Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

HEALTH

‘Entry tests’: Austria approves mandatory coronavirus testing for events

Austrian MPs approved powers for the government to make a negative coronavirus test result mandatory for entry to cultural and sporting events as well as hospitals and hotel stays.

Published: 14 January 2021 18:45 CET
'Entry tests': Austria approves mandatory coronavirus testing for events
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (L) and Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig hold coronavirus antigen tests. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Known as 'entry tests', the scheme emerged as an alternative to the country's mass testing scheme – which would have required everyone wanting to leave lockdown to test negative – after that scheme was defeated by the opposition. 

Such a requirement would be ordered by health minister Rudolf Anschober after the lifting of Austria's current coronavirus lockdown, which is due to end on January 24.

However, several suspected clusters of the new, more transmissible B117 variant of the coronavirus have been discovered in Austria and the current lockdown has not reduced infection figures as much as the government had hoped, leading to speculation the lockdown will be extended.

Anschober warned MPs on Thursday that “this mutation has an enormous potential”.

ANALYSIS: Has Austria picked the right strategy to fight the Covid-19 pandemic? 

The law also leaves open the possibility that a negative test result could be required for entry into restaurants and cafes.

The prospect of a negative test being necessary for restaurants and cafes is highly controversial and was one of the reasons the government had to scrap a similar plan earlier this month.

'We really have a problem': Austria considers lockdown extension due to Covid mutation 

Austria's Chamber of Commerce has complained that such a rule could be impossible for businesses — particularly smaller ones — to police.

Anschober said the decision as to exactly which sectors would require a negative test would depend on the course of the pandemic.

READ MORE: Here is the form you need to enter Austria from Friday 

As well as the governing centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and the Greens, the opposition also voted for the law on Thursday, with the only exception being the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe).

While Austria escaped the worst of the first wave of the pandemic last spring with a rapid lockdown.

But two further lockdowns have had to be introduced and the latest has failed to bring infections under the target of 100  per 100,000 people over a seven-day average.

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