Fact Sheet

Basis principle

The Austrian Workers Compensation Board (AUVA) is the largest accident insurance carrier in Austria.
It is responsible for accident insurance for employees, pupils, students and other groups.
It administers accident insurance according to the ASVG (General Social Insurance Act).

There are two other accident insurance providers in Austria:

• SVS (Social Insurance for the self-employed persons and farmers)
• BVAEB (Insurance Institution for public servants, employees of Railways and Mining)

Financial compensation

After an accident at work or an occupational disease financial support is provided if the legal requirements are met. The most important payment is the accident pension.

But there are more financial compensations such as pensions for the widow and orphans, interim allowance during professional retraining and partial compensation of funeral expenses.

Medical treatment responsibilities

Accident treatment must be carried out using all appropriate means.

Prevention responsibilities

Prevention is one of the main goals of the accident insurance system. There is a dedicated department in the AUVA that focuses on this area. Many campaigns and brochures are created, often tailored to specific target groups such as schools or companies.

Research in OS&H issues responsibilities

Yes. Social accident insurance system supports research in occupational safety and health.

Rehabilitation of victims of occupational injuries responsibilities

After a work accident or an occupational disease medical, vocational, and social rehabilitation can be provided if needed. Medical rehabilitation is often offered in special facilities and includes things like prosthetics and assistive devices. The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to help people return to their previous job or, if that’s not possible, to learn a new profession. Social rehabilitation supports reintegration into everyday life and society. This includes financial help, such as grants or loans, for adapting a home or car to make it accessible.

Specific insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases

Yes. Accident insurance is a separate branch of the statutory social insurance system, alongside health insurance and pension insurance.

Is this insurance compulsory?

Yes, it is a compulsory insurance for certain groups of people defined by law. This coverage exists regardless of registration or payment of contributions.

Only self-employed below a certain income threshold are not automatically covered and can choose to join voluntarily.

Contributions

For employees, accident insurance contributions are paid entirely by the employer. The federal government also pays contributions, e.g. for students.

People covered

AUVA provides accident insurance for a wide range of groups: employees (white-collar and blue-collar workers), apprentices, pupils, students, children in their final compulsory kindergarten year, members of voluntary aid organizations that are listed in the law and many more.

The SVS is responsible for self-employed persons and farmers, while the BVAEB covers public servants, federal contract workers, employees of universities and more.

Is insurance different for accidents at work and for occupational diseases?

No, the same range of benefits applies.

Risks covered

Accidents at work including certain commuting accidents, occupational disease, certain other accidents mentioned in the law (such as accidents during life-saving efforts).

Web: www.auva.at
Contact email: Amra.Causevic@auva.at

Information provided by AUVA – August 2025