if hiking or spending time in forests and rural areas.
Do I need a visa to travel to Austria?
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Austria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business under Schengen rules. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area. Always carry your passport as identification during your stay in Austria.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Austria?
To purchase travel insurance for Austria, start by comparing plans with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Assess the cover and exclusions, particularly for Austria-specific risks like high medical costs or outdoor activities. Buy your chosen policy online. You will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical costs high in Austria for Australian travellers?
Yes, medical care in Austria is of a high standard but can be very expensive for visitors without European health coverage. Emergency treatment, hospital stays, and ambulance transport often require upfront payment. Travel insurance with at least AUD 250,000 in medical cover is strongly recommended for all Australians travelling to Austria.
Does travel insurance cover adventure sports or skiing in Austria?
Austria is popular for winter sports and mountain activities. Many travel insurance policies provide cover for ski injuries, hiking accidents, and adventure activities, but some require an additional premium. Always check the list of included activities and clarify exclusions before travelling if you plan to ski or participate in adventure sports.
Is cover for theft or lost personal items included in travel insurance for Austria?
Most travel insurance plans include protection for theft, loss, or damage to luggage, electronics, and important documents. Policy limits and claim conditions vary, with typical coverage ranging from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000. Review the terms for making claims, including the requirement to report theft to local police.
Are tick-borne illnesses a risk for travellers in Austria?
There is a moderate to high risk of tick-borne diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease in Austria, especially during spring and summer. Many travel insurance policies cover medical expenses if you become ill, but vaccinations and preventive care may not be included. Take additional precautions if hiking or spending time in forests and rural areas.
