Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists help people of all ages and in different life situations to manage challenges in everyday life.
The main goal of occupational therapy is to improve your independence: it uses everyday activities to determine which abilities or skills you can still use, as well as area where there may be limitations. This involves analysing how you carry out activities and practising the areas where you might face challenges.
The aim of the exercises is to enable you to perform important activities as independently as possible and to participate in social life. In many cases, redesigning your living environment, for example by making adaptations to your home, will also be part of the process. The focus of occupational therapy is on maintaining or improving a person's quality of life.
You can get occupational therapy, for example
- as an outpatient, i.e. in a rehabilitation facility, in hospital, in a facility run by your insurer, in a primary care centre, in a facility for people with disabilities, in an institute for physical medicine or in a day centre,
- as an inpatient, i.e. during a stay in a rehabilitation centre, medical treatment facility or hospital, in a care facility, hospice or facility for people with disabilities,
- in a practice or as part of a home visit,
- in kindergartens and schools as well as through workplace programmes offered by many companies and businesses.
The following link takes you to a video showing an example of what occupational therapy might look like:
If you want to take advantage of occupational therapy after an injury, illness or accident, you will need a referral from your family doctor or a specialist. If you would like to see an occupational therapist for health promotion or preventive care, you do not need a referral.
If you visit a contracted occupational therapist, the therapy is usually free of charge, provided that your health insurance provider has a contract with the chosen occupational therapist. A referral from your family doctor is also required. In many cases, authorisation from the head physician is also required. You must obtain this from your health insurance provider. Ask your social insurance provider for more information.
If you visit an elective occupational therapist, you will have to cover the costs yourself. However, you can submit a claim to your insurance provider to be reimbursed for part of the costs. To do this, your health insurance provider will need to approve your referral and will need to submit the invoices you receive from your therapist. Ask your insurance company for more information.
A list of all occupational therapists who have a contract with the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse can be found here:
If you are insured with SVS (Social Insurance for the Self-Employed), you can find more information under the following link:
You can find a list of healthcare facilities for SVS insured persons here:
If you are insured with BVAEB (Insurance Institution for Public Servants, Railways and Mining), you can find more information under the following link:
If you are insured with KFA (Krankenfürsorgeanstalt der Bediensteten der Stadt Wien/Healthcare institution for employees of the City of Vienna), you can find more information under the following link:
The links below provide information on the professional association of occupational therapists:
Last update: October 14, 2025
Was this helpful?
Use the buttons below to leave feedback. You may provide additional details in a second step.