Women’s healthcare in Austria
Women’s Health in Austria
Health care for women in Austria is generally very good. Female life expectancy is 84 years and Austrian women experience about 66 years of (self-perceived) good health.
Because health insurance is mandatory and includes women’s healthcare services, access to quality care is widespread.
Accessing women’s healthcare services in Austria
Fortunately, women’s healthcare in Austria is easy to access. Once you have health insurance, you can choose your own doctor, or ask for a referral if they accept your insurance carrier. Because the system caters to public and private insurance users, you’ll find using women’s healthcare as an efficient process. Read more about the healthcare system in Austria.
Insurance for women’s healthcare in Austria
Austria’s healthcare system relies on compulsory health insurance. As an expat, this will mean that your public health insurance is filtered through your employer. Once registered, women’s healthcare in Austria is available either through your general practitioner or directly through a gynecologist or obstetrician.
The system works smoothly and less than 1% of women report missing medical or dental screening requirements. So, if you are a woman planning to visit healthcare in Austria, you will be in safe hands.
That said, you may be tempted to buy private health insurance, which will enable you to take advantage of shorter waiting times and higher standard wards in hospitals. There are several private health insurance providers healthcare in Austria, all of which are regulated by the Financial Market Authority.
The leading groups are Allianz Care and Cigna Global. Both offer a range of plans to suit all people and situations. Generally, the older you are, the more you will pay. For example, a plan for children under 18 can cost around €30 per month. However, the same plan can cost as much as €450 to €500 per month for someone over 65 years of age. Additional factors include both gender and pre-existing conditions.
European Health Insurance Card
If you are an EU citizen visiting or living in Austria, you have access to the local public health insurance system. This is through your European Health Insurance Card. This card covers any women’s health needs you may have and entitles you to any fee discounts that Austria may have.
Fortunately, Austria is known worldwide for its highly skilled doctors, most of whom are fluent in English. However, you can search specifically for an English (or other foreign language) speaking doctor on Praxisplaine. The site also filters doctors by specialty and overall services. In addition, the U.S. in Austria The embassy provides a list of English-speaking doctors in Vienna.
Gynecologists in Austria
Fortunately for female expats, general health insurance covers gynecological services, so whether you need an annual exam or something more specialized, your gynecological needs should be met. You can choose your own gynecologist – just make sure they accept your insurance. Once you find someone you like, you will need to register with that office so that your services and insurance process goes through them.
Be aware that office specifications — whether they accept drop-in appointments or house calls — will vary. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of gynecologist you will choose before starting your search.
Female contraception in Austria
Birth control options
Birth control is common throughout Austria. Popular methods include birth control pills, shots, patches, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and male condoms. Condoms are widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores, but other methods, such as birth control pills, require a doctor’s prescription.
Contraceptive costs vary but are usually around €20 to €30 for birth control pills and €200 to €500 for devices and implants. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Morning after pill
Emergency contraception, which is taken after unprotected or suspected unprotected sex, is widely available in Austria. You do not need a doctor’s prescription and you can find them in most pharmacies, however, they may be stored behind the pharmacist counter rather than on the shelves. Unfortunately, insurance won’t cover the cost, so you’ll need to pay for it out of pocket. That said, the price should not exceed €35.
Maternity care services in Austria
healthcare in Austria is a comfortable place to experience pregnancy, partly because maternity care services are efficient and thorough. Once you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll want to start seeing a gynecologist or obstetrician right away. However, legally, you must go before the 14th week of pregnancy to be eligible for all the benefits offered by your health insurance for the duration of your pregnancy.
You’ll get a Mother-Kind-Pass, also known as a ‘Mookie’ Pass, to track all the procedures and vaccinations your child needs until they turn five. Your doctor will also give you the necessary documents to get your 16 weeks maternity leave. As your due date approaches, you’ll also have access to a midwife to help calm your fears and bring your birth plan to life – no pun intended.
Breastfeeding in Austria
Breastfeeding is a personal choice and one that varies by mother and circumstances. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first six months to two years. healthcare in Austria, many women breastfeed, although by the sixth month, the exclusive breastfeeding rate is only 10%.
Most hospitals and midwives offer prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding services for those interested in short- or long-term breastfeeding. If you are looking for breastfeeding support, visit the Vienna Family Network. You can also read our article about opinions on breastfeeding around the world.
