Vienna is not only a fabulously beautiful city, but also the centre of Austria’s medical tourism. The country’s leading medical institutions operate here and receive thousands of foreigners annually… The independent platform MediGlobus has compiled a ranking of the most popular Viennese hospitals based on patients’ choices. Read this article to learn which hospitals are most often selected by medical tourists, as well as why they are so popular.
First place – Vienna Private Clinic (Wiener Privatklinik)
The gold of our rating was awarded to the Wiener Privatklinik, the benchmark of private medicine in Austria. Among all hospitals in Vienna, it offers the best value for money for international patients. The hospital opened more than 85 years ago, and during this time it has been recognised not only in its native country but also far beyond its borders. Among the many honours of the clinic is the country’s first successful kidney transplant in 1987.
The clinic’s doctors work cooperate with leading researchers from Austrian universities. Prominent Austrian doctors working here include:
- Professor Christoph Zielinski – Austria’s best specialist in immunotherapy and targeted therapy. He heads the Wiener Privatklinik Oncology Centre, the Central European Oncology Centre and the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group, as well as being a member of the team of the International Centre for Thoracic Oncology and other organisations. The doctor was recognised as one of the world’s best scientists in 2021 by Stanford University.
- Professor Rudolf Schabus is the founder of the Centre for Sports, Traumatology and Trauma Surgery. He is an orthopaedic traumatologist with 40 years of experience. People come to him for endoprosthetics and joint reconstruction, and surgical treatment of menisci and ligaments. He has written more than 400 scientific papers. He is a member of 8 medical organisations.
- Professor Rainer Kotz is a renowned orthopaedic oncologist with 50 years of medical experience in Austria. He specialises in the treatment of bone tumours in children and adults. He is an honourable member of several international associations in the field of oncology and orthopaedics. He has received more than 11 awards, including the Golden Order of Merit, the Lechser Prize, the Austrian Academy of Sciences Prize and others.
Vienna Private Clinic
Review by Renate Knorr: “Highly recommended! Excellent doctors – the cooperation between the doctors works more than perfectly! The nursing staff is friendly, fast and competent! The kitchen team prepares the most exquisite dishes, perfectly presented on the plates! To my taste, there is nothing extra – schnitzel, tramezzini, toast, sausages… it is always possible and at no extra cost! The rooms are a nice size and well equipped. Important examinations are also carried out on weekends or public holidays. The results are sent to the doctor as quickly as possible! There is plenty of food in the cafeteria and the staff is friendly and helpful! The cleaning and maintenance staff are also very friendly and always in a good mood! So are the porters!”
The Vienna Private Clinic operates under the Total Quality Hospital standards, which indicates a commitment to innovation and control over the quality of service delivery. The hospital is ranked among the best hospitals by Newsweek and Statista, has successfully passed ISO and Quality Austria certification several times, has been highly rated in surveys by the Association of Austrian Insurance Companies, and has been awarded as an environmentally friendly company.
On the basis of the Vienna Private Clinic, there is a Health Centre, the main purpose of which is accurate and high-quality diagnostics.
The clinic has the latest models of magnetic resonance tomographs, computer tomographs, positron emission tomographs, mammographs, etc. In this Centre, patients can undergo comprehensive body examination programmes – check-ups – in just 1-3 days.
The hospital offers innovative methods of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular – paediatric endoprosthetics with special “growing” prostheses. Importantly, the Vienna Private Clinic practices not only an individual approach but also a precision approach – the selection of drugs and treatment methods based on the genetic profile of each patient. This means the patient will receive a personalised treatment that best suits their needs.
To travel to one of Austria’s leading clinics for treatment, click on the button below and fill in the contact form. We will help you with choosing the best medical facility as well as organising your trip.
Second place – Döbling Private Clinic
The second step in the ranking was taken by the Private Clinic Döbling, which belongs to the PremiQaMed medical network. This institution has ISO 9001, EFQM quality certification, the “Austrian Quality Mark for Medical Tourism” from Best Health Austria, and the Austrian Ecolabel for environmental protection and conservation of natural resources.
According to Forbes magazine, the hospital was named one of the best medical centres in the world in 2010. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which makes it possible to effectively combat serious diseases that are difficult to treat or cannot be treated at all.
