Family health insurance solution(s) for cross-border commuters
Cross-border commuters from Austria to Switzerland / Liechtenstein
As a cross-border commuter from Austria to Switzerland or Liechtenstein, there are 3 variants of health insurance are available. A health insurance solution from Switzerland, statutory health insurance in Austria (ÖGK) or private health insurance for cross-border commuters (cross-border commuter insurance).
Which of these options suits you and your family best depends very much on your situation. Factors such as age, state of health, family situation, number of children and the desired level of benefits influence the decision.
As a rule, private health insurance for cross-border commuters is the best option for the cross-border commuter himself, since, to put it in a nutshell, the level of benefits is by far the highest and the insurance premiums are normally also much cheaper than with the other two options.
How do I insure my family if I opt for private health insurance as a cross-border commuter?
So let’s assume that you opt for private cross-border health insurance! But how will you insure the rest of your family?
Below we try to give you an insight into the various options, but would like to make it clear straight away that the topic of health insurance is a very important and very individual one for the family. We therefore recommend a free and non-binding consultation with one of our cross-border commuter experts, because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you the best health insurance solution for you best health insurance solution for you and your family.
Health insurance options for family members of privately insured cross-border commuters
Option 1: Your partner is already insured under the statutory health insurance scheme (e.g. ÖGK, BVAEB or SVS)
In this case, nothing changes. Your partner remains in the statutory health insurance scheme. The children – if there are any – will of course continue to be covered by your partner’s statutory health insurance free of charge.
Additional information – Who is covered by statutory health insurance in Austria?
In Austria, all employees who earn above the marginal earnings threshold are automatically covered by statutory health insurance. The same applies to all those who are registered with the AMS (Public Employment Service) and receive unemployment benefit. In addition, all women who receive child benefit. For students and people who are marginally employed, ÖGK offers very favorable options for voluntary insurance. Anyone who is not automatically covered by statutory health insurance can also take out voluntary insurance with ÖGK. More on this later.
Professional cross-border commuter advice incl. net salary calculation
> Free and non-binding advice since 2003
> Net wage calculation & practical tax tips
> Best and cheapest health insurance for cross-border commuters
> Tips on choosing a bank account and currency exchange
> Help with registering with the tax office and much more
Variant 2: Your partner is either not insured or is currently still co-insured through you
There are two options for this scenario. You can voluntarily insure your partner and any children under the statutory insurance scheme (ÖGK self-insurance) or you can have your partner and, of course, any children insured under your new private cross-border commuter health insurance scheme.
Option 1: Voluntary self-insurance with statutory health insurance (ÖGK)
This insurance costs EUR 526.79 per month (as at 2025). Your children, if you have any, are automatically covered by statutory health insurance free of premiums. If your partner has no income of their own, the monthly contribution is calculated on the basis of approximately one third of your net income. The usual contributions are around EUR 150.00 per month.
Expert tip 1: If you are considering this option, you should definitely send the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) your last income tax assessment for calculation. If you do not yet have one because you are just starting to work, then submit the income tax assessment as soon as you have it. If you only provide the ÖGK with your payslip, the health insurance company will assume that you have a net Swiss salary, which will massively increase your monthly contribution. The Austrian net salary is stated on the income tax assessment notice, i.e. your actual net salary, which has also been reduced by the Austrian tax. Only with this can a correct calculation be carried out.
Expert tip 2: If your partner and possibly your children are covered by statutory health insurance, then additional private health insurance is a big issue for many families. We will be happy to discuss whether this makes sense for you and your family, what it costs and what options the insurance companies have in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Option 2: Co-insurance in the cross-border commuter insurance (private health insurance)
You have the option of insuring your partner and, of course, your children in the cross-border commuter insurance for an additional premium. The premiums depend, among other things, on the number of persons, their age and state of health.
Expert tip 3: As this is a very individual topic, we recommend that you arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our cross-border commuter experts. Martin Häusler (Managing Director B-Quadrat): “In our consultations, we calculate all the options and compare them with each other. That way, we always find the best health insurance solution for your family!” Benefit from our experience. We have been advising and supporting cross-border commuters since 2003 and are really happy to help you.
