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The charts and maps that explain the state of the pandemic in Austria

Here's a brief look at the state of play in Austria using graphs and maps as the country sees a surge in new Covid-19 infections.

Published: 15 October 2020 13:40 CEST
Updated: 18 October 2020 09:00 CEST
The charts and maps that explain the state of the pandemic in Austria
AFP

The overall state of play

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Austria has reported a total of 57,762 cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic began, although the real number is likely higher given the problems with testing.

That number includes 13,155 cases in the last two weeks up to October 15th.

There has been 879 deaths linked to Covid-19 infections in Austria wince the pandemic began.

 

 

Around Europe

The below map shows the infection rate per 100,000 people over the last two weeks. The rate in Austria is among the highest – that is to say over 120 cases per 100,000 in the last two weeks.

New coronavirus cases

The chart shows the number of confirmed daily cases since the pandemic began. Although it's important to note that far more tests are being carried out now than back in the spring, which obviously can affect the chart.

 
Coronavirus deaths
 
This chart shows the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Austria since the pandemic began. 
 
 
 
Testing

The chart below shows the number of tests carried out per 1,000 people in Austria since the pandemic began.

 
Comparing Austria

The maps below allow you to compare the evolution of the virus in Austria over the last two weeks compared to elsewhere in Europe and around the world.

 

How strict has Austria been:

The chart below gives an idea of how strict the Austrian government has been in introducing measures aimed to stem the spread of the virus.

It shows how the governmental response has changed over time and the Government Stringency Index – a composite measure of the strictness of policy responses. 

The index on any given day is calculated as the mean score of nine policy measures, each taking a value between 0 and 100.

The nine metrics used to calculate the Government Stringency Index are: school closures; workplace closures; cancellation of public events; restrictions on public gatherings; closures of public transport; stay-at-home requirements; public information campaigns; restrictions on internal movements; and international travel controls.

Here the Austrian government reaction is compared to that of neighbours Switzerland and Germany.

To view more charts, maps and graphs on Austria's Covid-19 situation you can visit Our World in Data.

 

 

 

 

 

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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?

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