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Vienna introduces coronavirus testing for people without health insurance

The Local Austria
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Vienna introduces coronavirus testing for people without health insurance
A testing centre in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Austria's extensive coronavirus testing scheme will now also be available to people without health insurance.

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Even if people do not have an e-card - Austria's health insurance ID card - they can get a free rapid antigen test, city councillor for health Peter Hacker told Austria's ORF news outlet on Monday. 

The free testing is available immediately. 

There are an estimated 30,000 people with no health insurance living in Austria, most of whom live in Vienna. 

 

EXPLAINED: What is Austria's e-card? Everything you need to know 

The coronavirus pandemic is causing the number of uninsured people to rise, experts have warned. People without insurance may include homeless people, refugees, asylum seekers and the destitute.

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Due to the fact that they are not insured, they do not have an e-card and as a result have no access to the health system.

UPDATED: Where can I get tested for coronavirus in Vienna?

Austria has also made it possible for for people without health insurance to access free healthcare.

This is available at institutions such as Ambermed in Liesing, the Order Hospitals in Vienna or the Neunerhaus in Margareten.

 

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