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‘Two people per row’: Austria’s strict Covid-19 private car rules explained

Amid rising infection rates, Austria has restricted who can travel in private cars. No more than two people are allowed to sit next to each other if they come from different households.

Published: 23 October 2020 13:44 CEST

‘Two people per row’: Austria’s strict Covid-19 private car rules explained

Road trips are more difficult now in Austria - unless you're in the same household... Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Known informally as the ‘two-person rule’ in Austrian media, the measure prevents more than two people sitting next to each other in a car – unless they come from the same household.

“Kinship alone is not enough,” explained Austrian motor association (ARBÖ) lawyer Martin Echsel to Austrian newspaper Kurier.

This means a family of four cannot give someone from a different household a lift in a five-seater car.

“No more than two people per row of seats are allowed to travel,” said Echsel.

The same rules apply to car pools or other ride sharing arrangements.

The regulation does not apply to taxis and mass transport, although anyone travelling in taxis or on mass transport will be required to wear a mask at all times.

Car sharers are advised by ARBÖ to clean the steering wheel as well as the gearstick with disinfectant – and to wash the hands before using the vehicle.

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EXPLAINED: What you need to know about therapy in Austria

In Austria, you can participate in a wide range of different therapy methods through both public and private practitioners. Here is what you need to know about the different options.

Public Therapy

To access therapy with a public health insurance therapist in Austria, you need a referral from your Hausarzt confirming your need for this kind of service.

The cost of therapy with a public practitioner in Austria can vary depending on factors such as the therapist’s qualifications, location, and your specific insurance fund.

In general, if you are covered by the most common public insurance fund, ÖGK, you can access therapy with a public therapist and receive a reimbursement of around €35 per hourly session. Other funds have different reimbursement scales, and some private healthcare funds may cover more of the cost. It is important for each patient to check with their specific fund.

Regarding availability, it can sometimes be challenging to get an appointment with a public therapist.

Some patients wait for many months, and the waiting time can vary depending on factors such as the urgency of your needs and, of course, the therapist’s availability. If you want to get an appointment as soon as possible, it is a good idea to sign up on the public therapist waiting list.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How the Austrian healthcare system works

Private Therapy

If you are looking for a private therapist, you are likely to receive help sooner. You do not need a referral and can contact the therapist yourself. This may contribute to more effective care, but it also comes with a higher price.

A one-hour session with a therapist costs around 80-150 euros, the price vary depending on factors such as the therapist’s fees and the type of treatment. If you are insured under the Austrian public health insurance system (ÖGK) and choose to see a private therapist, you typically pay for the sessions entirely yourself.

Some private insurance plans might cover the cost of private therapy sessions, which may make it beneficial to sign up for a private healthcare fund. The degree of coverage often depends on each patient’s specific case and insurance package.

Popular private insurance funds in Austria include Allianz and UNIQA, through which you can request more information about possible coverage.

English-Speaking Therapists

There are many English-speaking therapists in Austria, although they are more common in larger towns and cities.

Unfortunately, in more rural regions, it can be difficult to find an English-speaking therapist. However, many mental health practitioners offer their services online via video calls, a trend that increased during the 2020 pandemic.

When you visit your Hausarzt to discuss your therapy plan, you can ask them to refer you to an English-speaking therapist. If you instead prefer private therapy, you can search online for a therapist speaking your desired language.

READ MORE: Everything foreigners need to know about the Austrian healthcare system

Useful links for finding a therapist in Austria

Below are three organisations in Austria responsible for regulating the practice of psychotherapy and maintaining lists of registered therapists on their websites.

European Association for Psychotherapy

ÖBVP – Österreichischer Bundesverband für Psychotherapie

Professional Association of Austrian Psychologists (BÖP)

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