The safeguard of health is guaranteed by law and of high priority in Austria. High demands on quality and continuous controls by the national healthcare department make Austria’s healthcare system one of the best worldwide. Patient security, structural quality, risk management as well as training and skill enhancement of medical staff form the center of gravity of this quality related strategy.

A cornerstone of the Austrian healthcare system is the equal access to medical services, regardless oft he patient’s age, origin or social standing. Austrian citizens have compulsory health insurance, while foreigners pay for themselves. Treatment can be recieved in either an inpatient or outpatient basis or in one of the numerous private medical practices. The treatment is either done stationary, ambulant or in one of the numerous ordinations.

Most stationary patients are treated in public hospitals, a small amount of them in private clinics. In both cases, the achieved quality standard is very high. Self-paying patients enjoy additional privileges, such as the free selection of attending personnel, exclusive care and a shorter wait for appointments.

All in all there are approximately 265 Hospitals, over 900 walk-in clinics, 70 rehabilitation centers, 800 retirement homes, 30 geriatric centers and 9 hospices. Everything for the welfare of the people.