Healthcare in Sweden

Emergency care in Sweden

If you are acutely ill, you can visit the emergency department at the nearest hospital. If your condition is life-threatening, call SOS Alarm on 112.

Cross-border commuters: healthcare in both Sweden and Denmark

As a cross-border commuter, meaning that you live in one country and work in another, you are entitled to healthcare in both your country of residence and your country of employment. This applies to both emergency and planned treatment.

Family members are not covered by the same rules. They are entitled to emergency treatment in both countries but must normally receive planned treatment in their country of residence. To receive healthcare in Sweden, family members should be able to present documentation from the relevant social insurance authority confirming their entitlement to healthcare.

Apply for a certificate of entitlement to healthcare

If you live in Denmark and work in Sweden, you should apply for a Certificate of entitlement to healthcare in Sweden from The Swedish Social Insurance Agency, Försäkringskassan.

The certificate documents your entitlement to healthcare in Sweden on the same terms as people insured in Sweden. You may be asked to present it when visiting a healthcare provider.

Documents to include with your application

To apply for a Certificate of entitlement to healthcare in Sweden, download and complete the application form and send it to:

Försäkringskassans inläsningscentral
839 88 Östersund

Please include:

• a copy of your employment contract 
• your latest payslip 
• your employer’s contact details 

Remember to include your Swedish personal identity number on all documents.

Find the healthcare certificate application form at Försäkringskassan

Read about the healthcare certificate at forsakringskassan.se

Health Centres

Everyone who lives in Sweden is registered with a health centre, Vårdcentral. You can choose which health centre you want to register with in your region.

Your health centre is usually your first point of contact if you become ill. Healthcare professionals can assess your condition, provide treatment and refer you to specialist care if needed.

Hospitals and emergency departments

Most hospital visits require a referral from a doctor or another healthcare professional. In most cases, you should therefore contact your health centre first.

If you experience a serious illness or injury that requires immediate attention, you can go directly to an emergency department.

Patient charges                                    

Healthcare in Sweden is mainly funded through taxation, but patients pay part of the cost through patient charges.

The amount you pay depends on the region where you receive treatment and the type of healthcare you need. You may also be eligible for subsidies for prescription medicines and dental care.

See healthcare fees in the Swedish Health Guide at 1177.se (in Swedish)