In Trouble Abroad: Accidents, Arrest and Lost Documents

An accident, illness, theft or arrest can happen during any trip. This guide explains where to turn, what Austrian statutory health insurance covers abroad and what it does not. The sections on consular assistance apply to Austrian citizens.

In brief

• In the EU, EEA and Switzerland, use the European Health Insurance Card (EKVK) on the back of your e-card.
• No Austrian statutory health insurance provider pays for transporting a sick or injured person home (Rücktransport).
• If your passport is lost, an Austrian representation may issue a temporary passport (Notpass) for your journey home.
• If you are arrested, ask immediately for the Austrian representation to be notified. The representation does not provide legal representation.
• The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) emergency number is available around the clock: +43 501150-4411.

What does the e-card cover abroad?

The available medical treatment depends on the country you are visiting.

EU, EEA and Switzerland

• Use the e-card, with the EKVK on its back.
• Contract doctors and hospitals must accept it and treat you in the same way as local citizens.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia

• Use the EKVK or a foreign health insurance certificate (Auslandskrankenschein).
• You must first present the card to the local insurer, which will issue a local treatment form.

Türkiye

• Only a foreign health insurance certificate can be used.
• The EKVK is not valid there. The certificate must be obtained in time.

All other countries

• There is no agreement.
• You pay first and can submit the bill after returning home.

If the data fields on your card contain asterisks, you do not have a valid EKVK. If your e-card is lost, or you do not have a valid EKVK, you can request a temporary replacement certificate (Bescheinigung) from your insurer. You can also call the e-card customer service (E-Card-Serviceline) on +43 (0) 50 124 3311.

How much can you get back if you paid yourself?

If the card is not accepted, you visit a private doctor or private hospital, or you are in a country without an agreement, ask for a detailed invoice. It must include:

• the type of treatment,
• the extent of the treatment,
• the diagnosis,
• the date of treatment.

In a country without an agreement, you can submit the invoice after returning home under the principles applying to a chosen doctor (Wahlarzthilfe). You can receive a maximum of 80 percent of the amount that the insurer would have paid for a contract doctor. For hospital treatment, if the hospital has no contract and the treatment was necessary, you receive only a nursing cost subsidy (Pflegekostenzuschuss).

In Türkiye and the western Balkan countries covered by an agreement, treatment is provided under local rules. Anything not covered by the agreement must be paid privately.

Accidents abroad: what should you do?

In an accident, the local police and emergency services will generally help. You can find the current emergency numbers in the “Safety and Crime” section. In very serious cases, the Austrian representation should also be notified.

In a road accident, the police record the evidence and give those involved a copy of the accident report. It is also advisable to:

• write down the details of the other party and any witnesses,
• use the European accident statement (Europäischer Unfallbericht),
• carry the green card, even if it is not mandatory in the country concerned,
• photograph the scene and the vehicles.

The costs of rescue, treatment and transport home may be covered by private travel insurance (Reiseversicherung), subject to the policy terms. The ÖAMTC Schutzbrief, the ARBÖ Sicherheitspass and similar products from insurers can help in many emergencies in Europe. Check how long the cover lasts and the maximum service amount.

Arrest abroad

If you are detained, ask immediately for the Austrian representation to be notified. Clearly state who else should be contacted, such as a relative, doctor or employer.

The representation does not provide legal representation in criminal proceedings, but it can help you find a qualified lawyer. The detained person must pay the cost of the defence.

If you are also a citizen of the country where you are being held, in addition to being an Austrian citizen, consular protection is strongly limited because most states do not recognise it in this situation.

Lost or stolen documents

Report the loss or theft at the nearest police station and notify the Austrian representation immediately. Instead of a lost passport or identity card, embassies authorised to issue passports and professional consulates may issue a temporary passport (Notpass). It is valid for a limited period and is intended for returning home or, exceptionally, for urgent travel.

Austrian driving licences and vehicle documents can only be replaced in Austria. The representation can forward an application for a duplicate, but it does not issue a driving licence itself. In some countries, proof of the police report is sufficient for the journey home.

If you run out of money

You can primarily receive money by bank or postal transfer, or through Western Union. If this is not possible, you can place a deposit (Depot) with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs from your own account, or relatives and friends can do so. In a situation that was not your fault, the ministry may also provide a loan. Contact the local representation so that your situation can be assessed.

Crisis situations and emergency contact

Before travelling, register with the BMEIA foreign travel registration service (Auslandsregistrierung) or in the Auslandsservice app. This allows the authorities to contact you during a crisis. If there is no Austrian representation in the country, you can contact the representation of another EU member state.

The alternative BMEIA emergency number is +43 1 90115-4411 and can be called worldwide.

Practical steps before and during your trip

1. Check that your e-card has a valid EKVK and request a temporary replacement certificate (Bescheinigung) if necessary.
2. Arrange private travel insurance and check whether it covers treatment, rescue and transport home.
3. Save the BMEIA emergency numbers: +43 501150-4411 and +43 1 90115-4411.
4. Register with Auslandsregistrierung or the Auslandsservice app before departure.
5. Keep copies of your identity documents, insurance details, green card and important contact details.
6. After an accident, contact the local police and emergency services, collect evidence and request the accident report.
7. After an arrest, ask immediately for the Austrian representation to be notified and request help finding a qualified lawyer.
8. After losing documents, file a police report and contact the Austrian representation immediately.
9. Keep all detailed invoices and medical documents if you had to pay for treatment yourself.

This information is based on sources available online and is not legal, medical or other professional advice. Use it at your own risk. For specialist advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional or another relevant specialist.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at