Preventive health care is a cornerstone of Austria’s health system, and residents with compulsory health insurance can access a comprehensive program of free medical checkups. These annual health screenings can help detect chronic diseases at an early stage, minimise risk factors, and improve long-term health outcomes.
For those living in Vienna, the city’s state-of-the-art health centre provides a convenient way to take advantage of this national service.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting your checkup, what to expect, and how it can benefit your health.
Who can get a checkup?
The programme is available to all residents of Austria aged 18 and older with compulsory health insurance. There are special checkups for teenagers who are already working (such as apprentices insured with ÖGK).
These preventive checkups are free of charge and can be scheduled once a year.
To participate, you’ll need to bring your e-card, Austria’s health insurance card, to each appointment.
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Why is it important?
Austria’s emphasis on preventive health care has been credited with improving life expectancy over the past few decades.
When the scheme launched in 1974, life expectancy for women was 75 years, and for men, it was 67 years. Today, those figures have risen to 82 and 75 years respectively.
Early detection of conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer, two leading causes of death in Austria, play a vital role in this success. For example, cervical cancer deaths have decreased by 50 percent in the past two decades thanks to routine screenings.
Early treatment of high blood pressure has also contributed to a 45 percent drop in stroke-related deaths since 1980.
What does the process involve?
The free checkup is divided into two appointments to ensure thorough evaluations. In the first appointment, your blood and urine will be collected for tests to assess metabolic status, kidney and liver function and potential inflammation.
You’ll schedule a follow-up appointment for additional tests and a doctor’s consultation at the end of this visit.
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The second appointment includes a series of physical and diagnostic tests, such as a hearing test (audiometry), an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart function, spirometry to measure lung capacity and airway health, blood pressure measurement, a complete internal examination, including skin, lymph nodes, and abdominal checks, lifestyle counselling based on your results
The new medical centre also includes spinal tests, which check for spinal stress, flexibility, and strength.
Depending on your findings, the doctor may recommend further tests or refer you to a specialist for more detailed evaluations.
While the general checkup covers many evaluations, Vienna’s healthcare professionals also suggest follow-up consultations with specialists. These include annual visits to gynaecologists, dermatologists, or ophthalmologists, free under Austria’s health insurance system. Teenagers and the elderly have specific health programmes tailored to their needs.
What if I don’t want specific tests?
Participation is entirely flexible. You can choose to skip any specific tests you’re not comfortable with. Additionally, the data collected during your checkup is secure and treated confidentially.
What about language barriers?
While there’s no guarantee that doctors at the health centre will speak English, many do. When making your appointment, it’s advisable to ask if this is a concern.
How do I book an appointment?
Examinations are available by appointment only.
You can book by contacting the health care centre of the health service (MA 15) or by calling health centres affiliated with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).
Private practitioners with health insurance contracts for preventive screenings also offer some services.
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If you want to visit the health care centre, which is located on Erdbergstrasse 135, you can make an appointment by telephone (+ 43 1 4000-87600) from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or via an online contact form.
However, this being Austria - we’ve found that the contact form serves only for them to reach you via telephone then in order to schedule an appointment. So, we recommend that you go ahead and call them directly.
The second appointment is scheduled at the centre after the blood sample has been taken.
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