Around 26,000 people affected

Ukraine displaced persons now without social security

Since March 4, around 26,000 people who have fled to Austria from Ukraine are no longer entitled to statutory health insurance benefits.

(Bild: Patrick Huber)

Around 26,000 Ukrainians living in Austria have no longer been entitled to statutory health insurance benefits since March 4. The regulation that provided them with compulsory insurance free of charge has expired - and will not be extended.

Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, those who fled to Austria were protected by a federal government decree. Now it says: "This regulation is expiring and will not be extended." The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) informs on its website: "As a result, the affected persons (including children) lose their entitlement to benefits from the statutory health insurance (medical services, hospital, remedies, etc.)."

Tolerance period of six weeks
ÖGK tries to help with advice. The website states: "To prevent this from happening, there is a tolerance period of six weeks and various options for taking out insurance."

Who is affected?
A total of around 26,000 people are affected - including children who could also be insured. Above all, it concerns those Ukrainians who do not receive basic income support. The ÖGK assumes that these people have enough money to insure themselves. However, the reality can also be different. For example, the "Krone" is aware of the case of a Ukrainian woman who lost her 25-year-old son at the front. She receives a small amount of support from Ukraine and therefore no basic insurance.

ÖGK gives tips
What can those affected do? ÖGK advises: "This depends on the individual's life situation. Basically, the following applies: In certain cases, such as gainful employment, compulsory insurance automatically exists for the person concerned (by law, without application). If this is not the case, an application can be made for self-insurance (several forms)."

How much does self-insurance cost? "The maximum monthly contribution for voluntary health insurance is: 526.79 euros (as of 2025)", according to the ÖGK. However, it is possible to reduce the contribution. To do so, you must provide proof of your financial circumstances - for example, income tax statements or savings account statements. Students and people in marginal employment also have other options for self-insurance.