The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) has rolled out several benefit cuts and higher out-of-pocket costs, leaving many patients facing steeper bills. Approved quietly at the end of February 2026, some changes kicked in as early as March 1, while others start in May. The ÖGK website still has little to say about them, sparking frustration over poor communication.
One painful hit comes to sick pay for families. Until now, people caring for dependents got a 10 percent supplement to their sickness benefit from the 43rd day of leave. That extra support vanished on March 1. Single earners and solo parents, already stretched thin during long illnesses, will feel this the hardest, receiving noticeably less money when they need it most.
Dental care takes another blow. Starting May 1, the co-payment for essential dentures and prosthetics jumps from 25 to 30 percent. On a €5,000 treatment, that’s about €250 more coming straight from patients’ pockets, a real sting for households already dealing with rising costs.
Ambulance and transport rules have tightened too. Coverage now demands solid medical proof of being unable to walk. No more approvals just because public transport isn’t an option or no one can accompany you. While aimed at curbing unnecessary rides, this could make life tougher for people in rural areas or with limited mobility.
Orthodontics faces restrictions as well: two diagnoses dropped from coverage, and subsidies for some non-contracted services gone. Getting full funding for braces through the system may now be much harder for families.
For very long sick leaves, an extra mandatory medical check between weeks 63 and 67 has been added before extended benefits continue.
The Greens slammed the moves as sneaky pocket picking, with spokesperson Ralph Schallmeiner calling out the lack of public notice and accusing the ÖGK, backed by SPÖ Health Minister Korinna Schumann, of hypocrisy while preaching against a two-tier health system.
ÖGK blames ongoing financial pressure, even though the deficit forecast improved from €1 billion to roughly half that. Officials say changes are being rolled out step by step with notifications to affected parties.
These shifts highlight tough balancing in Austria’s health system but for many, they mean less support and more personal expense at difficult times.
