How can I get Schengen travel Insurance for Austria?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 10/21/2025

Austria receives over 40 million international visitors each year. And there are plenty of reasons why. Along with being the home of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Freud, and Schwarzenegger, the country also boasts both the oldest still-operating restaurant and oldest zoo in Europe. Then there’s its snow-capped Alps, crystal-clear lakes, charming little villages, and a stunning mix of Baroque and modern architecture. Plus world-class wining and dining, vibrantly diverse arts and culture scenes, and some of Europe’s best coffee.

But whether you're hiking the Tyrolean mountains, savoring a slice of Sachertorte (i.e., not just any chocolate cake), or anything in between, you’ll want to make sure your journey is a safe one. Especially if you happen to need a Schengen visa (since ensuring your trip is one of the mandatory requirements). That’s why AXA has everything you need to know about travel insurance for Austria below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Austria?
• What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Austria?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Austria?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Austria?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Austria
• A few more practical tips for prepping your trip to Austria

Is travel insurance mandatory for Austria?

Whether or not travel insurance is mandatory for your trip to Austria depends on a few factors. But mainly, on where exactly you’re coming from.

Because along with having one of the world’s oldest flags, Austria also happens to be one of Europe’s many European Union and Schengen countries. As such, it requires that most travelers from non-EU countries apply for a Schengen visa to visit.

Meanwhile, one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements is that all applicants have the proper Schengen travel insurance. So just in case, here’s a quick breakdown:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Austria (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You’re good for Austria (and the rest of the Schengen/EU) for up to three months* visa-free if you are:

• A national of the Schengen area or the EU;
• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country;
• A national of a non-Schengen European Union member country (i.e., Cyprus or Ireland);
• A national of a non-EU country (and/or territory) that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. are among the most popular of these 60+ nations, for example.

*BONUS PRO-TIP: AXA can also help you understand the Schengen visa 90/180-day rule - which can often be confusing to travelers - in no time!

Who needs a Schengen visa for Austria?

Travelers who do need that visa, meanwhile, are generally nationals of a country that has not signed that visa waiver agreement with the EU. And this includes over a hundred nations total - among them China, India, Russia, any African nation, and most of the Middle East.

Fortunately, the European Commission provides full lists of all countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen.

PRO-TIPS: And, of course, Schengen visa and insurance pros AXA can also help you answer all of the following too:

And last but not least - if you do need that visa, to make your Austrian travels (and life in general) that much easier, we even have a comprehensive step-by-step guide on:

So explore!

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted an Austrian Schengen visa?

Now, for the Austrian Schengen authorities to accept your visa application, you’re first going to need a solid travel insurance plan - and one that meets a certain set of criteria.

What criteria, you ask? Well, according to the European Commission, your Schengen visa travel insurance must:

• be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
• have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation — including in case of death);
• cover you in all the Schengen member countries (and not just Italia)
• be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

The good news? All of AXA’s plans (see below) meet all the criteria above - and then some!

PRO-TIP: And for the more geeky and/or curious travelers among us, we’ve got more deets about all the specific travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa - such as the calculations and reasons behind them, their origins, official sources, and more.

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

Meanwhile, if you’re lucky enough to visit Austria visa-free, being insured is not necessarily necessary per se. However, some affordable, top-notch, comprehensive travel insurance is still a smart choice.

Because even though Austria is generally considered one of the safest countries in Europe, any trip abroad entails the unexpected. And whether you’re hiking the Alps, exploring Vienna's grand palaces, or just sipping on some coffee, accidents can happen.

If they do, navigating the Austrian healthcare system can be tricky, time-consuming, or even downright frustrating. Especially if you don’t speak German, are faced with high medical costs, wait times, and so on.

On the other hand, whether you're on a big city tour, hitting the slopes, or just relaxing in the lush Austrian countryside, comprehensive travel insurance gives you both security and peace of mind. And the right plan provides immediate, comprehensive, 24/7 support if you need assistance in an emergency or face any unexpected travel disruptions.

In short, while you may not need it for a visa, having the right insurance ensures your and your family’s Austrian adventure stays stress-free from start to finish.

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Austria?

