Austria – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Austria, and how do I recognise one?

In Austria, dispensing pharmacies are referred to as Apotheke. These are entirely distinct from drugstores (Drogerie), which stock toiletries and household products. This distinction matters: a Drogerie carries cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and some dietary supplements, but is not authorised to dispense any medications — whether prescription-only or otherwise.

The readily identifiable symbol of an Austrian pharmacy is a large, prominently placed red letter “A” on the outside of the building, which is frequently illuminated. This functions as Austria’s equivalent of the green cross used to mark pharmacies in France, Spain, and numerous other European nations. Spotting this red “A” on a shopfront means you have located a pharmacy. Many establishments also display the word Apotheke prominently in their signage or above the entrance.

Austrian pharmacies are typically dedicated specialist shops, staffed by fully qualified pharmacists (Apotheker). They are not found inside supermarkets or large retail chains, as can be the case in other countries. Pharmacists in Austria undergo extensive professional training and are well positioned to offer advice on medicines, potential side effects, and drug interactions — a resource well worth tapping into, especially when you are newly arrived in the country.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Austria?

Most Austrian pharmacies are open Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, though individual establishments may differ. In urban centres, many remain open until 7:00 pm on weekdays. Saturday hours tend to be reduced — some Vienna pharmacies stay open until 4:00 pm, while the majority close at midday. Pharmacies in rural areas may also observe a lunchtime break, with typical hours running 8:00 am–12:15 pm and 3:00 pm–6:00 pm on weekdays.

All pharmacies, except those designated to provide emergency duty services, close during evenings, on Sundays, and on public holidays. If you depend on regular medication, it is sensible to plan ahead and collect your supplies before an upcoming weekend or holiday period.

A duty rota ensures that at least one pharmacy is always accessible during evenings, weekends, and public holidays across Austria. This rotating on-call arrangement (Apotheken Notdienst) is posted in the window of every pharmacy, and a current list is also available at apotheker.or.at. The online service APO24 offers a quick and convenient way to locate the nearest duty pharmacy; simply visit apo24.at and enter your postcode.

In cities and larger towns, a greater number of pharmacies participate in the on-call system, so the nearest open pharmacy at night is usually within a manageable distance. In mountainous or rural regions, the duty pharmacy may be significantly further away — making it particularly worthwhile to identify your nearest on-call provider before you actually need one.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Austria, and which require a prescription?

Austrian medicines fall into two broad categories: those freely available without a prescription, and those that are prescription-only and require a Rezept from a licensed doctor before a pharmacist can dispense them.

The BASG — Austria’s Federal Office for Safety in Health Care, which serves as the national medicines regulatory authority — determines whether a given medicine requires a prescription at the time of its approval, weighing scientific evidence, practical experience, and applicable legislation. You can check the status of individual medicines on the BASG website.

Some medications that are freely purchasable in other countries — antibiotics being the most common example — are strictly prescription-only in Austria. Conversely, certain painkillers, such as common headache tablets, are available over the counter at any pharmacy. If you are accustomed to self-treating particular conditions with medicines you could buy freely elsewhere, be prepared to encounter a more restrictive approach in Austria. The rules governing antibiotic access are especially tight compared with many other countries.

It is also worth noting that a medication available without a prescription for adults is not necessarily appropriate for children without professional guidance. Always consult the pharmacist or a doctor before purchasing any medicine for a child.

With regard to internet purchases: Austria prohibits the online sale of prescription medicines. Austrian pharmacies are not permitted to dispatch prescription products either within Austria or to customers abroad, even where such purchases might be lawful in another EU or EEA member state. Non-prescription medicines may be bought through officially licensed online pharmacies, but prescription items must be collected in person from a physical pharmacy.

How does the prescription system work in Austria?

Austria’s prescription infrastructure is predominantly electronic. Doctors issue digital prescriptions that are stored within the e-card system, enabling them to monitor prescription status remotely. A QR code can be accessed through a mobile app and scanned at the pharmacy counter, whereupon the prescribed medicine is dispensed. The e-card connects to each patient’s e-medication profile, and prescriptions are held digitally for retrieval at any pharmacy in the country.