Related: Best Sexual and reproductive health in Austria 2022
Fertility treatment in Austria
Foreigners seeking fertility treatment will be pleased to know that the healthcare in Austrian system is quite liberal. If you have Austrian insurance and meet certain other requirements, you can use IVF funds. These funds will pay up to 70% of the cost of in-vitro fertilization if you have public insurance. If you have private insurance, the amount covered depends on your insurance provider and policy. When you’re researching, keep in mind that the German word for fertility clinic is Kinderwunschklinik. The best place to start your journey is with your gynecologist, who can recommend next steps
Abortion in Austria
Abortion laws in Austria
Since 1975, abortion has been legal healthcare in Austria and is part of the provision of healthcare for women in the country. This procedure can be done before the 16th week of pregnancy after consulting a doctor and getting your bloodwork done. You do not need to provide any justification or seek any counseling in advance. After this period, abortion is permitted only under certain circumstances; For example, where it is necessary to avoid a serious risk to the life or medical or mental health of a pregnant woman.
Getting an abortion in Austria
Unlike many Western European countries, public insurance does not cover abortion, unless there is a medical reason for it; Otherwise, the payment will have to be covered out of pocket. Interestingly, because it does not go through insurance, abortion is accessible to anyone who can afford it, regardless of insurance, immigration, or other status. You do not need to have an existing relationship with the provider and can go to a private clinic or hospital that offers the procedure. Costs usually run between €500 and €600.
Menopause in Austria
Menopause is different for every woman and any treatment should reflect that. So, if you’re starting to experience menopause symptoms, your gynecologist is the best place to start. They can advise you on what is normal or abnormal, what treatments are available, and help you sort through your options.
Your insurance will likely cover your visit to the doctor, but any alternative methods, such as homeopathy, may or may not be fully covered depending on your insurance. With this in mind, be sure to check your specific entitlements with your insurance company.
Cancer screening in Austria
Cancer screening is an important part of women’s health care in Austria. About 40,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the country. For women, the most common form is breast cancer which, when caught early, is often not life-threatening. Because of this, cancer screening is a priority for the Austrian government.
How to check for cervical cancer
Getting a Pap smear, which screens for cervical cancer, is fairly easy healthcare in Austria. Your gynecologist will perform the screening in their office, and these routine screenings are covered by your health insurance as part of your preventive care. You should check with your doctor to see how often you should be screened; This will vary depending on your age and health history.
How to check for breast cancer
Screening for breast cancer will also be done by your gynecologist who will advise you on the ideal frequency of screening for your demographic. Screening may take the form of a clinical breast exam, mammogram or, in some cases, an MRI. These procedures, when medically advised, are covered by insurance. In 2014, the healthcare in Austrian government launched a targeted breast cancer screening program to help women aged 45 to 69 years with early detection.
How to screen for ovarian cancer
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer symptoms can be difficult to detect. That’s why it’s important to have honest and regular conversations with your gynecologist. With this in mind, if you notice any strange changes in your body, they will be able to advise you. Insurance will cover the cost of examination and treatment. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or are simply concerned, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Sexual health in Austria
Good sexual health and practices are widely promoted throughout healthcare in Austria, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations such as young people, migrants and people with disabilities. Testing for sexually transmitted infections can be done with your general practitioner or at clinics and labs across the country. However, you may need a referral letter from your doctor to access the latter. Insurance will cover the cost of testing if you have symptoms or suspect an infection based on your sexual behavior.
Availability and cost of feminine hygiene products
Feminine hygiene products can be easily found in pharmacies, grocery stores and specialty stores throughout healthcare in Austria. These include sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear and more. Generally speaking, costs can range from €3 to €40 depending on the product. Unfortunately, feminine hygiene products are not tax-free in Austria.
Women’s mental health services in Austria
Mental health provision healthcare in Austria is usually carried out by medical and psychiatric providers.
If you’re looking for female-focused help, such as postpartum or menopausal help, your best bet is to get referrals from your doctor or gynecologist. Also, be sure to tap into your expat networks as they are usually very helpful when it comes to recommendations.
Services dealing with eating disorders in Austria
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder and ready to get help, it’s best to start with your doctor. They can recommend treatment options based on your specific situation. And, if you’re looking for support groups in your area, you can visit this helpful website. You may also find useful information on the Eating Disorders Network.
Services dealing with abuse and violence against women in Austria
Unfortunately, domestic violence and partner abuse can happen anywhere in the world. If you consider yourself a victim and feel comfortable contacting the police, you can do so on 133 or 112. You can also call the free, 24-hour women’s helpline on 0800/222 555. The police have the power to evict a party deemed in danger. . From a shared house (even if they are the owner) for at least two weeks, a time frame that can be extended. Once you are protected, you can proceed to court if you choose.
For more information about your rights and procedures, as well as counseling centers and shelters, you can visit this helpful website. You can also explore the following resources: