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Sweden

Sweden is a country located in northern Europe with coasts overlooking the Baltic Sea to the east and the North Sea to the west. It is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the east. Sweden is also linked to Denmark by a bridge and tunnel connecting Malmö to Copenhagen.

The country is mainly made up of forests and lakes with a mountain range, the Scandinavian Alps, stretching from the north to the south of Sweden. Major cities include the capital Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Sweden is divided into 21 counties, each of which has some autonomy in the management of its local affairs. The country also has several large islands, including Gotland, located in the Baltic Sea.
  • Population: 10.51 million in December 2022
  • Area: 528,447 km2
  • Currency: Swedish crown (krona)
  • Official languages: Swedish

Healthcare system

Discover how the Swedish healthcare system works

The Swedish healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. It is financed primarily by public funds and is accessible to all Swedish citizens as well as to foreign residents.

The Swedish national health services are both public and private. Public healthcare is managed and provided either by the county, the local authority, or the municipality. There are two types of private healthcare:
- Health services provided by a private company under contract with the county council, local authority, or municipality. In this case, the cost of private and public healthcare is the same.
- Health services provided by a private company without a contract with the national healthcare services. The patient must then pay the full cost of the treatment and care received.

Primary healthcare is provided by general practitioners and nurses in local health centers while hospital care is available in regional and university hospitals.

Waiting times for non-emergency treatment can be long, but emergency care is usually available quickly. Patients also have some choice in selecting their doctor or hospital.



The Swedish healthcare system has a strong tradition of prevention, health promotion and equal access to care. Mental healthcare, which is also covered by the Swedish healthcare system, is generally of high quality.
 

Healthcare formalities for expatriates

If you are planning to move to Sweden, it is important to make some arrangements in terms of your health such as:
  • Taking out supplementary health insurance: Sweden has a public healthcare system that covers 75%-82% of expenses but it is strongly recommended to take out private health insurance to cover medical expenses, especially if you are an expatriate. It is also important to check if your current insurance covers you abroad.
  • Obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your health insurance organization. This card entitles you to medical coverage in case of emergency during your stay and guarantees you direct access to public healthcare providers. If you forget, lose or do not have your card with you, or if it is stolen, your health insurance fund can issue you with a PRC (Provisional Replacement Certificate) which is valid for 3 months and can be used under the same conditions as the EHIC.
So, basically, it is important to plan your trip to Sweden carefully when it comes to your health. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before leaving and take out international health insurance to cover all medical expenses during your stay.

Visiting a doctor

You can find a general practitioner in your area by using the "1177 Vårdguiden" service which is available online or by phone. You can also go to a primary care clinic ("Vårdcentral" in Swedish) which can help you find a doctor that suits your needs.

If you need a specialist consultation, you can ask your general practitioner or search for a provider through your international insurance medical network. Most specialized healthcare is available in public hospitals which are located throughout the country.

Healthcare in Sweden is largely free or low-cost for residents and expatriates. However, it is important to note that some fees may apply for medical visits, dental care, or medication, for example. In this case, and without supplementary international health insurance, you will have to pay the costs out of pocket.
 

Hospitalization

Being admitted to hospital

If you are an expatriate in Sweden, you will first have to see a doctor for a consultation or go to the emergency room if the situation seems worrying. If the doctor feels that you need to be hospitalized, they will send you to the nearest hospital.

Swedish hospitals are often equipped with modern technology and have well-trained staff, which allows them to offer high-quality healthcare.

As for the cost of a day in hospital in a state-registered facility, the daily charge is capped at 110 SEK (around 10 euros/day). It is important to note that if you do not have international health insurance or if your insurance does not cover healthcare in Sweden, you will have to pay the medical expenses yourself. Costs vary depending on the type of healthcare you receive, the hospital you are treated in, and the length of your hospital stay.
 

Buying medication

If you are a foreign resident in Sweden, you can buy over-the-counter medication (without a prescription) in Swedish pharmacies. However, if you need a prescription drug that was prescribed by a doctor in your home country, you may need to contact a Swedish doctor to obtain a new prescription.

