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1450 · 141 · 144

Feeling ill: who to call and which doctor to see

Not sure whether you need a doctor or an ambulance? Call 1450 — free and around the clock. Here is a short map: which number and which doctor for which situation.

1450
Health advice by phone, 24/7, free
144
Ambulance: accident, breathing trouble, unconsciousness
141
On-call doctor in Vienna outside surgery hours (nights, weekends)
Doctor «on the card»
Kassenarzt: e-card, no payment on the spot

Step by step

  1. Life in danger — call 144 immediately. If in doubt, calling 144 is better than waiting.
  2. Unwell but unsure how serious — call 1450: a nurse assesses the situation and tells you where to go — a doctor, hospital, or whether you can stay home.
  3. During normal hours — see a family doctor (Hausarzt / Allgemeinmediziner). Look for a doctor contracted with the health fund (Kassenarzt, «alle Kassen» or «ÖGK») — then there is nothing to pay.
  4. Nights and weekends in Vienna — on-call doctor 141 (weekdays 7 pm–7 am, Friday evening to Monday morning, all day on holidays).
  5. Specialists (cardiologist, dermatologist etc.) — usually with a referral (Überweisung) from your family doctor.

What to bring

  • e-card (or social security number)
  • A list of medicines you take
  • Previous medical reports and test results, if you have them

Common mistakes

Going to a Wahlarzt (private doctor) thinking it's free. You pay yourself and get only part refunded by the fund.

Going to hospital A&E with a mild cold — long waits. First 1450 or your family doctor.

Words you will meet

der Hausarzt / die Hausärztinfamily doctor
der Kassenarztdoctor contracted with the health fund
der Wahlarztprivate doctor (you pay)
die Überweisungreferral
das Rezeptprescription

Official sources

Checked: 2026-10-05. This is a plain-language summary of official information, not legal advice. Deadlines and amounts change — check the linked official sources before you go.