The Austrian e-card is an electronic chip card linked to the electronic administration system of Austria's social insurance system, which includes health, accident, pension and unemployment insurance. Originally designed as a replacement for the old health insurance voucher, many other services are now available through the e-card. Several bureaucratic processes were replaced by electronic solutions, thus avoiding unnecessary steps for patients and making it easier for healthcare providers.
Once registered to work in Austria with AMS (Austrian employment agency), you will already be covered by national insurance and will receive your social security number and, with this number, you can go to the hospital and medical appointments. However, the e-card gives you more flexibility and is therefore recommended.
Where is the e-card valid?
The e-card can be used by dentists, specialists or general practitioners, in establishments belonging to social security institutions and in most hospitals in Austria.
Can I use the e-card for health insurance?
Patients must show their electronic cards whenever they visit a doctor or hospital. The e-card allows access to medical treatments without the need for paper documents. By reading the e-card, the doctor checks via the information network whether a person is insured and which health insurance institution should pay for the medical treatment.
Is the e-card valid in other European countries?
For policyholders in Austria, the e-card makes traveling abroad easier. The back of the e-card shows the European Health Insurance Card, and this replaces the international health insurance voucher (form E111) for medical treatment during short-term visits (such as holidays) in member states of the European Union, Economic Area European and Swiss.
How can I get the e-card?
The e-card is issued free of charge, but if you are not an Austrian citizen, you must first go to a registration authority (Registrierungsstellen) to have your photo taken for the e-card. Click here for a list of all locations where you can carry out this process. You must choose one, regardless of your place of residence, and make an appointment.
You must take the following documents with you:
A recent passport photo (must be no older than 6 months)
Your old e-card if you have one, otherwise your Austrian national insurance number
Your valid and original travel document
After registering your photo, you can request the e-card by clicking here . Currently, it can take up to four weeks for it to be issued, from the time of request to submission.