This shares conceptual similarities with electronic prescribing found in Scotland or parts of Scandinavia, but differs from systems where paper prescriptions remain the norm. It also differs from the NHS in England, where repeat prescriptions are frequently sent directly to a nominated pharmacy — in Austria, patients generally attend the pharmacy in person and present their e-card to collect their medication.

Prescriptions issued in Austria are ordinarily valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue, subject to one important condition: the prescription must be used for the first time within one month of being issued. After twelve months, a prescription is no longer valid unless the prescribing doctor has indicated a shorter period on the document.

In many situations, Austrian doctors are able to prescribe up to three months’ supply of medication in a single prescription. This arrangement is particularly common for patients with chronic conditions or those whose medication is already recorded on their e-medication list. If your doctor is familiar with your history, requesting a three-month supply at a consultation is usually straightforward.

Where your medication is already on file with your practice, repeat prescriptions can often be requested remotely — via an online form on the practice website or by email, for example. Austrian health rules require you to insert your e-card at your GP or primary care centre at least every 90 days so that your digital records remain current. This keeps your e-medication list active and enables the practice to issue repeat prescriptions without requiring a fresh appointment each time.

Prescriptions from doctors contracted with the public health system are referred to as public prescriptions and typically carry only the standard per-package co-payment fee, unless you qualify for an exemption. Prescriptions from private doctors — those without contracts with public health insurers — are private prescriptions, and in these cases you will generally pay the full cost of the medicine upfront, with possible partial reimbursement depending on your insurer and the specific medication.

Both GPs and specialists are authorised to issue prescriptions in Austria. In cases of genuine urgency, a pharmacist may dispense a medicine without a prescription, but only in the smallest commercially available package size.

How to collect a prescription in Austria: step by step

1. Visit your doctor (GP or specialist). Your contracted public health doctor (Kassenarzt) will evaluate your condition and, where appropriate, issue a prescription. This is handled electronically through the e-Rezept system in most cases.
2. Receive your e-prescription. Your contracted doctor enters the prescribed medication into the e-Rezept system. The prescription is stored electronically within the e-card infrastructure.
3. Take your e-card to the pharmacy. The e-card is your Austrian health insurance card and is required for virtually all healthcare interactions, including picking up prescriptions.
4. Present your e-card at the pharmacy counter. The pharmacist scans your card or the QR code, retrieves the prescription from the digital records, and prepares your medication.
5. Pay the prescription co-payment. If you hold public health insurance and the medication appears on the reimbursement list, you pay only the standard fee per package. Those with an exemption are not charged.
6. Collect your medication and seek advice as needed. Austrian pharmacists are trained to counsel patients on dosing, interactions, and side effects — feel free to ask any questions you have.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Austria?

For patients covered by public insurance, most prescriptions attract a flat fee of €7.55 per medication package under the 2025 rates. The Austrian Pharmacists’ Chamber (Österreichische Apothekerkammer) confirms that the prescription fee (Rezeptgebühr) has stood at €7.55 per package since 1 January 2025, and this figure is typically adjusted annually in line with inflation. For 2026, the fee remains at €7.55. Always confirm the current amount with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), as it is reviewed each year.

This flat co-payment structure is quite different from, for example, Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, where charges vary by medicine type and patient category, or the UK’s NHS system, which applies a per-item charge that changes from year to year. Austria’s approach is straightforward: one fixed fee per package, regardless of the medication’s market price — unless the retail price of the drug is actually below €7.55, in which case you pay the lower retail price.

Certain groups — including low-income individuals and pensioners — may qualify for an exemption from the prescription fee. Vulnerable categories such as low-income pensioners and those with a communicable disease are not required to pay the fee. Furthermore, insured patients are only liable for prescription charges up to 2 percent of their annual net income in any given calendar year; once that threshold is reached, no further prescription fees apply for the remainder of the year — an important safeguard for people with substantial medication requirements.

Over-the-counter medicines are not subsidised by insurance and must be paid for in full, with prices varying considerably by product. Prescription medications that do not appear on the reimbursement list are also paid entirely by the patient. Consult the ÖGK website for the up-to-date reimbursement list and details on exemption eligibility.

Austria does not have regulatory mechanisms to encourage the use of generic medicines, such as reference pricing, and — in contrast to many other EU nations — practices such as pharmacist-led generic substitution or prescribing by international non-proprietary name are not generally permitted, except in particular circumstances. As a result, if your doctor prescribes a branded product, the pharmacy will ordinarily dispense that specific brand rather than automatically substituting a cheaper generic, which can have cost implications for patients without insurance coverage.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Austria?

Whether a prescription issued outside Austria will be honoured depends on its country of origin. For prescriptions from other EU or EEA member states, a recognised legal framework exists. To redeem such a prescription in Austria, it must contain the patient’s full name and date of birth; the prescribing doctor’s full name, professional qualifications, direct contact details, practice address, and signature; and confirmation that the prescription was issued by an appropriately authorised healthcare professional in the country concerned.

Austrian pharmacists are entitled to decline to dispense a medicine if there is any doubt about the prescription’s authenticity, content, or legibility. In practice, even a technically valid EU prescription may be refused if the pharmacist cannot satisfy themselves that it is genuine — for instance, if it is written in an unfamiliar language or presented in an unusual format. Providing a translation or a supporting letter from your doctor can significantly reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

For prescriptions issued in countries outside the EU or EEA — such as Australia, the United States, or Canada — there is no automatic recognition arrangement. The practical solution in these cases is to consult an Austrian doctor as soon as possible after your arrival and obtain a locally issued prescription. Bring as much documentation of your existing medication as you can, such as a recent prescription printout, original packaging bearing your name, or a letter from your treating physician at home.

Austrian legislation has established a national contact point for digital health and paved the way for EU-wide ePrescriptions (the “EU-Rezept”). Once operational — anticipated during 2026 — someone based in Vienna would be able to present a digitally signed prescription from their home EU country at an Austrian pharmacy. This is a significant development for EU nationals relocating to Austria who rely on ongoing medication.

Can I bring my medications into Austria?

As an EU member state, Austria applies EU regulations to the movement of medicines across borders. For travellers arriving from within the EU or EEA, there are generally no specific quantity limits for personal-use medications, provided the amount is consistent with personal needs — a supply of up to three months is ordinarily regarded as reasonable. Wherever possible, medications should be kept in their original packaging with labels intact.

For those travelling from outside the EU, customs regulations apply. You are generally permitted to bring a personal supply of medication sufficient for your stay or for a reasonable transitional period. Carrying a doctor’s letter or a copy of your prescription — ideally in German or another EU language — is strongly recommended, especially for medications that might be mistaken for controlled substances.

Controlled substances, including narcotics and psychotropic drugs, are governed by stringent international and EU regulations. If your medication falls into these categories — for example, strong opioid analgesics, certain sleep aids, or treatments for ADHD — you should obtain an official certificate from your prescribing physician and, where necessary, secure prior authorisation from the relevant Austrian authority. The BASG (Bundesamt für Sicherheit im Gesundheitswesen) is Austria’s competent authority for medicinal product regulation and is the appropriate contact for advice on importing controlled substances.

Import regulations can change, and specific quantity limits or documentation requirements may apply depending on the substance involved and your country of departure. Always verify the current rules with both the Austrian customs authority (BMF) and the BASG before you travel, rather than relying solely on general guidance.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Austria?

Virtually all residents of Austria (99.9%) are covered by statutory health insurance. Most people are enrolled automatically through their employment — ordinarily with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) — which extends coverage to employees and their dependants. Expats who are employed in Austria and on an Austrian payroll are automatically and compulsorily enrolled in the public system, granting them access to the prescription co-payment structure described above.

Under state health insurance, the insurer covers the bulk of the cost of prescription medicines. The patient contributes a modest fixed amount for each product, depending on its price. The reimbursement list — known as the Erstattungskodex — specifies which medicines are covered. If a medication features on this list and is prescribed by a contracted doctor, the patient pays only the standard co-payment of €7.55 per package (as of 2025).

