Why Private Health Insurance During Pregnancy in Austria Was a Game-Changer for Me
(And Why I’m Glad I Chose It Before Getting Pregnant)
As a doctor and a mother, I’ve always believed that early detection, access to specialists, and preventative care are essential for staying healthy—especially during something as delicate and life-changing as pregnancy. When my husband and I decided to start a family, one of the best decisions we made was to take out private health insurance in Austria.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or already expecting, here’s why private insurance might be worth considering—and how it gave me peace of mind during every step of the journey.
Why Private Insurance Matters – Especially in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not just about the birth itself. It involves months of monitoring, check-ups, and sometimes unexpected complications. Here’s what I personally encountered (and what many expectant mothers can expect):
✔️Frequent ultrasounds
✔️ Regular lab work and hormone checks
✔️ Specialist consultations (e.g. endocrinologist, cardiologist, etc.)
✔️ Potential unexpected issues (I had temporary hyperthyroidism, which required extra care)
With private insurance, I didn’t have to worry about long waiting times or whether a certain visit would be covered. I could see the best doctors when I needed to—without delay.
Public vs. Private Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Austria has an excellent public health system. But in pregnancy, timing and choice often become critical. With private insurance, you typically get:
✅ Faster access to specialists (no long waiting times)
✅ Choice of doctors and hospitals
✅ Reimbursement for private doctor visits (Wahlarzt)
✅ Extra services, like private rooms during delivery or postpartum stays
✅ In some plans, coverage for alternative medicine, physiotherapy, or dental care
My Experience with Private Insurance During Pregnancy
I chose UNIQA for my private insurance, and it’s been a smooth and supportive experience overall.
- Hospital stays were fully organized—everything was handled directly between the hospital and the insurance company.
- For Wahlarzt visits, I paid upfront but was reimbursed quickly via the app.
- Up to 80% of costs were covered by UNIQA, and the rest was reimbursed by my public insurer.
- The baby insurance option was a great plus: I could insure my baby before birth, and the first year was free (with a follow-up commitment).
But more important than the provider was the freedom it gave me: no hesitation to book an extra ultrasound or seek a second opinion.
Important to Know: The 9-Month Waiting Rule
One point that’s often misunderstood:
📌 You don’t need to wait 9 months after getting insurance to get pregnant.
❗ But your baby’s estimated due date must be at least 9 months after your policy begins for full pregnancy coverage to apply.
This is crucial when planning!
Is It Worth It? What to Consider
💡 Cost depends on your age and health status. Signing up earlier (e.g. in your 20s) usually means lower premiums.
💡 Some conditions may not be covered if they existed before signing the contract—so it’s best to start early.
💡 There is usually an annual price adjustment due to inflation, but in my case, it has been manageable.
For me, the benefits far outweighed the cost—especially considering the care I received throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
One Hidden Detail I Wish I Had Known Earlier
While my overall experience with private insurance has been very positive, there is one important detail I wish I had been clearly informed about from the beginning: Acute care coverage outside regular hours (Akutversorgung). If you need urgent medical help on weekends, public holidays, or between 20:00–08:00, but your condition doesn’t require a hospital admission (for example, you need an infusion or a quick ultrasound), your private insurance may not cover the costs by default. This means you may have to pay the full amount out of pocket.
In my case, I discovered this only after the fact—and I was surprised, because my initial offer from UNIQA included nearly every imaginable Zusatzoption (even travel insurance!), but this specific Akutversorgung add-on was never mentioned. I found that quite unfair, especially because this kind of care is very common during pregnancy and postpartum.
👉 Tip: If you’re planning to get private insurance, make sure to explicitly ask about emergency outpatient care coverage during night hours and holidays, and whether this is included in your plan. It may require an extra module, and it’s better to know this upfront than to be caught by surprise like I was.
Final Thoughts: Private Insurance Is an Investment in Your Health
Whether you choose UNIQA or another provider (there are many in Austria, such as Allianz, Generali, etc.), having private health insurance during pregnancy can make a real difference. It’s not just about luxury or comfort—it’s about access, security, and peace of mind when it matters most.
If you’re planning a family, I highly recommend exploring your options. For me, it was one of the best investments I’ve made in my family’s health.