ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) letter explained in English
Health insurance. The public health insurance for most employees. Your e-card comes from your social insurance.
Letters you may get
- Versicherungsbestätigung — proof that you are insured
- Beitragsvorschreibung — what you must pay, for example for self-insurance
- Krankengeld — money while you are ill and can’t work
What to do
- Your e-card is your insurance card. Bring it to every doctor’s visit.
- If you work, your employer must register you. If a letter says you are not insured, contact them quickly.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Beschwerde”, “Vorstellung”, “Einspruch”, “Beschwerde”). See the template.
Words you may see
- e-card
- Your health insurance card. Bring it to every doctor’s visit.
Questions
What is the ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse)?
Health insurance. The public health insurance for most employees. Your e-card comes from your social insurance.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb” — they mark the deadline. In Austria, an official letter sent by normal post usually counts as delivered on the 3rd working day after it was posted. A registered letter (RSa or RSb) counts as delivered on the day you get it — or, if you were not home, usually on the first day you can pick it up at the post office. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Beschwerde”, “Vorstellung”, “Einspruch”, “Beschwerde”).
Can I read a ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Austria
Finanzamt Österreich · Familienbeihilfe (Finanzamt Österreich) · AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) · Magistrat / Bezirkshauptmannschaft · MA 35 / Niederlassungsbehörde · Meldeamt / Meldeservice · SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen) · Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA)