DVSV

Aim, structure and tasks of the organization

The Austrian social security comprises health, accident and pension insurance. Responsibility for social security is delegated to independent bodies – the insurance institutions. There are 5 statutory insurers: 2 general insurance institutions responsible for all three types of social security and the remaining 3 covering one branch. For historical reasons the system is structured on an occupational basis. All insurers belong to the Austrian Social Insurance (Dachverband der österreichischen Sozialversicherung, DVSV). This umbrella organisation is responsible for safeguarding general social security interests and for representing the social security institutions in matters of common concern (e.g. concluding contracts with doctors, hospitals, etc.). It also represents the Austrian social security system in dealings with similar organisations abroad and, in an international context, acts as a liaison body in matters of health, accident and pension insurance