Social Insurance

Social Security in Austria

Principles
Social insurance is compulsory in Austria, mainly
financed by contributions. It follows the principle of
solidarity which basically means equal benefits for all
people insured.Social security covers health insurance,
accident insurance, pension insurance administered independently by different social insurance carriers.
The Main Association of Social Security Institutions is responsible for the macroeconomic interests of the social insurance carriers and acts as their representative to foreign organisations.
Unemployment insurance is part of the compulsory social insurance system in Austria but not administered independently. It is administered by the Austrian Employment Service supervised by the Ministry of Economics, Family and Youth.
Family benefits such as child benefit, care benefit, maternity benefit etc. are financed by general taxation thus a non-contributory state support.

Most relevant social insurance carriers for mobile researchers
There are five social insurance carriers in Austria that might be relevant for mobile researchers. There is no free choice of the social insurance carrier - you are automatically registered to the one that fits your appointment conditions. In any case, compulsory social security covers health, accident and pension insurance no matter if a single insurance carrier only covers one of the aforementioned.

Insurance Institution for Public Service Wage and Salary Earners – BVA
The 9 District Health Insurance Funds – GKK
Social Insurance Institution for Trade and Industry – SVA
Pension Insurance Institution – PVA
Accident Insurance Institution - AUVA