The social insurance system in Austria provides financial protection for people in the event of illness, unemployment, or retirement. Social insurance is mandatory and is paid by both employees and employers. In Austria, employees must be registered with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) before starting work. As soon as a person earns more than the marginal earnings threshold, they become subject to income tax and are fully covered by health, pension, and accident insurance. This insurance entitles them to sickness benefits and maternity benefits in the event of illness or an accident. They are also covered by unemployment insurance and the insolvency payment scheme. People earning below the marginal earnings threshold are covered by accident insurance and may choose to voluntarily take out health and pension insurance.