Expats who have not yet been enrolled in the public system — for example, those who are self-employed, recently arrived, or still covered by insurance from their home country — will need to meet the full retail cost of medicines until their insurance status is resolved. Private health insurance plans for expatriates differ considerably in how they handle prescription expenses: some refund the entire cost of prescription medicines upon submission of a receipt; others apply their own co-payment arrangements. Examine your policy carefully, particularly with respect to whether it covers the Rezeptgebühr or the full cost of medicines not on the reimbursement list.

Private doctors without contracts with public health insurers issue private prescriptions, and patients will generally pay the full cost of the prescribed medicine, with potential partial reimbursement depending on the insurer and the medication in question. If you are consulting a private doctor (Wahlarzt), retain all receipts and submit them to your insurer for reimbursement. The ÖGK website provides information in German on exemptions and reimbursement procedures, while the oesterreich.gv.at portal offers guidance in English.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Austria?

Under Austrian law, pharmacists may dispense a limited quantity of certain medications without a prescription in genuinely urgent circumstances — but only in the smallest commercially available package and only for medicines deemed appropriate for emergency supply. If you require a larger quantity or a controlled substance, you will need to see a doctor promptly to obtain a locally issued prescription. The website docfinder.at can help you locate a nearby GP who accepts your insurance.

Are brand-name medications available in Austria?

Yes, branded medicines are readily available in Austrian pharmacies. Unlike the situation in many other EU countries, pharmacists in Austria are not generally permitted to substitute a generic in place of a branded product, meaning you will typically receive the exact brand your doctor specified. If you have a preference for a branded or generic version of a medicine, raise this with your doctor at the time of prescribing.

How do I find a pharmacist or doctor who speaks my language?

A considerable number of pharmacists in Austria — especially in cities such as Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg — speak English and sometimes other languages. To find a doctor, you can use docfinder.at or aerztekammer.at/arztsuche, both of which allow searching by location, speciality, and language via an advanced filter. The Internationale Apotheke in central Vienna is specifically geared towards international visitors and residents.

What happens with my medication in a medical emergency?

In any genuine medical emergency, dial 144 — Austria’s ambulance and emergency service. Hospital emergency departments (Krankenhaus or Notaufnahme) are equipped to assess your condition and provide or prescribe the medicines you need. It is advisable to carry a written list of your current medications at all times — preferably using international non-proprietary (generic) names — since brand names can differ significantly from one country to another.

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access subsidised medications in Austria?

Yes. A valid EHIC issued by an EU or EEA country or Switzerland entitles you to necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in Austria — including prescription medications — on the same terms as Austrian public insurance holders. You would pay the standard co-payment of €7.55 per package (as of 2025). The EHIC is not, however, a substitute for full health insurance coverage and should not be relied upon once you establish long-term residency; you should arrange Austrian public or private insurance at that point.

How do I get an exemption from the prescription co-payment fee?

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) may grant a prescription fee exemption under specified conditions. Vulnerable groups — including low-income pensioners and individuals with a communicable disease — are not required to pay the fee. Beyond these categories, insured patients are only liable for prescription charges until they amount to 2 percent of their annual net income in the current calendar year, after which the fee is waived for the rest of that year. To apply for an exemption certificate, contact the ÖGK directly.

Is it safe to buy medications from online pharmacies for delivery to Austria?

Austria prohibits the online sale of prescription medicines, and Austrian pharmacies are not permitted to ship prescription products either domestically or internationally. For over-the-counter items, only pharmacies that are officially registered for distance selling — as listed on the BASG website — may legally sell medicines via the internet. Exercise caution with unregistered online vendors, as counterfeit medicines represent a serious and well-documented risk throughout Europe.

What is the e-card and do I need it to collect prescriptions?

The e-card is your Austrian health insurance card and is required for almost all healthcare interactions, including GP and specialist appointments, hospital treatment, and collecting prescriptions at a pharmacy. Once you have registered with the public health insurer (ordinarily the ÖGK), your e-card will be posted to your home address — delivery can take up to six weeks. If your card has not yet arrived, let your pharmacy or doctor know; temporary arrangements can usually be made, though you may be asked to leave a deposit that is returned once you present your card.