The path to the Gastein cure

The first step is to see a specialist, in most cases a rheumatologist or orthopaedist. They should issue the application for a cure, as an application from a specialist increases the chance of approval. So go to the specialist!

Two spa stays can be approved within five years . Under certain conditions, working people diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis can be granted one cure per year as a voluntary benefit by the insurance provider. If the statutory time limits (2 times in 5 years) are not met, your application must contain a sound medical justification. In addition, you still have the option of attending individual outpatient therapies or planning private spa stays.

Scientific information and studies on the effectiveness of the Gastein cure can be sent on request to kur@gastein.com.

in 5 years

Spa stays

Cure application to the Austrian Social Insurance Institution

The Austrian social insurance institutions ÖGK, SVS, PVA, BVAEB and KFAhave contract facilities for inpatient treatment in Austria.

An inpatient cure can be approved twice every five years (exception: under certain conditions for ankylosing spondylitis once a year, voluntary benefit from the social insurance provider) and between these inpatient cures a cure cost subsidy or therapies on a prescription for outpatient therapies. This means that the Gastein remedies can also be used annually , which is particularly beneficial for your health .

An application for a cure is best issued by a specialist doctor .

There are three different types of authorization:

Private health insurance

There are no direct billing contracts with private insurance companies . However, patients can submit the invoice for the medically prescribed treatments. Depending on the tariff agreements, reimbursement as physical therapy is possible. As more and more health insurance companies are also focusing on prevention , a spa stay in Gastein is often supported and part of the costs reimbursed.

Deductible from tax

All medically prescribed treatments and co-payments can be deducted as "extraordinary expenses" in your income tax return or employee tax assessment. Accommodation can also be deducted if the accommodation is declared as a spa stay on the invoice.

Cure application rejected - what now?

An essential part of a cure application is the comprehensive medical justification for a cure by a specialist. A first step in the event of a rejection is therefore to check that the spa treatment application is complete and, if necessary, have it supplemented by a specialist.

The specialist can also contact the head physician to clear up any uncertainties. Scientific evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio of the Gastein cure can be sent on request to kur@gastein.com.

Cure and vacation

For private spa guests and those whose spa application has been rejected, there are spa and health packages in Gastein. The advantage here is not only that you can choose the dates and accommodation yourself. It is also possible to combine the effects of the treatments with a vacation in the Alps. This makes the vacation not only relaxing, but also regenerative and renewing.

With the package deals, therapies, healing treatments and accommodation are booked together. Gastein's spa and health partners are experts in the organization and management of private cures and are on hand to provide support in all matters.