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Vienna coronavirus protesters ‘tried to storm and occupy Austrian Parliament’

An anti-lockdown protest turned violent in Vienna on Sunday, with some participants attempting to storm and occupy Austrian parliament. More than 1,700 citations were made, while several police officers were injured.

Published: 1 February 2021 12:42 CET
Vienna coronavirus protesters 'tried to storm and occupy Austrian Parliament'
Protesters at an anti-lockdown rally in Vienna on January 31st. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Around 10,000 anti-lockdown demonstrators descended on Vienna on Sunday. While the protests began peacefully, they eventually turned violent – with some demonstrators attempting to storm the Austrian Parliament. 

The protesters’ attempts on the parliament, which is currently closed for renovations, were thwarted by police, Austria’s Kronen Zeitung newspaper reports. 

Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer thanked police for their efforts amid the “emergence of a devastating situation”. 

In total, 11 arrests were made during the protests while a further 1,766 citations were issued – including 850 breaches of coronavirus measures. 

IN PICTURES: Thousands protest against coronavirus measures in Vienna 

Nehammer said the violence was led by hooligans and right-wing radicals, including a number of well known identities.

One of those arrested was ‘coronavirus skeptic leader’ Mark Rutter, who had tried to injure police officers, Austrian media reported on Monday. 

Four police officers were injured in the scuffles. 

The protest, along with 14 other rallies planned for Saturday, was not given approval by Austrian authorities due to the participants’ disregard for mask wearing, social distancing and other coronavirus measures. 

'Neo-nazi militants and thugs'

AFP reported on Sunday that the march was organised by the far-right FPÖ party, and many participants ignored government regulations on mask wearing and the respect for minimum distances from each other.

Neo-nazi militants and thugs were reportedly among the crowd, which refused to disband and blocked traffic as it began to march towards the national parliament.

Police then intervened and detained some protestors.

It was the first time that the FPÖ, and member Herbert Kickl who is a former interior minister, officially called for a protest against the third Austrian lockdown.

“We are seeing unprecedented censure,” Kickl told media Saturday, before the party put in a second request for a rally permit which was also refused.

The reason for the refusal was given as a risk of increased transmission rates of new variants, and a “lack of contact traceability” among those who were to take part in the march.

Austrian schools, sports clubs, hotels, restaurants, cultural venues and many stores have been shut to stem the spread of Covid-19, but the country's iconic ski resorts have been allowed to remain open.

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HEALTH

Will my Austrian health insurance pay for medical expenses abroad?

If you plan on travelling, you might wonder if you can use your Austrian e-card or public health insurance abroad. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 14 May 2024 15:47 CEST
Will my Austrian health insurance pay for medical expenses abroad?

With the summer holidays approaching, many people might wonder if their statutory health insurance in Austria will cover them in case of illness or accident. The answer depends on your destination, the purpose of your trip, and the type of healthcare you need.

Inside Europe

If you travel within the European Union, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein Norway or Switzerland, your Austrian health insurance will provides coverage for certain type of “medically necessary” healthcare through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The EHIC grants access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare under the same conditions as residents of that country. This applies to sudden illness, accidents, pre-existing conditions requiring urgent treatment, and even maternity care.

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

As well as the countries mentioned above the EHIC is valid in Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the UK.

However, the EHIC is not an alternative to comprehensive travel insurance as it doesn’t cover private healthcare costs, a flight home, or lost/stolen property. While the coverage is limited to state-provided healthcare, it does mean a doctor will treat you, and you are not liable to pay non-resident medical fees.

In Austria, every e-card (the health insurance card used to visit a doctor) already contains an EHIC on the reverse, so there is no need to apply for it separately. 

However, if the data fields on the EHIC on the back of your e-card contain stars (***) instead of personal information such as name and date of birth, further documentation is required to access healthcare in another EU country. In this case, you need to contact your social security provider in Austria to receive a replacement card before you travel.

READ MORE: How do I get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Austria?

Austria’s insurer website ÖGK will also cover costs for any medically necessary treatments in Turkey in the event of illness, but you will need a so-called “sickness certificate (certificate of entitlement to benefits in kind for temporary stays)”. This can be issued by your employer or the ÖGK HERE and must be done before any treatment.

Third countries

Your EHIC won’t be valid in destinations outside the EU/EEA. Austrian health insurance will offer some reimbursement for emergency medical expenses and other medical consultations, but the extent of coverage varies depending on your specific provider’s policy.

In principle, you must pay the medical and treatment costs yourself in other continents, according to Austria’s insurer website ÖGK. You can submit the paid invoices for reimbursement, but not all treatment will be paid back, and you won’t receive the total amount you paid either. 

ÖGK will reimburse certain costs, including consultations with private doctors abroad, but you must have certain documents, such as a detailed fee note and proof of payment. You can apply for reimbursement HERE.

ÖGK recommends taking out travel insurance for trips abroad and ensuring that repatriation is included – as the insurer does not cover repatriation costs.

READ ALSO: Why getting rescued in the Austrian Alps could cost you thousands

It’s also worth noting that ÖGK does not cover all accidents, even in Austria. If you plan on doing certain types of sports, like skiing, even in the Austrian Alps or in neighbouring countries within the EU, it’s essential to take out a specific sports insurance that covers all possible costs, including mountain rescue. 

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