Healthcare System in Sweden: everything you need to know

How does the Swedish healthcare system work?

Sweden has a universal healthcare system for all its citizens and residents, financed mainly by taxes at the regional and municipal level, government contributions and patient co-payments for services. Municipalities are exclusively responsible for the care of the elderly and those with disabilities. The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs sets the laws, and health services are financed and provided at the regional level.

Universal insurance includes coverage for dental care, mental health, hospitalizations, long-term procedures, medical appointments and even prescription drugs.

There is also private insurance to which about 13% of employees are affiliated. This allows members to be treated in private specialized centers.

The system provides coverage in case of emergencies for any citizen of EU and European Economic Area member countries. This also includes undocumented children and all asylum seekers. 

How does the system for foreigners work?

Anyone who is in the country and needs immediate medical assistance has access to health services. It does not matter if they are locals, tourists, illegals or asylum seekers, you cannot be denied medical care.

Members of other EU countries have access to health care by showing their European Health Insurance Card, so they should always carry it when traveling within Europe. If you are visiting from another country, you also have access to healthcare but you must have health insurance. It is important that you take out health insurance before traveling to Sweden and throughout the EU.

Sweden has health agreements with a select list of countries, these are: Australia, Algeria, Switzerland, Nordic countries, Israel, Turkey, Chile, and the province of Quebec in Canada. All members of these countries have access to the health system under the same conditions as the locals.

If you are traveling from other parts of the world and need to purchase health insurance, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can find travel insurance with coverage not only in Sweden, but in the entire Schengen area. You can compare and quote the entire insurance market and sign up today, at no additional cost and 100% online. 

How do pharmacies work in Sweden?

Pharmacies or Apotek in Sweden have a pharmacist who can recommend medications. It is there that you must bring your doctor's prescription so that you can be given the necessary medicine.

Most prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy, you just need to bring your ID to claim it. The government pays a percentage of the medicine, but you will have to pay a fraction of the price.

There is an annual limit of SEK 2,300 that a patient pays for medication. If in a 12-month period you exceed this amount for medicine payments, the next medicines you have to buy will be free of charge.

To bring medication into the country, you must bring it in its original box with the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and the details of the medication. You may also be asked for a receipt of payment.

In the following link you can find all the information you need about the pharmaceutical industry in Sweden. 

What do I do if I have an emergency?

The emergency number is 112, as it is throughout the EU. If you simply need medical advice, you can call 1177.

If you use the emergency service, you will have to pay the cost of the procedures you receive. If you have health insurance you will be reimbursed for this money.

The costs of ambulance and emergency services are not very high, however they can add up if you have a serious accident.

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Sweden because of Covid-19.

Remember that it is an EU country, therefore the restrictions are the same as in the other member countries, find out if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter.