Austria's healthcare system is known around the world for providing a high quality of care. People living in Austria should get timely access to their GP (Hausarzt) as well as specialists.
But what happens if you wake up on a Saturday morning with an ear infection or your child complains of a fever on a public holiday?
We break down how to see a doctor outside of regular opening hours.
In an emergency situation
If it's an emergency or life-threatening situation, such as when someone is unconscious, struggling to breathe or having chest pain, you need to act quickly.
In Austria, you can call 144 for an ambulance (Krankenwagen or Rettungswagen).
You can also dial 112, the European general emergency number, and an operator will be able to put you through to the correct service.
If you are able to travel safely, you can also go directly to a hospital emergency department (Notaufnahme).
You can contact emergency services in Austria at any time of the day or night.
READ ALSO: Who to call and what to say in an emergency in Austria
What if it's urgent, but not an emergency?
If you're unsure whether you need to be seen by a doctor quickly or go to the emergency department, you can call Austria's 24/7 health advice hotline by dialling 1450.
Qualified health professionals will ask about your symptoms and circumstances and advise you on what to do next.
Depending on your situation, they may recommend contacting an out-of-hours medical service, attending a medical facility, seeking emergency care or waiting until your GP reopens.
How to find a doctor outside office hours
If you've been advised to see a doctor, or you feel you need to see one, but it's the evening or another time when you can't get hold of a GP, you can call 141 to access the after-hours medical service (Ärztenotdienst or Ärztefunkdienst.)
You'll be put through to the state you're located in. The Austrian Health Portal provides details on the out-of-hours services in each state.
The service is usually available at night from 7pm to 7am, at weekends from Friday 7pm through to Monday 7am and all day on public holidays.
The exact procedure varies between the states. Depending on the region, the service can provide medical advice and arrange care, including a home visit from a doctor.
Keep in mind there can be long waiting times depending on how busy they are.
What about babies and young children?
If a baby or young child is unwell the appropriate service depends on their age and symptoms.
The Austrian Health Portal specifically advises that children under one year old who require medical attention should be taken to the nearest children's outpatient department (Kinderambulanz), as doctors working in the general out-of-hours service may not have the equipment needed to treat infants.
If you are unsure what to do, calling 1450 is a good first step unless the child is experiencing a medical emergency, in which case call 144.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Vienna's free medical checkups for all
Urgent care in Vienna
Vienna also has Erstversorgungsambulanzen (EVAs) – initial care outpatient clinics that provide assessment and treatment for people who need medical attention.
They serve to support and relieve the pressure on hospital A&E departments. The aim is to treat patients who do not require hospitalisation.
In Vienna, you'll find an EVA at the following locations: Vienna General Hospital (AKH) and in or near the Donaustadt, Favoriten, Floridsdorf, Landstraße and Ottakring clinics.
The availability and opening hours of these clinics vary, so check current information before visiting.
Can privately insured patients get out-of-hours care?
Yes. On-call medical services are available to privately insured patients as well as those with public health insurance.
The main difference is how the treatment is billed. Patients with private insurance will receive an invoice and can submit it to their insurer.
People without health insurance in Austria should also be able to receive urgent medical care, although they may need to pay the costs themselves and claim it back via travel insurance.
READ ALSO: Everything foreigners need to know about the Austrian healthcare system
How to find a pharmacy
If you've been given a prescription or you want to pick up medication, you'll need to visit a pharmacy.
If the doctor or hospital hasn't told you where the nearest open pharmacy is, you can find out which pharmacies are operating by typing your postcode into this page: apothekerkammer.at/apothekensuche.
Useful phrases:
Ich brauche einen Arzt – I need a doctor.
Ich habe starke Schmerzen – I'm in severe pain.
Ich habe seit gestern Fieber – I've had a fever since yesterday.
Beim Wasserlassen habe ich Schmerzen – It hurts to pee.
Ich habe Asthma und brauche einen Inhalator – I have asthma and I need an inhaler.
Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin – I'm allergic to penicillin.
Ich brauche ein Rezept – I need a prescription.
Wo gibt es einen Ärztenotdienst? – Where can I find an on-call doctor?
Welche Apotheke hat Notdienst? – Which pharmacy is on emergency duty?
Brauche ich die Notaufnahme? – Do I need to go to the emergency department?
Ich bin privat versichert – I have private health insurance.
Ich bin bei der ÖGK versichert/Ich bin gesetzlich versichert – I am insured with the ÖGK/I have statutory health insurance.
Comments