The health care system in Sweden

Sweden's healthcare system has been widely regarded as one of the strongest in the world for decades and has influenced the other systems adopted across the Nordic region. While population growth and demographic changes have put pressure on services in recent years, healthcare remains a core public priority. To ensure equal access across the country, the system is decentralised and managed at three levels: the national government, regional councils, and local municipalities.

In case of a medical emergency, always call 112. This is Sweden's emergency number for ambulance, fire, and police services and can be used nationwide, regardless of nationality or residence status. Emergency care is provided first, with administrative matters handled afterward.

Are you entitled to healthcare in Sweden?

Everyone living in Sweden is entitled to healthcare: the country provides universal healthcare for all its residents on the same terms as citizens. This includes primary care, specialist and hospital treatment, maternity care, mental healthcare, and subsidized prescription medicines. Dental care is free for children and young people up to the age of 23, after which it is partially subsidized. Patient fees apply, but they are capped annually through a national high-cost protection system.

Access to healthcare depends on your residence status rather than your nationality.

If you are an EU/EEA or a Nordic citizen, you are entitled to healthcare on the same conditions as Swedes once you are registered as a resident. During your initial stay, prior to becoming registered, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used for medically necessary care. To access the full system long-term, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency and receive a personal identity number, which allows you to be fully integrated into the system.

If you are a third-country national, you must have comprehensive private health insurance when applying for a residence permit. This insurance must cover healthcare costs until you are registered as a resident. Once you are living in Sweden with a residence permit of at least one year and have obtained your personal identity number, you gain access to public healthcare.

How the Swedish healthcare system works

In Sweden, healthcare is primarily organized on a regional level, but access is largely coordinated through 1177 Vårdguiden, which is the access point to the healthcare system. For most residents, 1177 is the first place to look when they are sick, need medical advice, or want to contact healthcare services.

1177 is available as a website, mobile app, and telephone service. Through it, you can find healthcare providers, book or cancel appointments, renew prescriptions, view test results, and receive medical advice. All of this requires BankID, which functions as secure digital identification and is used across the healthcare system.

Healthcare in Sweden begins with primary care. This means that for most medical issues, you will book an appointment at a vårdcentral (primary care center) where you will see a nurse or general practitioner. Specialist care requires a referral. You are expected to do this before visiting emergency care unless your situation is urgent.

Residents choose and register with the vårdcentral of their choice. While you may initially be assigned one based on your address, you can change clinics on 1177.

Good to know:

Healthcare in Sweden is increasingly digital. Many regions offer e-visits, chat consultations, and digital follow-ups. Physical appointments are prioritized for cases that require examination or other procedures. Mental health services are also provided through 1177.

The costs of healthcare in Sweden

Patient fees apply but are regulated. A primary care visit typically costs around 100–300 SEK, and specialist visits are usually around 300–400 SEK, depending on the region. Hospital stays involve a daily patient fee. Dental care for adults is only partially subsidized and usually involves higher out-of-pocket costs.

To limit expenses, Sweden applies a high-cost protection system. Once you reach the annual cap for healthcare visits (currently 1,300 SEK), further visits are free for the remainder of the 12-month period. Prescription medicines are covered by a separate annual cap (currently 2,850 SEK). Healthcare for children is free, and dental care is free for young people up to age 23.

Regional differences exist. Fees, referral rules, and available services vary slightly depending on where you live, which is why healthcare experiences can differ between regions.

Dental care in Sweden

Dental care in Sweden is separate from general healthcare. Dental care is free for children and young people up to the age of 23. After that, adults pay out of pocket, although costs are partially offset by a national dental subsidy system that provides 300 SEK per adult per year. This annual dental allowance can be used towards check-ups or preventative care. There is also a high-cost protection scheme that reduces expenses for more extensive treatments. Patients pay the full amount up to 3,000 SEK, 50% of costs between 3,000 and 15,000 SEK, and only 15% of any costs above that threshold within a 12-month period. Unlike medical care, dental clinics are often private, and prices may vary, so it's best to shop around and compare providers.

Pregnancy and maternity care in Sweden

Maternity care in Sweden is publicly funded and available to all residents. Care usually begins at a midwife clinic (barnmorskemottagning) where expectant parents receive regular check-ups, screenings, ultrasounds, and guidance throughout pregnancy. Midwives play a central role in prenatal care, with doctors involved only when medically necessary.

Childbirth takes place in public hospitals, and delivery is covered by the healthcare system with only standard fees applying. Postnatal care includes follow-up visits and health checks for the parent and child. Parental education and support services are also provided.

Pharmacies in Sweden

Prescription medicines are subsidized through a national high-cost protection system. Once you reach the annual cap of 2,850 SEK, further medicines are free for the remainder of the 12-month period. Prescriptions are all issued electronically and linked to your personal identity number, allowing you to collect them at any pharmacy.

Pharmacies (apotek) are widely available and sell prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as basic healthcare products. Pharmacists are trained to provide advice but are not allowed to write prescriptions. Some non-prescription medicines are also sold in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Good to know:

You must be able to identify yourself when seeking care or filling prescriptions. This means presenting a Swedish ID card when in person and BankID for any digital services.

Useful links:

1177 Vårdguiden

Socialstyrelsen

Public Health Agency of Sweden

Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV)

Apoteket