Health in Austria: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

No special vaccines are required for Austria. Bring your standard immunisations, keep COVID‑19 boosters current, and add hepatitis A only for long rural trips. Tap water is potable, and travel insurance is advisable.

Austria does not mandate entry vaccines. The most common recommendation is to be up‑to‑date with routine shots (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella) as per your home country's schedule. COVID‑19 vaccination, including the latest booster, is advised for all visitors. Hepatitis A vaccination is optional and useful if you plan to stay more than a month in remote areas, camp, or eat food from informal vendors.

Municipal tap water meets EU standards and is safe to drink across Austria. Bottled water is widely available if you prefer. Food hygiene is high in restaurants and supermarkets; street‑food vendors are uncommon, but basic precautions (hot food, clean surfaces) are sensible.

Austria has a well‑developed healthcare system. EU/EEA citizens can use their EHIC/GHIC card for public services, but private facilities may charge fees. Non‑EU travellers should have travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation. Costs for private care can be high (≈ €150‑200 per day for a standard hospital stay).