Every year Döbling Hospital receives more than 16,000 patients, more than 15% being foreigners. People come here for cancer therapy, infertility treatment, childbirth, complex diagnostics, surgery, joint prosthetics, etc.
The PremiQaMed network of clinics has the lowest rates of infections after surgical interventions in Europe. For example, the infection rate after gallbladder removal is only 0.05% (with an average of 1.59%), and after caesarean section – 0% (with an average of 0.68%). According to annual quality reports, more than 96% of patients are satisfied with the clinics’ services.
Private Clinic Döbling
Review by Claudia Reiter: “If there were more than 5 stars, this private clinic would deserve them! From admission to discharge, everything was on the highest level. You feel welcome and valued as a patient, I was taken care of, but no one was intrusive. The food was adequate and very tasty, the ward was modern, bright and big enough for two, with a balcony overlooking the garden. About the staff: whether it was the operating theatre, recovery room, delivery service or ward (Salvia), everyone was exceptionally friendly, with a sense of humour and willing to help. You must be on top of your game! Thank you and keep up the good work!”
Special attention is paid here to the treatment of female diseases. The clinic employs the leading gynaecologists in Vienna, in particular, Dr Christian Kainz – Austria’s top specialist in minimally invasive surgery of the female reproductive system, including treatment of cancer. In addition, he is also consulted for the management of pregnancy and childbirth. Professor Kainz is the head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Döbling Private Clinic, lectures students at various universities around the world, writes scientific articles and reports, and is a member of the team of experts of the Certification Commission for Medical Research Projects in Europe. He has over 38 years of experience.
Read: Third place – Central Vienna Clinical Hospital
Third in the MediGlobus ranking is the Central Vienna Clinic Hospital (AKH), a wide-ranging medical centre that serves more than 1,5 million patients annually. In more than 330 years of existence (founded in 1693), it has become Austria’s foremost medical centre. In 2022, the hospital was once again included in the list of the best hospitals in the world according to Newsweek magazine and took the honourable 24th place. In the past year, around 60,000 inpatients and 1,1 million outpatients were treated here, and around 44,000 surgeries were performed, including 95 lung transplants and 42 heart transplants.
Central Vienna Hospital
Max Tc about the clinic: “I was in AKH in the red ward for 3 days because I was having surgery. The care, check-ups and surgery (catheter ablation) were great. The nurses, staff and doctors were very pleasant and friendly. Everything was very relaxed and fun, so my unfortunately necessary stay was as pleasant as possible. Even with the x-ray and follow-up exam, everything went quickly and smoothly. The hospital food was pretty good too. I am glad that I went to one of the best hospitals in the world and my treatment was done by the best specialists. The garage is also good and there were plenty of parking spaces, everything is well marked and you can navigate quickly. I was also able to do a required Corona test at AKH two days prior and everything worked flawlessly and quickly there too. If you have to go to the hospital, I can only recommend AKH.”
The Central Vienna Hospital has its own laboratory – the largest in Austria. It produces medicines that are not industrially produced – around 70,000 cancer drugs and 40,000 drugs for infusion therapy every year.
In 2022, the clinic opened a new operating theatre for endoscopic interventions. The operating theatre has powerful large screens to visualise the process and other state-of-the-art equipment. Here, surgeries are performed to treat gynaecological problems, urological diseases and pathologies of the GI and abdominal cavity organs.
Innovative technologies (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, IMRT and IGRT radiation therapy), minimally invasive techniques (Da Vinci robotic system) and qualified specialists are not all the advantages of the Central Vienna Hospital, which attracts thousands of international patients like a magnet.
The latest developments in oncology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, cardiac surgery, transplantology and rehabilitation are successfully applied here:
- In 2022, the clinic’s doctors developed the Trilogy Heart Valve implant and performed the first heart valve replacement for patients with aortic valve insufficiency who were previously considered inoperable.
- In the same year, an international cross-kidney transplant was performed between the Central Vienna Clinical Hospital and two other Israeli hospitals. Donor materials were delivered by an aeroplane.
