Thousands of Austrians will soon receive letters from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), informing them about new charges for non-urgent medical transport services.
Between July 21 and July 31, around 90,000 notices will be sent out across the country. While a small portion, about five perce, will be delivered electronically, the vast majority, more than 80,000 letters, will arrive by post, according to Heute.
The letters relate to cost contributions for planned medical transport services used between January and the end of March 2026. These include non-emergency trips, such as regular transport to therapy sessions. Since July 1, 2025, such services are no longer fully covered for ÖGK-insured individuals.
Under the new rules, patients must pay a fixed contribution for these planned journeys. Each trip costs €7.55 without medical staff on board, or €15.10 if a paramedic is required. However, the charges are capped at a maximum of 28 trips per year.
Certain groups are exempt from these fees. Emergency or medically urgent transports remain free of charge, as do services for children and individuals who are exempt from prescription fees.
Billing is carried out on a quarterly basis rather than immediately after each trip. The first set of invoices, covering transport between July and September 2025, was sent at the end of January, followed by another round in March and April. This latest wave marks the next phase in the billing cycle.
Recipients will have 30 days to pay after receiving their invoice. If payment is not made, the ÖGK will first issue a reminder. For outstanding amounts of €151 or more, installment plans are available, allowing patients to spread out payments.
The health insurance fund says the cost-sharing system is designed to ensure that medical transport services remain available for those who truly need them, while also encouraging responsible use of limited healthcare resources.
