Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

HEALTH

Everything that changes in Austria in November 2020

From new lockdown rules to winter tyres, these are the changes you should be aware of in November.

Published: 4 November 2020 13:35 CET
Updated: 7 November 2020 14:38 CET
Everything that changes in Austria in November 2020
Runners participate in the Vienna City Marathon in Vienna, Austria. Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP

Coronavirus measures

From November 3rd, Austria has put in place an extensive range of nationwide coronavirus measures. 

The centrepiece is a nighttime curfew or restriction, which basically states that people are not allowed to leave the house between 8pm and 6am unless they have a valid reason. 

Events will also be banned – including Austria's famous Christmas markets. Bars, restaurants and cafes are forced to close, other than to offer take away services.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Austria's coronavirus shutdown 

No more face shields

Plastic face shields – often used in gastronomy as a protection for the transmission of coronavirus – will be banned in Austria from November 7th. 

In principle, anti-corona masks must be “covering” and “close-fitting” wherever masks are compulsory.

READ: Austria plans to ban coronavirus face shields 

In the explanatory notes it stated: “The background is consolidated evidence that face shields in particular do not have an aerosol-inhibiting effect compared to classical masks.

“Mechanical protection devices such as 'face shields' or ''mini face shields' have thus proved unsuitable for preventing the spread of Covid-19 and are therefore now prohibited.”

'Mini Face Shields' refers to the chin shields, which are particularly popular with waiters and waitresses because they can be more comfortable than traditional masks.

Safe Hospitality: Free coronavirus tests for those in the tourism industry 

From November 1st, workers in the tourism industry will be entitled to free weekly testing as part of the ‘Safe Hospitality’ program.  

Pursuant to the program, ski instructors, mountain guides, travel guides, tour guides or private room landlords can be tested once a week free of charge. 

Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger said the program will encourage the country’s struggling tourism industry. 

“At present, an average of 6,000 to 8,000 people are tested on a working day. With more than 350,000 tests, tourism employees are among the best-tested professional groups in our country.”

Flixbus takes a break

From November 3rd, German long-distance bus company Flixbus will be taking a break in Austria, along with Germany and Switzerland. 

The company said it hopes to start up services again “sometime during the holidays”. 

2021 vignette available

The 2021 annual vignette stickers will be available for purchase from the end of November. 

These will cost 92.50 euros – an increase of around 1.5 percent on the cost of last year’s stickers – and will be apple green in colour. 

New tariffs 2021 for cars: ten-day vignette: 9.50 euros, 2-month vignette 27.80 euros, Annual vignette: 92.50 euros 

New tariffs 2021 for motorcycles: ten-day vignette 5.50 euros, 2-month vignette 13.90 euros, annual vignette: 36.70 euros

Winter tyres

From November 1st, cars and trucks up to 3.5 tons must switch over to winter tyres in Austria. 

When driving on in snow, mud or ice, cars must be fitted with winter tires or, alternatively, have snow chains fitted on at least two wheels.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

HEALTH

Is it worth it to get a private health insurance in Austria?

Private healthcare insurance gives you quicker appointments and more time with doctors, but it comes with a price. Here is what you need to know to find out if it is worth it for you.

Published: 16 September 2024 14:35 CEST
Is it worth it to get a private health insurance in Austria?

Austria is known for having a well-functioning public healthcare system, but recently, the number of public doctors has been decreasing while the number of private ones continues to grow.

Public doctors are often associated with long waiting times and less time spent with each patient.

Going to a private practitioner could be a solution for receiving better care, as it allows more time with the specialist and usually an earlier appointment.

However, if you are only insured with public insurance, visiting a private doctor comes with higher costs. If you have the option, private insurance might sometimes be a better alternative.

Here is what you need to know about private health insurance.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: What happens if you’re off sick for a long time in Austria

Doctor taking care of injured patient. Photo by Tom Claes on Unsplash

What are the benefits?

If you are considering private health insurance, it is important to consider your individual case, what you need, whether it is worth it, and what kind of insurance might be suitable for you.

Getting private health insurance can be a good idea if you frequently need medical care or just want faster appointments and more time with the doctors.

While you can still see private doctors, such as the so-called Wahlarzt in German, and access private healthcare options with public insurance by paying out of pocket, you will only receive partial reimbursement.

Therefore, getting private insurance might be beneficial if you need to see a healthcare provider more frequently.

With private insurance, you typically pay a fixed monthly rate, which covers a wide range of private healthcare options. These include visits to private doctors, certain dental procedures, eye care, wellness services, and physiotherapy, among other things.

If you have private insurance, you also have access to a broader selection of healthcare providers and facilities. You often receive more comfortable hospital stays, medication coverage, and sometimes international healthcare coverage.

Exactly how much private insurance covers depends on the type of insurance company and package you choose.

Some insurance companies cover specific costs completely, while others cover them only to a higher percentage. However, private insurance generally covers a much higher percentage of most costs than public insurance.

READ MORE: Everything foreigners need to know about the Austrian healthcare system

How much does it cost?

The monthly cost for private healthcare insurance averages around €30 for children and between €45 and €100 for adults.

You can often save on the costs by choosing regional rates, family coverage, or agreeing to a deductible, where you pay part of the costs yourself.

If a larger company employs you, they might offer private group insurance, which often results in lower costs because the employer contributes to the premiums.

When you apply for private insurance, the insurance company usually examines your health and medical history. The cost is then decided based on age, health status, and healthcare needs.

Signing up for private healthcare insurance at an early age can be a good idea since it often means lower costs. Existing health insurance contracts are adjusted annually for inflation only, without further adjustments.

UNIQA, Wiener Städtische, Generali Health Insurance, Mercury, Allianz Health Insurance, and the Danube are among Vienna’s largest and best-known private healthcare insurance providers.

READ NEXT: EXPLAINED: What is a Wahlartzt in Austria?

SHOW COMMENTS