Health insurance for Ukrainians officially ends in Austria
In Austria, the mandatory health insurance for refugees from Ukraine ended at the end of May, according to the previously scheduled plan. However, the effects of this measure will not be immediate, as a grace period of six weeks has been announced, ending on July 12, during which Ukrainians will continue to receive medical care services such as doctor visits and medications.
In this transitional phase, those affected will need to look for a way to obtain permanent health insurance, either by getting a job subject to social insurance or by enrolling in voluntary health insurance.
It is worth noting that a large number of Ukrainian refugees are not affected by the end of insurance, as those receiving basic assistance (Grundversorgung) remain covered by health insurance. By the beginning of May, the number of these individuals was around 35,000. Additionally, Ukrainians currently working in Austria are also covered by health insurance. Basic assistance is granted to those who cannot secure their own living needs or those of their families or do not receive sufficient support from other sources.
The grace period includes all necessary medical treatments in daily life, including dental treatments and hospital stays. Exemptions from prescription fees and other out-of-pocket costs will remain in effect until July 12, after which these privileges will also end.
On the other hand, additional deadlines related to Ukrainians will end later. Child care allowances will stop at the end of October, as will family support (Familienbeihilfe). The Austrian government has announced its intention to amend the eligibility criteria in order to integrate a larger number of Ukrainians into the labor market.