- Doctors at the clinic have developed a new targeted brachytherapy drug for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. In the EMBRACE-I trial, this drug has shown excellent results. The treatment has now entered international therapeutic protocols.
- A drug that successfully treats brain metastases in breast cancer has also been developed and introduced here. A study showed that 73% of women had reduced metastases and in 13% they had completely disappeared.
AKH has about 9,000 employees, of which 1,600 are doctors. The renowned specialists of this centre are:
- Prof. Engelbert Knosp. Professor Engelbert Knosp is the head of the neurosurgical department at the Vienna Central Clinical Hospital. He has 38 years of experience. He is a member of 17 international scientific organisations. He has served as President of the World Academy of Neurosurgery. In 2007 he was awarded by the Ministry of Health for his work in the field of neurosurgery.
- Dr Anne Catharina Dressler. Outstanding specialist in obstetrics, gynaecology and oncotherapy for ovarian and breast cancer in adults and children. She runs the Centre for Oncology at the Central Vienna Hospital. She has written more than 10 scientific publications that have been printed in international journals.
Fourth place – Rudolfinerhaus Clinic
A medical centre with an impeccable reputation and a developed technological base. The Rudolfinerhaus Clinic was founded in 1882 by Theodor Bilroth, a renowned Austrian surgeon. After 30 years it was merged with the Red Cross. Today Rudolfinerhaus consists of more than two dozen wards and a centre for conducting check-ups – complex diagnostics of the body.
The clinic is located in a picturesque area at the foot of the mountains. The double and single rooms of this hospital resemble the rooms of luxury 5-star hotels. In addition, there is a large car park with 200 spaces available, a 26-course menu for different diet groups with the option of ordering alternative dishes according to individual preferences. There is also a restaurant, a beautiful park, a chapel and other services for the comfort of patients and visitors.
The Rudolfinerhaus Clinic is ISO 9001:2008 certified for the high quality of patient care. In 2022, the clinic was successfully re-certified. The total number of nursing staff at the hospital exceeds 500. One of the distinctive features of the hospital is the possibility to contact the doctors working here or invite any other doctor at the patient’s request. At the same time, the hospital provides all necessary equipment and materials.
Rudolfinerhaus Hospital
Review by Denise St Peter: “I had surgery there and I have to say it was the best medical care I have ever experienced…from the surgeons, doctors, nurses, lab technicians, dieticians, cleaners…amazing! The best service I have ever received in the US as an American. Everyone was very kind, professional and helpful, and 90% of the people I interacted with spoke English. The centre is beautiful, well maintained, modern yet with a rich history. Special thanks to Dr Moser and Dr Leubner-Ott – thank you for your expertise, I am so happy! I would also like to praise the nursing staff on the ground floor. Being a nurse myself, I felt very safe in your hands and was very impressed with your clinical judgement. Keep up your wonderful work and thank you for making surgery in a foreign country not so scary!”
The doctors include many academic specialists from the Medical University of Vienna:
- Professor Wolfgang Schwägerl has been treating orthopaedic pathologies for more than 37 years. He has studied and trained in the USA, France, Great Britain and Scandinavia. Participates in many international profile organisations.
- Professor Bob Djavan is a urologist and world-renowned specialist in the treatment of prostate cancer and other urological pathologies. His experience spans over 30 years. He has trained and worked in Vienna, Harvard, Dallas, Baltimore and New York. He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the European Society of Urology and is on the board of the European Society of Uro-oncology.
- Associate Professor Martin Buchelt is a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Vienna with over 20 years of experience. He is consulted for the treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, in particular spine and knee disorders. He performs minimally invasive disc and meniscus surgeries, meniscus thermal therapy, arthroscopic joint surgery, hip and knee endoprosthetics, etc. He is an honorary member of 7 scientific profile organisations.
The key areas of specialisation of the Rudolfinerhaus Clinic are oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, reproductology, diagnostics, orthopaedics and traumatology. In addition, many patients come here for plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Patients have access to the whole range of diagnostic services using the latest generation equipment – computer mammography, open and closed MRI machines, etc. The hospital has its own laboratory equipped with the latest-generation technology. It allows the doctors to get the results of tests in the shortest possible time and immediately start treatment.
Treatment there is carried out according to international standards using modern techniques and methods: safe minimally invasive heart surgeries, all types of stenting, implantation of pacemakers, joint surgery, urological and gynaecological diseases, abdominal interventions in obesity therapy, etc. The operating theatres are equipped with modern endoscopes, bleeding stoppers, neuromonitoring, gamma probes and other modern technology to ensure high-quality procedure performance and patient safety.
Fifth place – MedAustron Clinic
This facility is one of the top 6 centres for proton and carbon-ion therapy in the world. It treats cancer in adults and children. The hospital is located near Vienna. It annually receives more than 1,000 patients from different countries.
MedAustron Clinic
Read Daria Naumenko’s review: “It’s been a little over a year since my treatment at MedAustron Clinic. The professionalism and care of the MedAustron team made me feel at ease throughout my stay here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the professionalism, compassion and excellent care you provided me. You made my stay here as pleasant as possible and my treatment extremely effective. I am especially grateful to my attending physician, Dr Slavisa Tubin, and his team, who were always ready to explain all the details and answer my questions. During the treatment, they gave me confidence and hope in a difficult moment. I am truly grateful for your time, care and professionalism. From my experience, I can confidently say that the treatment I received here exceeded my expectations and was of the highest quality.”
The clinic has received TÜV ISO 9001 certification. Medical services at MedAustron are provided according to the strict safety standards of Forster Sandwich Construction. The clinic works in close cooperation with the world’s leading medical centres, universities and institutes.
MedAustron treats cancer of the brain, spinal cord, bones, soft tissues, eyes, liver, lungs, etc. Children’s cancers such as neurocytoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chordoma, Ewing’s Sarcoma and other malignant tumours common among paediatric patients are treated here.
The most modern equipment is available for diagnosis and treatment: proton and carbon-ion therapy machines, latest-generation irradiators, robotic positioning systems for maximum precision of irradiation, MRI and CT units, etc.
The hospital employs 250 qualified professionals, many of whom are renowned and sought-after doctors:
- Dr Razvan Galalae is a leading specialist in the field of radio-oncology in Austria and Clinical Director of Interventional Particle Therapy. He is a founding member of the German Society of Radio-oncology, the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology, the American Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology and other organisations.
- Professor Piero Fossati – involved in radiation oncology and head of the carbon-ion programme. He provides therapy for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, ENT organs and sarcomas. He has worked in Japan and Italy. He is an honorary member of several international professional associations and chairman of the scientific advisory board of the West German Proton Therapy Centre in Essen.
Prices for medical services in Vienna clinics
The cost of diagnostic and treatment procedures in Viennese hospitals varies depending on the level of the clinic and the qualifications of the doctors. Approximate prices for medical services in Vienna, are listed below.
| Procedure | Cost |
| Specialist consultation | from €400 |
| Basic check-up | from €2,000 |
| Joint replacement | from €15,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
| Mastectomy | from €17,000 |
| Prostatectomy | from €18,000 |
| Thyroid removal | from €13,000 |
To find out prices for treatment at leading hospitals in Vienna, please follow the links to the pages of these medical centres. Alternatively, leave a request on our website and MediGlobus coordinators will provide you with detailed information about the price lists of any Viennese hospital.
Summary
- Austria is a popular medical tourism destination in Europe. Patients often come here for treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, as well as rehabilitation of the organism after various diseases and injuries. Generalised and highly specialised clinics in Vienna are especially popular among patients.
- The top medical centres of the Austrian capital are considered to be: Vienna Private Clinic, Rudolfinerhaus Hospital, Döbling Private Hospital, Medatzstron Clinic and Central Vienna Clinical Hospital.
- The cost of diagnosis and treatment in Vienna is not among the cheapest. The price for certain medical procedures here is determined by the level of the institution and the qualification of the attending physician. You can find a detailed price list for Viennese hospitals by clicking on the clinic links or by contacting a MediGlobus specialist.
For detailed information about the organisation of treatment in Vienna’s leading hospitals, as well as the cost of medical services in these hospitals, please contact MediGlobus coordinators. Our specialists will answer all your questions and help you to choose the best option in the “price-quality” ratio.
