Austria’s Social Insurance provides a Leistungserbringersuche (provider search) as an official service. Your e-card is used at contracted providers; private or elective doctors (Wahlarzt) can involve upfront payment and reimbursement rules.
Where do you start?
For ordinary non-emergency health problems, many people start with a general practitioner. Depending on the issue, you may go directly to a specialist or be referred. Check the current arrangements for the provider and your insurer.
Kassenarzt vs Wahlarzt
A contracted doctor (Kassenarzt) has an agreement with social insurance for covered services. A Wahlarzt/private doctor generally bills you directly; reimbursement may be available under separate rules and is not necessarily the full invoice amount.
Using the e-card
At many contracted providers, you present the e-card. If you are newly insured and the physical card has not arrived, Social Insurance states that you can use your social-insurance number while insured.
How to find a provider
Use the official Social Insurance provider search and your health insurer’s services rather than relying only on map reviews. Check specialty, contract status, location, opening hours and whether the practice is accepting new patients.
Urgent or emergency care
This guide is not emergency advice. For urgent symptoms or emergencies, use Austria’s official emergency/medical services rather than waiting for an ordinary appointment.