Travel Insurance for Austria
Last updated: March 2026
As of March 2026, Schengen visa applicants must have travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage valid across all Schengen states. For expats based in Austria, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance starts from approximately USD 45 per 4 weeks with USD 250,000 medical coverage, while Allianz offers Schengen-compliant plans with EUR 100,000 coverage. Austrian-based ERV provides single-trip plans from EUR 15. Austrian public health insurance (e-card) covers EU/EEA travel but not non-EU trips.
What Travel Insurance Do You Need for an Austrian Visa Application?
If you are applying for a Schengen visa (Type C, short-stay) to visit Austria, travel health insurance is a mandatory requirement. The Schengen visa regulations require your insurance to meet specific criteria:
- ✓Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies
- ✓Must cover the entire Schengen area, not just Austria
- ✓Must cover emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- ✓Must cover medical repatriation and emergency evacuation
- ✓Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay plus a recommended buffer of 15 days
- ✓Must be issued by an insurance company recognized in the Schengen area
Without valid travel insurance that meets these requirements, your Schengen visa application will be rejected. Make sure to get the insurance before your visa interview and bring the policy document to your appointment at the embassy or consulate.
Do Residence Permit Holders in Austria Need Travel Insurance?
If you already have a residence permit and are covered by Austrian social health insurance (OGK, SVS, or BVAEB), your public insurance provides limited coverage within the EU/EEA through theEuropean Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (or e-card in Austria). However, this coverage is limited to the same level of public healthcare available in the country you are visiting, and does not cover repatriation, trip cancellation, or lost luggage.
For trips outside the EU/EEA (such as visiting family in your home country), your Austrian public health insurance provides no coverage at all. In these cases, separate travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other travel-related risks. The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) provides country-specific travel advice. Budget for this as part of your overall cost of living in Austria.
What Should You Look For in Travel Insurance for Austria?
Medical Emergency Coverage
The most critical component. Look for policies with at least EUR 100,000 in medical coverage (EUR 30,000 minimum for Schengen visa). This should cover emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, and medication.
Repatriation and Evacuation
Covers the cost of transporting you back to your home country for continued medical treatment or in case of death. Medical flights can cost tens of thousands of euros, so this coverage is essential.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, family emergency, or other covered reasons.
Luggage and Personal Belongings
Covers loss, theft, or damage to your baggage and personal items during your trip. Useful but typically has per-item limits and overall caps.
What Are the Best Travel Insurance Providers for Austria?
These providers offer travel insurance accepted for Austrian and Schengen visa applications, as well as general travel coverage for expats living in Austria:
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
SafetyWing is designed specifically for digital nomads and expats. Their Nomad Insurance product provides ongoing travel medical insurance that works like a subscription, automatically renewing every 4 weeks. It covers you in Austria and 180+ countries with no fixed end date, which is perfect for expats with flexible travel plans.
Best for: Digital nomads and expats with flexible travel plans who need ongoing coverage
Pros
- +Subscription model with no fixed end date
- +Coverage in 180+ countries
- +Affordable at USD 45 per 4 weeks
Cons
- −Not always accepted for Schengen visa applications
- −USD-based pricing
- −Lower coverage limits than some European providers
- Coverage in 180+ countries including Austria
- Automatic renewal every 4 weeks (cancel anytime)
- Medical coverage up to USD 250,000
- Covers COVID-19 as any other illness
- Travel delay and lost luggage coverage included
- Starting from approximately USD 45/4 weeks
Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz is one of the most recognized insurance brands in Europe, and their travel insurance policies are universally accepted for Schengen visa applications. Their products are specifically designed to meet all Schengen visa requirements, giving you peace of mind during the application process.
Best for: Visa applicants who need guaranteed Schengen-compliant coverage accepted by all embassies
Pros
- +Accepted by all Schengen embassies
- +EUR 100,000 medical coverage
- +24/7 multilingual assistance
Cons
- −Higher price than basic providers
- −Trip cancellation costs extra
- −Single-trip plans can be expensive for long stays
- Accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates
- Medical coverage up to EUR 100,000
- Emergency medical repatriation included
- Trip cancellation coverage available
- 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
- Single-trip and annual multi-trip plans available
Europische Reiseversicherung (ERV)
ERV is an Austrian-based travel insurance specialist and part of the Munich Re group. As a local provider, they have deep expertise in Austrian visa requirements and Schengen-compliant coverage. Their policies are well-regarded by Austrian embassies and consulates worldwide.
Best for: Budget travelers and frequent flyers who want an Austrian-based insurer with local expertise
Pros
- +Austrian company with local claims processing
- +Single-trip plans from just EUR 15
- +Well-regarded by Austrian embassies
Cons
- −Less international brand recognition
- −Website primarily in German
- −Annual plans less flexible than SafetyWing
- Austrian company with local expertise
- Specifically designed for Schengen visa requirements
- Comprehensive medical and repatriation coverage
- Annual travel insurance for frequent travelers
- Claims processing through Austrian offices
- Single-trip plans from approximately EUR 15