Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist works according to the so-called physiotherapy process: he or she makes a physiotherapy diagnosis based on the medical findings. The individual therapy goal and a treatment plan are then determined together with the patient. The treatment plan is then implemented. Various methods can be used in the process.

Physiotherapists use exercise therapy, respiratory therapy, ultrasound treatments or therapeutic massages, for example. Physiotherapy is also used to prevent certain illnesses, to treat pain and in palliative care. After accidents, injuries, operations or restricted movement, physiotherapy helps you to move better and put more strain on your body. In the best case scenario, certain movement sequences or the body's ability to move and thus the quality of life can be fully restored.

You can get physiotherapy, for example

  • outpatient, i.e. in a rehabilitation facility, in hospital, in a social insurance outpatient clinic, in a facility for people with disabilities, in an institute for physical medicine or in a day center,
  • as an inpatient, i.e. during a stay in a rehabilitation center, spa or hospital, in a care facility, hospice or facility for people with disabilities,
  • in a physiotherapy practice or as part of a home visit,
  • in kindergartens and schools as well as in many companies, corporations and businesses.

In the event of medical treatment, for example after an injury, an operation or a stroke, you will need a referral for physiotherapy. You can obtain this referral from your family doctor or from a specialist. No referral is necessary for physiotherapy as part of preventive healthcare.

If you go to a contract physiotherapist, the therapy is usually free of charge for you. The prerequisite for this is that your health insurance has a contract with the chosen therapist. In many cases, you will also need approval from the head physician for the medical prescription. You must obtain authorization from your health insurance company for this. Ask your social insurance company for more information.

If you go to a physiotherapist of your choice, you will have to pay for the treatment yourself. However, you will be reimbursed part of the costs by your insurance company if you apply for this. To do this, you will need the prescription approved by your health insurance company and the fee notes from your therapist. Ask your insurance company for more information.

A list of all contract physiotherapists of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund can be found here:

List of contract physiotherapists - ÖGK

Further information for SVS (Social Insurance for the Self-Employed) insured persons can be found here:

Info Physiotherapy SVS

You can find a list of healthcare facilities for SVS insured persons here:

List of SVS healthcare facilities

Further information for BVAEB (Insurance Institution for Public Servants, Railways and Mining) insured persons can be found here:

Info Physiotherapy BVAEB

Information on the costs for KFA (Krankenfürsorgeanstalt der Bediensteten der Stadt Wien/Healthcare institution for employees of the City of Vienna) insured persons can be found here:

Info Physiotherapy KFA

Information on finding a physiotherapist on your own can be found here:

Last update: August 7, 2025