Support Fund of Health Insurance Providers

The support fund of the statutory health insurance providers in Vienna offers a flexible grant option for private individuals in socially particularly deserving life situations. Based on the guidelines issued by the respective provider, funds are available for voluntary support services when family, income, or asset-related circumstances necessitate financial relief. Since there is no legal entitlement, allocation is made at discretion and taking individual needs into account. The continuously available funding aims to overcome short-term financial bottlenecks and to secure long-term participation in the health and social system.

Expenses directly related to statutory health insurance services are funded, provided that applicants demonstrate social need for protection and a particularly deserving situation exists according to the health insurance provider’s criteria. The funding decision is based on the family, income, and asset circumstances of the applicants. Since applications can be submitted at any time—without a fixed deadline—the fund provides rapid support in acute emergencies. This instrument strengthens social security and sustainably complements existing services in the fields of health, labor & social affairs.