Do I need travel insurance for Austria?
Planning a city break to Vienna or Salzburg, or skiing in Saalbach or Soelden? Whatever your destination in the Alpine nation, you’ll need to think about travel insurance.
The right policy should give you peace of mind in case of loss, theft or cancellation – as well as covering you for accidents in town or on the slopes.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
How much is travel insurance for Austria?
If you’re travelling to Austria, you’ll need a European travel insurance policy.
The cost of your policy can depend on a number of things – for example:
If you have a medical condition
What sports and activities you plan to do
The level of cover you need
Costs can vary among insurance providers but, generally speaking, you’re likely to pay less for a policy that covers a weekend break to Salzburg than a skiing holiday in Kitzbühel.
Top tip
If you’re planning a family holiday to Austria, family travel insurance could offer better value than individual policies. A single policy covers the whole family, and some providers offer freebies like extra cover or free cover for children.
What will travel insurance for Austria cover?
When looking for travel cover for your holiday in Austria, consider a policy that includes:
Medical treatment – offers cover for an accident or illness while you’re away. Some policies also include cover for repatriation back to the UK, if it’s necessary for your treatment. A good travel insurance policy for Europe should provide medical expenses cover for at least £1 million.
Cancellation cover – this could reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip. Check the terms and conditions to see exactly what’s covered and make sure your level of cover is enough to pay for your trip.
Flight cancellations – and check whether your policy covers missed connections.
Damage, loss or theft – to cover your passport being stolen or your luggage going missing, for example. Baggage cover limits are usually around £1,500. Remember to check the single item limit, which is the maximum your insurance provider will pay out for one item.
What won’t Austria travel insurance cover?
While it’s important to check what your policy covers, it’s equally important to check what it doesn’t. Typical exclusions are:
Injuries or accidents that happened while you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Injuries or accidents caused by activities or sports that aren’t covered by your policy.
Pre-existing medical conditions unless they’ve been declared to your insurance provider.
Natural disasters and terrorism – your policy might include some limited cover for these events, but it’s important to check.
Read more on things travel insurance will typically cover, and things it won’t.
What else should I consider when I choose travel insurance for Austria?
The Austrian Alps cover around 60% of the country, so it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination for lovers of adventure sports. Check that every activity you plan to do is covered by your policy. If it isn’t, you may be able to add cover for an additional cost. If not, you might have to look for a specialist policy.
If you’re heading to an Austrian ski resort, winter sports insurance can provide extra protection, such as cover for losing your lift pass or your skiing being disrupted because of piste closure.
Austria may not have a coastline, but it has some amazing rivers. White-water rafting is a popular activity on the Tirol River, so if you’re game for an adventure, consider water sports cover.
Do I need a visa to go to Austria?
If you’re travelling on a British or EU passport, you won’t need a visa to travel to Austria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be less than 10 years old and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave to return to the UK.
When travelling to Austria after the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025, UK visitors may need to register their biometric details – fingerprints and a photo – upon entry.
The EES is replacing the current practice of having passports manually stamped at EU borders. However, the system is being phased in over six months so you might notice the changes immediately.
From late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will also come into force. The new rules will mean UK passport holders must complete an online application, providing personal details and paying a €20 fee, before entering Austria or any other country in the Schengen region.
Is my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid in Austria?
As the UK has left the EU, you can no longer apply for an EHIC. But if you have one already, issued before the end of 2020, it will still be valid until the expiry date.
The EHIC has been replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card, which works in the same way. UK residents will be entitled to the same state medical care as Austrian nationals.
Just be aware that the GHIC, like the EHIC, may not cover all of your needs and is not a substitute for travel insurance. A GHIC won’t pay for repatriation back to the UK, for example, or cover baggage loss and cancellations.
If you don’t have an EHIC, or once yours expires, you can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website. It should arrive within 10 days.
Any other tips for trips to Austria?
Here’s a few things to be aware of to help you enjoy your trip:
Opening hours: across much of Austria, opening hours hark back to old-fashioned Catholic traditions. Most small shops close at 6pm Monday to Saturday and stay closed on Sundays.
Tipping: if you’re happy with your service, 10% is the standard tip for waiting staff and taxi drivers in Austria.
Public transport: Austrian cities are well connected by both bus and tram services. Vienna also has a Metro or ‘U-Bahn’ that links to all the major attractions.
Language: while German is the official language of Austria, English is widely spoken, especially in the big cities and ski resorts.
Where can I compare travel insurance quotes for Austria?
The right travel insurance will give you peace of mind on your holiday to Austria. Start comparing travel insurance today to help find cover that’s right for you.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
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