Medicines in Sweden may have different names to those used in other countries, even if the active ingredients are the same. If you have any doubts or questions about the medication you are buying, it is recommended that you seek help from a Swedish pharmacist.
 

Vaccinations to be carried out

The country does not pose any particular problems in terms of hygiene and health and no vaccinations are required for a stay in Sweden. However, recommended vaccinations for travelers include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, influenza and measles, and mumps and rubella (if you are not already vaccinated against these diseases).

It is also important to check that your routine vaccinations are up to date, such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
 

Health risks

In general, Sweden is considered to be a safe country in terms of health. The Swedish healthcare system is highly regarded and very well developed.

However, like anywhere else in the world, there are health risks in Sweden. Tick-borne diseases are quite common during the summer months and can cause diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. It is therefore recommended to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents.

In winter, health risks are related to cold and snow, such as frostbite and hypothermia. It is important to wear warm clothing and stay warm indoors during periods of very cold weather.
 

Good to know

Emergency services and useful numbers:
  • Police: 114 14 (if not urgent) / 112 (if urgent)
  • Fire department: 112
  • Medical emergencies: 112
  • 24-hour medical advice: 1177
  • Official name: Kingdom of Sweden
  • Main cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala
  • Type of state: Constitutional monarchy
  • Capital: Stockholm
  • Languages spoken: Swedish and English

Get your health insurance for Sweden

MSH can help you design the best international health insurance plan to suit your needs.

Going for less than a year?  
We have the right health insurance plan to cover you for 1 to 12 months, whether it's for a personal project, an apprenticeship, a working holiday or any other reason.

Going for a year or more?
Explore our comprehensive and highly flexible health insurance solutions to protect you and your family while you're abroad.

Algunos datos

Nombre oficial

Reino de Suecia

Principales ciudades

Capital

Estocolmo

Forma de gobierno

Monarquía constitucional
parlamentaria unitaria

Idioma principal

Finés, meänkieli, lapón, romaní, yidis

Más información

Suecia en Wikipedia

Testimonios de clientes

Testimonio: estuvieron ahí para mi recién nacido

Laure y Robert se mudaron a Singapur en 2014 por motivos laborales, pero acabaron fundando allí una familia. Laure informó a MSH de que se había quedado embarazada y quedó maravillada de todo el apoyo que recibió. Primeramente recibió una guía práctica sobre el embarazo (qué hacer en cada etapa, exámenes médicos, etc.) y a continuación un miembro del personal la llamó para explicarle todas las garantías personalmente y aconsejarle el mejor lugar donde dar a luz. El día en que dio a luz a su hija, recibió un paquete de obsequio con una tabla de crecimiento y un juguete para bebé, con los mejores deseos de parte de MSH. Y ahora hay otro bebé en camino...
Testimonio: MSH me salvó la vida

Matthieu hacía senderismo por un cañón en Perú cuando cayó varios metros y se fracturó la rodilla y el codo: "Tras 12 días en un hospital local, me reenviaron a Francia, donde pasé 2 semanas más en otro hospital y meses de fisioterapia", recuerda. MSH cubrió todos los gastos de hospitalización, repatriación y rehabilitación de Matthieu: "Sin el seguro médico privado, habría sido una pesadilla: 16.000 € por el hospital y 50.000 € por la repatriación en dos ambulancias aéreas, ¿se imagina?"
Testimonio: una decisión correcta

Bill y su familia residen en Brasil. Descontento con su anterior aseguradora, Bill se cambió a MSH en diciembre de 2015: "Una de las mejores decisiones que he tomado desde que estoy aquí", dice Bill, "por el nivel de servicio y por la amplitud y calidad de la red médica". La tarjeta de asegurado de Bill ya está reconocida por los mayores y mejores hospitales de São Paulo. Incluso disfruta del servicio de pago concertado en pruebas hospitalarias sencillas sin necesidad de autorización previa: "MSH te facilita la vida", dice Bill.
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