My
Gastein
experience
Accomodations
Events
Webcams
E5B24330-4FCC-4F04-A9DA-B164957ADE7C Created with sketchtool.
8°C/46°F
Tickets

The path to a Gastein cure - applying for a cure in Austria

Anyone wishing to take a cure in Austria usually first applies for a cure via their family doctor or specialist. Applications are often submitted via orthopaedists or rheumatologists, as many spa stays are recommended for musculoskeletal disorders.

The doctor provides medical justification as to why a cure makes sense. The social insurance company then reviews the application , usually within two to six weeks, and decides whether to approve a spa stay.

The most important things at a glance

Spa stays in Austria

 

  • Cure application is usually submitted via a general practitioner or specialist
  • Decision is made by the social insurance company
  • Usually 2 spa stays within 5 years
  • Processing time usually 2 to 6 weeks
  • Alternatives: spa cost subsidy or outpatient therapies

Who is entitled to a cure in Austria?

Persons insured under the Austrian social insurance system are generally entitled to a cure if there is a medical need.

 

The prerequisite is that the doctor confirms that a cure can

 

  • can improve health
  • alleviates complaints
  • prevents a worsening of the illness
  • or restores the ability to work

 

Typical reasons for a cure are , for example

 

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
  • rheumatic diseases
  • chronic pain
  • orthopaedic complaints
  • Rehabilitation after illness

 

Applications for a cure or rehabilitation are usually submitted by general practitioners or specialists and then submitted to the relevant social insurance company.

Applying for a cure: How to apply for a spa treatment in Austria

The spa treatment applicationin Austria is usually submitted via the family doctor or specialist. The doctor prepares the application with medical justification and forwards it to the responsible social insurance company. There it is checked whether an inpatient spa stay, a spa cost subsidy or outpatient therapies are approved.

 

Contractual facilities for inpatient spa stays exist in Austria with the following social insurance institutions:

  • Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK)
  • Social insurance for the self-employed (SVS)
  • Pension Insurance Institution (PVA)
  • BVAEB
  • KFA

How often can I apply for a spa stay?

As a rule, inpatient treatment can be approved twice within five years.

 

Between these stays, insured persons can also

  • apply for a spa cost subsidy or
  • take advantage of therapies on prescription

 

This means that some of the Gastein remedies can also be used annually if a medical prescription is available.

How long does it take for a cure application to be approved?

Once the application has been submitted, the social insurance company will check the medical and organizational aspects of the application. In most cases, processing takes between two and six weeks. The exact duration depends on the respective insurance provider and the medical justification.

Once the application has been approved, the social insurance company organizes the spa stay or confirms the entitlement to a subsidy.

What forms of spa approval are available?

Depending on the medical situation and the decision of the social insurance company, there are different forms of spa approval.

Inpatient treatment

In the case of inpatient treatment, social insurance will organize a stay at a suitable facility.

 

Costs

  • Most of the costs are covered by social insurance.
  • An income-related deductible may apply.

Organization

  • Organized by the social insurance.
  • The cure takes place in an inpatient spa facility.
  • An appointment is suggested by the facility.
  • This form corresponds to the classic approved cure via the health insurance fund.

Spa cost subsidy

With the spa cost subsidy, insured persons receive financial support for a self-organized stay at a spa.

 

Costs

  • Social insurance pays a subsidy towards the cost of the cure.
  • The amount of the subsidy varies depending on the insurance provider.
  • In most cases, the costs are first paid by the insured person and then partially reimbursed.

Organization

  • Accommodation and dates can be freely chosen.
  • The spa stay is organized individually.

 

This option offers more flexibility in planning.

Prescription certificate for therapies

Another option is outpatient therapy on prescription.

 

Costs

  • The prescribed therapies are settled directly with social insurance contract partners.

Organization

  • The general practitioner or specialist issues the prescription.
  • The therapy is approved by the head physician.
  • In some cases, approval can also be given directly on site.

 

This form enables the use of spa services without an inpatient stay.