Austria is one of the most renowned medical destinations in Europe. Austria boasts internationally acclaimed hospitals and clinics which feature top-of-the-range technology and first-rate facilities.
The country of Austria is also famed for its holistic wellness and medical clinics, natural mineral spas and rehabilitation centers.
Medical travelers from Eastern Europe come to Austria to take advantage of high levels of healthcare provision. Medical tourists from US and Canada visit Austria for health and wellness purposes.
Healthcare System in Austria
There is local accreditation program for Austrian hospitals but the Austrian Federal Hospitals Act has monitored quality since 1993 and hospital operators are obliged to maintain an assurance of quality. As of 2014, the
Joint Commission International (JCI) has accredited two hospitals and four rehabilitation centers in Austria.
Austrian doctors are very highly trained and their expertise is acknowledged in Europe and throughout the world. There is a dual system of medical training in Austria. Students undergo a qualifying examination to take a six-year medicine degree at one of three public universities and one private university, including at one of the most prestigious training centers in the world, the Medical University of Vienna, which is over 640 years old. Obligatory practical training is integrated into the degree study. Doctors must then undergo practical training for three years to work as a general practitioner and at least six years to train in a medical specialty.
Austria has
4.9 physicians per 1,000 population according to the OECD, which is higher than the OECD average. Austria boasts 7.8 nurses per 1,000 people. At present (2014), Austria does not have a shortage of doctors.
Austria is known for the efficiency and cleanliness of its services and the government invests highly in the healthcare system in order to keep it that way. Short waiting times, swift emergency procedures and drug development programs add to Austria's high standing in the medical community. As the country is popular for winter sports, a thriving sports injury and orthopedic practice has developed. Austria boasts some of the highest cancer survival rates out of all European countries.
Leading Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Austria
- Rudolfinerhaus Hospital - Vienna
The elegant and beautiful Rudolfinerhaus is the largest private hospital in Vienna. Rudolfinerhaus offers outstanding quality medical services in an atmosphere akin to a luxury hotel. Extensive medical facilities and first-rate patient comfort are key benefits. The Rudolfinerhaus is linked to many thousands of doctors which patients can choose from, or they can even bring their own physicians to the hospital.
- Privatklinik Dbling - Vienna
One of the leading private hospitals in Vienna, the Privatklinik Dbling provides high-quality medical services to more than 9,000 patients from Austria and abroad each year. Personalized attention and a large number of specialties make the Privatklinik Dbling one of the top choices for medical tourism.
Common Treatments Done by Medical Tourists in Austria
Hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities in Austria offer an extensive range of medical procedures for medical tourists. All medical procedures are offered at high standards.
Malpractice and Liability Laws in Austria
The Austrian General Civil Code deals with contractual liability and medical malpractice. Malpractice and liability laws are similar to those practiced in the United States.
Pros
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High standard of hospitals
Austria benefits from internationally-accredited hospitals with first-rate facilities and patient services.
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Experienced physicians
Austria has rigorously-trained doctors and healthcare professionals that are required to undergo extensive practical training.
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Safe and attractive environment
Austria is one of Europe's safest and most pleasant countries to visit.
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High standard of research
Austria leads the way in Europe in medical and drugs research.
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English proficiency
The main language spoken is German, but English is widely used in tourist areas and in hospitals used to dealing with foreign visitors.
Cons
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High cost of medical treatment
The cost of medical treatments and procedures is generally much higher in Austria than in Eastern Europe, Asia or Latin America.
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Relatively high cost of living
The cost of hotel rooms, food and transportation is generally much higher than in Eastern Europe, Asia and much of South America but lower than other central European countries like England, France and Spain. A meal out costs between 8 and 40 Euros, a bottle of water around 1.37 Euros and a mid-range hotel between 50 and 60 Euros a night.
Traveling to Austria
Average estimated travel time in hours
| From / To |
Austria |
| Moscow |
2 |
| London |
1.5 |
| Ukraine |
1.5 |
| Romania |
1 |
| Bulgaria |
1 |
| Dubai |
5 |
| Oman |
6 |
| Kuwait |
4 |
| Riyadh |
5 |
| New York |
7 |
Entry and Exit Requirements to Austria
- Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland do not require a visa to travel to Austria but they do need a current passport. Nationals holding a European Union passport or a Swiss or Liechtenstein passport may stay in Austria for an unlimited time.
- U.S. and Canadian citizens, citizens of Israel, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Australia and New Zealand don’t need a visa for visits up to 90 days; however visitors do need a passport valid for at least three months beyond the time of intended.
- The following nationalities do require a visa.
- Ukraine.
- Turkey.
- United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and other Arab countries.
- Nigeria and other African countries.
- Albania and Bulgaria.
Statistics of Medical Tourism in Austria
Approximately 10% of the private medical patients in Austria are medical tourists primarily from the CEE. It is estimated that 8-10% of all patients treated in private hospitals and clinics in Austria are health tourists, while the public system is currently focused on treating Austrian nationals.