And that’s where AXA comes in. After all, there are countless reasons why our one-of-a-kind Schengen travel insurance plans are chosen by millions of travelers the world over, with those going to Austria being no exception. Among them are that they:

• Have no age limit, have zero deductibles, and require no medical exams


• Meet all the criteria required by the Schengen/EU for being granted a Schengen visa for Austria (and beyond)


• Are accepted by all Austrian (and other Schengen) embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide


• Offer a fast and easy online subscription


• Provide a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate instantly (via email)


• Are valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (see plan options below)


• Offer a full refund in case your Schengen visa application is denied


• Offer coverage of medical and repatriation costs of up to €2 Million


• Include civil liability and personal liability insurance


• Include death and disability coverage


• Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional - depending on the plan)


• Offer multiple upgrade options (thus making them fully customizable to your specific travel needs)


• Offer flexibility in terms of time and money - that is, with coverage options for just one day, up to six months, or an entire year


• Provide 24/7 emergency assistance


• Offer free remote medical consultation - in English and a number of other languages - with AXA’s unique Doctor, Please! feature


• Can be purchased on behalf of someone else

Not to mention that with AXA by your side, you have the peace of mind and confidence that comes with knowing you’re supported by an expert, decades-trusted, world-recognized Schengen travel insurance brand. Meaning that you’re guaranteed to be in good hands from your Austrian Schengen visa interview to your flight home!

What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Austria?

So without further ado, here’s just a quick overview of the coverage options AXA has to offer you for your Austrian adventure (a quick one - meaning don’t hesitate to click around and learn more about each plan):

• AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our simplest, standard coverage meets all the requirements for your Schengen visa and covers you in all Schengen countries + 4 European microstates (i.e., San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).


• AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: this one also meets all Schengen visa requirements but offers reliable, complete, and still affordable European coverage - all while covering you in all Schengen countries, all EU countries, the European microstates above - and the UK!


• AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: as its names suggest, our premium, all-inclusive, zero-stress, and zero-worry coverage. Providing countless benefits while also meeting all Schengen visa requirements, PREMIUM also covers you in all Schengen and EU countries, all the European microstates, and the UK.


• AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: and our annual plan also meets all Schengen visa requirements while providing countless benefits and coverage across all Schengen countries, EU countries, the microstates, and the UK. But perhaps its main advantage is that it offers a single contract for a full year of European travel - thus making it perfect for holders of (or applicants for) multiple-entry Schengen visas and/or frequent travelers to Europe.

What to do if injured or ill while in Austria

And in case something does go wrong once you’re there, remember that AXA's got your back.

Just contact our AXA call center (via the number provided with your insurance policy) and our medical professionals are there to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or help you find the nearest medical facility — 24/7, seven days a week.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

List of Emergency Numbers in Austria

• General emergency (for both Austria and all of the EU): 112
• Police: 133
• Fire Brigade: 122.
• Ambulance 144.
• Medical Emergency Number: 141.

More practical tips for prepping your trip to Austria

And, finally, to make sure you don’t skip a beat when in the musical center of Europe, here’s some more helpful info for Austria:

Security

Austria is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with a crime rate significantly lower than the EU average. Nevertheless, standard precautions should still be observed — especially in busy tourist areas like central Vienna.

PRO-TIP: For the latest safety tips and crime reports, check the Austrian Ministry of the Interior’s website.

Public Transport

Austria’s public transport is reliable, efficient, and extensive. ÖBB trains and buses connect major cities, and — in Vienna — the Wiener Linien offers easy-to-use trams, buses, and subways.

Driving License

EU/EEA licenses are valid in Austria. Non-EU travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license. For driving laws and tips, you can visit the Austrian Road Safety Council.

Weather

The winters are cold (but ideal for skiing) and summers — mild, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C in cities. So pack accordingly.

PRO-TIP: For the latest forecasts, you can visit Austria’s ZAMG website.

Opening hours

Shops typically open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday-Friday) and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Most businesses are closed on Sundays — with exceptions at transport hubs and touristy areas.

Restaurants

Austria is famous for its hearty cuisine — from Wiener Schnitzel to Sachertorte and everything in between. Locals tend to eat lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. But, again, the tourist spots will be more flexible. Oh, and tipping 5-10% is appreciated.

Currency

Austria uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted — but it's always handy to carry some cash for smaller purchases, and especially in rural areas. ATMs are plentiful though, and currency exchange services are available at major airports, train stations, banks, and so on.

FINAL PRO-TIP: For further travel advice, you can check out Austria's official tourism website.

And on that note, AXA wishes you a very safe travels — and hopes we can help you enjoy the Lebensgefühl once you’re there!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How can I choose the best Schengen travel insurance for my trip?
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• Safety tips for traveling to Europe

FAQ

Does a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover Austria?

Yes, the EHIC covers necessary healthcare in Austria for EU/EEA and Swiss residents. However, the card only covers care received through public healthcare services (i.e., not private ones), may not cover all costs involved, and does not cover medical repatriation or expenses in the event of death. So, additional travel insurance is highly recommended.

Can I take out Schengen travel health insurance for someone else?

Yes. AXA allows you to purchase a travel insurance plan on behalf of guests and/or loved ones. You’ll simply be asked to provide their personal info (such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary).

Can I work or study in Austria with a tourist Schengen visa?

No. A tourist (aka Type C or “short-stay”) Schengen visa allows you to visit for vacation, a short business trip, or to see family. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re in Austria.