The health care system in Sweden
Wondering about the health care services available for expats in Sweden? Find the answers to your queries in this article.
Sweden's healthcare system has been globally renowned for more than half a century and was the inspiration behind the healthcare systems subsequently set up in other Scandinavian countries. Nowadays, the rise of the population in Sweden has brought its challenges, but healthcare is still of the country's priorities. To provide equal health care services for everyone, the system has been decentralized and is managed at three different levels; regional municipalities, government and regional councils.
Are you entitled to healthcare?
Everyone living in Sweden is entitled to healthcare: the country provides universal health care for all its residents, including expats. The system covers the following: hospitalisation, outpatient health care services, medication upon prescription, basic health care, dental care for children and youngsters under 18, public health and prevention services, support to the handicapped and rehabilitation services. The health system also provides coverage for home-based nurses and transport facilities for patients besides home-based health care services.
However, the process of acquiring healthcare varies based on your nationality and circumstances. If you are an EU/EFTA or a Nordic citizen, you are entitled to healthcare on the same conditions as Swedes. EU/EFTA citizens will need their European Health Card for the first 12 months in Sweden, and then they can register with the Swedish Tax Agency ' Skatteverket in order to acquire a Swedish civic number and enter the healthcare system.
If you are a third-country national, you will need to arrange for a comprehensive private insurance that will be valid for the duration of your visa/residence permit. Once you have found a job (or started your own business etc) in Sweden and have registered with the Swedish Tax Agency, you can also have access to healthcare on the same rates as the Swedes.
How the healthcare system works
In Sweden, healthcare is primarily organised on a county and regional level. You can start by visiting the website of your county of residence: aach 'kommun' has pertinent information about health care options in the area, such as hospitals and medical centres. There is also 1177 Vårdguiden, an overarching website where you can choose your preferred region and find local medical centres and hospitals based on your needs. The first step is to visit a general practitioner, who will then refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Good to know: Although your county will assign you to a health care centre in your area, you have the right to choose a different one within your county/region, or even in a different county/region. However, you need to be aware that each county has its own referral process and that doctors in your area will refer you to specialists within the county.
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Healthcare in Sweden is not totally free, but the fees are very reasonable. Basic health care services generally cost around 110-220 SEK (11-22 euros), depending on your county. If you are paying a visit to a specialist, you should expect something around 400 SEK (40 euros). In case of hospital admission, you will need an average of 120 SEK (12 euros) a day for your first 10 days, and about half of that amount for each day afterwards. Dental health care is not totally covered by the Swedish health system, which means you will have to pay fees more in accordance with private health care.
However, if you require frequent health care there is a 'high-cost protection' system in place. This means that you can pay up to 1,200 SEK (120 euros) in health care per year and if you cover that amount, the remaining of your health care visits will be free within that same year. The same applies to medication upon prescription once you have spent 235 euros on your own. Children and people under 20 receive free healthcare in most regions. The elderly can request for home-based health care services.
Good to know:
You must always have your identity card with you when you seek medical care or looking to get a prescription filled.
Private health insurance in Sweden
Alternatively, there are many insurance companies to choose from in Sweden, according to your needs and budget. Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and get a free quote on Expat.com's Health Insurance for expatriates in Sweden page.
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