Health precautions
...for pregnant women, infants and toddlers
During pregnancy, around the time of childbirth and while the child is an infant or toddler, healthcare is particularly important. This allows potential problems to be identified and dealt with at an early stage. Austria has therefore had a screening programme for this phase of life for 50 years – known as the "mother-child pass". The "parent-child pass" is available now!
The screening programme was able to greatly improve the health of infants, toddlers and mothers in Austria. The examinations help to identify health risks or problems at an early stage. This allows preventive care or medical treatment to be started in good time. Parent-child pass appointments also provide valuable information about important topics and available offers. As a result, all pregnant women and parents of infants and toddlers should use all parent-child pass appointments.
The parent-child pass is issued to pregnant women residing in Austria, even if they do not have health insurance. This means that examinations and consultations for the parent-child pass can also be used free of charge without an e-card. After the pregnancy has been determined, you will receive a parent-child pass from your doctor. You will also receive a yellow booklet at this time. The parent-child pass will be available digitally from 2026.
The parent-child pass contains several examinations for the pregnancy period. In order to receive the entire childcare allowance, you must participate in all examinations. You must adhere to the specified periods. You can also make use of additional consultations with midwives and parental consultations.
After the birth, your child will receive examinations up to their 5th birthday: The child is examined regularly before the age of one, and then only once a year. You must provide proof that your child has undergone the first four examinations by the time they are 15 months old. These examinations are particularly important and necessary to ensure you receive the full childcare allowance.
The screening programme is being continuously further developed to ensure it gives parents the best possible support.
As soon as the parent-child pass is digitally available, there will also be an information platform.There, you will find lots of important information about pregnancy and the first years of your child's life.You will also find instructions on the digital parent-child pass and information on current examinations in the programme. Until then, you can find more detailed information on the following websites: