Moving Abroad: Health Insurance for Swedish Expats
Sweden has a long tradition of residents moving to live abroad, but not always for happy reasons. Between 1850 and 1930, there was mass emigration from Sweden. An estimated 50,000 people leave the country every year due to high unemployment, crop failures, and religious persecution. Thankfully, things have changed. Sweden is now a safe, prosperous, diverse country that attracts millions of visitors and new residents each year.
And when Swedes seek a different life abroad, they do so to embrace the opportunity, education, and adventure. In fact, the number of Swedes choosing to live overseas is now at an all-time high. Like with any big move, there’s a lot to consider before they can go, and healthcare options are top of mind. Health insurance for Swedish expats is a big consideration. Here’s what they should know before their big move.
Currently, approximately 660,000 Swedes reside abroad. The United States is the most popular destination, with an estimated 150,000 Swedish expatriates living in the country. Argentina, Australia, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are also popular destinations.
Work is the most common reason that Swedes move abroad, with 45% opting to move for job opportunities. Personal matters come next, with 33% moving to be with a partner and 23% moving because a family member has relocated.
For those who have made the move overseas, it appears to have been a worthwhile decision. A reported 51% say that they’re very happy with their lives, compared to a smaller 38% of people in Sweden.
Still, not all consider their moves to be permanent, as approximately 60% say that they would consider moving back home.
The Swedish Healthcare System Abroad
Sweden’s healthcare system is designed to provide care for Swedish residents. Thus, if you move out of the country, the healthcare system will not cover your costs.
However, if you’re moving to an EU country and have already signed up for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you will receive care at the exact cost and standards as locals.
While this isn’t a substitute for comprehensive care with full insurance coverage, it’s a good option to have.
Adjusting to Different Costs and Standards When Moving From Sweden
Sweden has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. As such, no matter where Swedish expats go, they’re likely to notice differences in the standard of public care.
Not all countries can match Sweden’s commitment to funding healthcare and dedication to bringing in improvements.
One likely difference expatriates will notice is pricing. While Sweden sets very reasonable co-pays for medical visits, other countries do not.
Additionally, while Sweden caps the amount that a patient can pay in a calendar year, this isn’t the case for most other countries.
Therefore, while the cost per visit might be modest, there’s no limit to how much a patient will spend if they need multiple appointments.
Of course, in some countries, there is no co-pay at all, which is very appealing for patients. However, there are likely still differences in the types of services included or excluded.
Ambulance rides, physiotherapy consultations, psychotherapy, and seniors’ home care are all examples of medical costs that are included in the public healthcare system of some countries but not others.
For those without insurance, the cost of Health Insurance in Canada and the United States can be extremely high.
In other countries, such as Guatemala and Costa Rica, the cost of medical appointments is relatively low. However, the conditions are such that Swedish expats will likely prefer private options.
Buying Private Global Insurance as a Swedish Expat
Compared to many countries, purchasing private health insurance isn’t a common practice in Sweden. That’s in part because of the high standards of the public healthcare system.
There’s little need for private insurance when the public system already provides excellent care in clean, comfortable, private facilities. However, this cannot be said of most countries.
Private insurance isn’t just for well-to-do people who want elective procedures at hotel-like clinics. It’s an affordable route to excellent care, with short wait times and multilingual staff, in countries where the public system often falls short.
In less-developed countries, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and advanced specialist care can be scarce for those without private insurance.
The Best Health Insurance for Expats from Sweden
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
The Best Health Insurance for Swedes Moving to the US
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Medical Conditions To Discuss With Your New Doctor
While the name is a bit confusing, Swedish people are at an increased risk of Finnish Heritage Disease. A collection of 36 rare hereditary medical conditions, Finnish Heritage Disease affects an estimated 1 in 5 Finns, who carry a gene for at least one of the included conditions.
Additionally, due to historical family ties, Swedish people are also at risk. In particular, Swedes from Meänmaa, located on the border with Finland, have an elevated risk level.
As knowledge of the various conditions that make up Finnish Heritage Disease is low outside northern Europe, it’s essential, as a Swedish expat, to familiarize your new physician with your risk factors.
Another condition that foreign doctors may not be familiar with is Dupuytren’s Contracture. Also known as Viking’s Disease, as it disproportionately affects people from Nordic countries like Sweden, Dupuytren’s is a hand deformity that worsens as one ages. Thick, tough tissue forms under the palm, forcing the fingers to curl inward over time.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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