ÖGK and Moving Abroad from Austria 2026: Health Cover, EHIC and S1 Form

ÖGK in 2026: when cover ends and what replaces it

The Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) is Austria’s main statutory health insurer, covering roughly 7.2 million residents — almost all employees, pensioners and family-insured dependents who are not covered by SVS (self-employed), BVAEB (civil servants and railway workers) or one of the smaller funds. Cover under §6 ASVG ends automatically when employment ends, when residence in Austria ends, or when you fall below the minor-earnings threshold (Geringfügigkeitsgrenze, €551.10/month in 2026). Mandatory cover ends 28 days after the trigger under the protection period (Schutzfrist) provision.

Two pathways exist for emigrants: continued ÖGK cover via the S1 form for relocations within the EU/EEA/Switzerland, or full termination with private cover purchased in the destination. Choosing wrongly can cost €5,000-15,000 per year in private replacement insurance. The decision must be made before deregistering at the registration office (Meldeamt Abmeldung) — see our Meldeamt deregistration guide for the timing.

S1 form: keeping ÖGK cover while resident abroad in EU/EEA

The S1 form (formerly E106) is issued under EU Regulation 883/2004 and lets you remain insured under ÖGK while residing in another EU/EEA state or Switzerland. Eligibility: you must be a posted worker (entsandter Arbeitnehmer), a cross-border worker (Grenzgänger), an Austrian pensioner relocating to another EU state, or a family member of one of the above. Self-employed retirees and unemployed expats generally do not qualify.

How it works: ÖGK issues the S1, you present it at the destination’s health authority (e.g. CPAM in France, Servizio Sanitario in Italy, Sociale Verzekeringsbank in the Netherlands). You receive a local health card and use the destination’s healthcare system, but the costs are reimbursed by ÖGK back to the local authority. Premiums continue to be paid in Austria — typically deducted from the Austrian pension or salary if cross-border-employed.

EHIC (e-card with EU flag) for short visits

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is the back of your e-card. It covers necessary medical care during temporary stays in EU/EEA countries and Switzerland — holidays, business trips, study abroad up to 6 months. EHIC does not cover relocations or planned medical treatment abroad. After Meldeamt deregistration the EHIC is invalid the next day, even though the physical card may still appear functional.

For students on Erasmus+ (under 6 months): EHIC plus the Austrian e-card remains valid; no S1 needed. For students enrolled in a full degree abroad: EHIC ends with deregistration; either S1 (if dependent on Austrian pensioner family member) or local insurance applies.

Comparison: ÖGK options when emigrating

Selbstversicherung: voluntary continuation if you do not qualify for S1

If you emigrate but cannot get an S1 (typical for self-employed, unemployed, or third-country moves), voluntary self-insurance (Selbstversicherung) under §16 ASVG lets you continue voluntary ÖGK membership for up to 24 months. Premium in 2026: €483.46/month for the standard tariff, providing full ÖGK cover including hospitalisation and family-insurance for dependents. This can serve as a bridge while local insurance is set up abroad, but is rarely competitive long-term.

Eligibility-preservation insurance (Anwartschaftsversicherung) is not formally offered by ÖGK in the way German GKV does, but Austrian private insurers (Uniqa, Generali, Wiener Städtische, Donau, Merkur) offer eligibility options at €40-90/month that preserve the right to switch back to private full cover within 5 years without medical underwriting on return.

Healthcare in your destination: timing and gaps

Most EU/EEA countries require local registration within 4-12 weeks of arrival before granting access to statutory healthcare. Plan for a 30-90 day gap with travel insurance. Recommended providers for Austrians abroad: Allianz Care (€60-200/month), Cigna Global, IMG Global, Bupa Global. Read the pre-existing condition (Vorerkrankungen) clauses carefully — most expat plans wait 6-12 months for chronic conditions.

For UK destination post-Brexit: the EHIC has been replaced by the GHIC (UK-issued for residents) and the Austria-UK bilateral arrangement allows S1 transfer for posted workers and pensioners. New permanent UK residents need to enrol in NHS within 3 months and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year per visa applicant) until permanent residence.

For USA destination: no equivalent exists. Buy comprehensive private insurance before departure (typical: $400-1,500/month for individuals over 40). The ACA marketplace is open only to lawful US residents — your Austrian e-card has no value in the US system.

Family-insured dependents (Mitversicherung)

Family members under §123 ASVG are co-insured through the primary insured. When the primary insured emigrates and switches to S1, dependents are normally covered under the same S1. If the primary remains in Austria but the family moves abroad, the family is co-insured via the primary’s S1 if the destination is EU/EEA. Otherwise, dependents lose ÖGK cover the day after Meldeamt deregistration.

Reactivating ÖGK on return to Austria

If you return to Austria within 5 years and resume employment or self-employment, ÖGK cover is reactivated automatically when the new employer files the registration (Anmeldung) at the social insurance institution (Sozialversicherungsanstalt). The social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) never changes. The 6-month waiting period (Wartezeit) for certain benefits (e.g. maternity benefit, Wochengeld) is waived if previously fulfilled. Pension contributions paid abroad in EU/EEA states are recognised under EU 883/2004 — see our PVA pension guide.

Returning third-country expats face a 6-month waiting period for some benefits but full hospital and outpatient cover starts immediately upon registration at ÖGK. The e-card is reissued within 4-6 weeks; in the meantime the insurance confirmation (Versicherungsbestätigung) serves as proof at clinics and hospitals.