Navigating Health Services for Tourists in Sweden
In Sweden, the healthcare system is primarily tax-funded and subsidized for residents and those with a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). For foreign tourists, access to the publicly subsidized healthcare system is limited, and they are typically considered private patients.
If you find yourself in need of non-emergency medical care at a primary care center (vårdcentral) in Sweden, you should expect to pay the full cost, which can range around 700-1000 SEK per visit. This fee is similar to private healthcare consultation prices reported for expats and visitors.
For urgent non-emergency care, tourists should expect to pay the full cost upfront, which is often higher than the nominal fees charged to residents under the public system. For longer stays or recurring care, registering as a resident unlocks subsidized access.
Emergency care is available to everyone, regardless of country of origin or insurance status. To access emergency care, call Sweden's emergency line 112. For less urgent issues, call Sweden's healthcare helpline 1177.
If you require dental care, dental emergencies can be treated by visiting Folktandvården, a dental care provider run by the regional health authority. To access Folktandvården, search for its location and the city name, then call the center's number. The cost of a dental visit in Sweden ranges between 1000 kronor (€84) and 1500 kronor.
For tourists from EU countries, a Nordic country, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, dental care is available at the same cost as Swedish residents. If you are from a non-EU country, you or your insurance company will have to pay the full cost of healthcare in Sweden.
If you need a doctor outside of normal working hours, visit the Evening and Weekend Clinic (Kvälls- och helgmottagning). You can find the address by searching for "Kvälls- och helgmottagningen" with the name of the city where you are.
Primary care centers (vårdcentral) can be found by visiting 1177.se and selecting the region where you are staying. Non-urgent necessary care, such as blood dialysis or treatment for chronic illnesses, is also available for visitors.
For Brits, the European health insurance card (EHIC) is no longer valid due to Brexit. Instead, they can use the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for healthcare coverage in Sweden.
Some regions might vary fees slightly, but no official fixed costs for tourists across Sweden’s regions are widely published. For this reason, tourists may consider private health insurance or travel insurance to cover such costs.
[1] Healthcare in Sweden for Foreigners
[2] Healthcare for Tourists in Sweden
- Healthcare for Tourists in Sweden is available at higher costs compared to the subsidized public system, especially for non-emergency care and dental visits, with fees ranging from 700-1000 SEK per primary care center visit and between 1000-1500 kronor for a dental visit.
- For travelers planning extended stays or dealing with recurring medical-conditions in Sweden, lifestyle changes like adopting local dietary practices or exercise routines, coupled with travel insurance, can help manage costs and accommodate medical needs without relying solely on the private healthcare system.
