ÖGK savings program: higher e-card fees and new rules for patients!

ÖGK savings program: higher e-card fees and new rules for patients!

Weihburggasse 10-12, 1010 Wien, Österreich - The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) has announced that the fee for the E-Card is almost doubled. From November 15, 2025, insured persons have to pay an annual service fee of 14.65 euros for the E-Card. This amount results from an upgrading of the earlier remuneration of 13.80 euros, which was increased by 6.3%. The fee concerns both employees as well as specific groups such as apprentices and recipients of holiday replacement benefits. For some groups of people, such as minor employees or recipients with a pension scheme before April 1st of the following calendar year, no service fee is charged.

In addition, a new e-card fee for pensioners will also be introduced from 2025. This is done in the context of a more comprehensive savings program, which is further reinforced by 5.1% to 6% by raising health insurance contributions. Together, these measures are intended to increase the financial means of the ÖGK.

press conference for saving in healthcare

On May 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., the Austrian Medical Association invites you to a press conference entitled "The ÖGK savings program from a patient perspective". The event location is the Austrian Medical Association, Saal 4 in Weihburggasse 10-12 in Vienna. Registration for the press conference is necessary to participate. This Initiative is intended to focus on the perspective of the patients.

In the course of the savings program, it is also recommended that doctors prescribe fewer MR/CT scans and physiotherapy units. This is part of a broad strategy to control health costs and increase efficiency in the system.

Details about the e-card and their use

The e-card, which is usually valid for time, should always be carried and shown during the treatment. Doctors are obliged to ask new patients both about the e-card and an identity card. In the event of loss or theft, the card must be blocked immediately. In the event of an upright insurance coverage, the new e-card will be sent by post automatically, while people abroad have to contact the ÖGK customer service.

In the event that the e-card is forgotten, medical treatment can still be continued if the insurance number is mentioned and confirmed by a doctor's contact. In such cases, a reimbursement of costs can be due, which is refunded within a certain period when the e-card is re-applied.