Pharmacy System in Austria
Austria is known for its high-quality healthcare system and has a well-established network of pharmacies throughout the country. The country has a public healthcare system where residents are required to have health insurance. The system is funded through contributions from employers and employees. Health insurance covers most of the costs of medical treatment, including medications.
Pharmacies in Austria
In Austria, pharmacies are called “Apotheke”. The sign outside of pharmacies is a green cross on a white background, and they are usually located in the city center or in commercial areas. Austrian pharmacies are highly regulated, and each pharmacy is only allowed to be run by a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Opening Times in Austria
Pharmacies in Austria are generally open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. There are also some pharmacies that offer extended opening hours, especially those located in busy areas such as airports, train stations, and shopping malls.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications in Austria
In Austria, some medications can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription, while others require a prescription from a licensed doctor. Over-the-counter medications are usually located on shelves or in refrigerated areas, while prescription medications are kept behind the counter.
If you need to purchase prescription medication in Austria, you must have a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. The prescription must be written in German, and it must include your full name and the name of the medication. You may be asked to present your health insurance card when purchasing medication.
It is also possible to order medication online from Austrian pharmacies. To do so, you will need to provide a valid prescription and your personal information. The medication will then be delivered to your home or a designated pick-up location.
Payment for Prescriptions in Austria
In Austria, the cost of medications is partially covered by health insurance. The amount of coverage depends on the type of medication and your health insurance plan. If you have a valid prescription, you will be required to pay a portion of the cost, which is called a “patient co-payment.” This amount is usually around 5-10% of the total cost of the medication.
If you do not have health insurance or your health insurance does not cover the full cost of the medication, you will be required to pay the full amount out of pocket. Payment can be made using cash, debit card, or credit card.
Conclusion
Austria has a well-regulated pharmacy system that provides easy access to both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Pharmacies are usually open during regular business hours, and some offer extended hours. Prescription medications require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor and can also be ordered online. The cost of medications is partially covered by health insurance, and patients are required to pay a portion of the cost as a patient co-payment.