Understanding Health Insurance in Sweden
Sweden has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. It is ranked 23rd out of 191 national healthcare systems assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for efficiency. As such, treatment outcomes in Sweden are among the best in the world. For instance, Swedish residents benefit from one of the lowest rates of maternal mortality in the world, with fewer than 4 in 100,000 women and 3 in 1,000 babies dying in childbirth.
And it is not just Sweden’s excellent healthcare that expats and foreigners find so attractive. Swedish laws are designed to ensure an egalitarian society, and the country’s public services are among the best in the world. Swedish society also places a high value on healthy living, with a strong emphasis on a positive work-life balance and substantial investments in recreation. It’s no surprise that so many expats, from digital nomads to retirees, are keen to call Sweden home. Here’s what all foreigners need to know about obtaining health insurance in Sweden.
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Sweden’s National Healthcare System
Sweden has a universal public healthcare system that is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The central government dictates healthcare policy, but county councils and municipal governments provide services.
Approximately 97% of the system’s operating costs are covered by taxes and government contributions. The remaining 3% is covered by patients, who contribute a small co-pay at doctor visits.
At the national level, the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs sets guidelines for care and manages the political agenda. It also supervises the activities at the regional and local level, awards grants, and evaluates services.
At the regional level, 21 county councils are responsible for delivering financing and providing healthcare across Sweden. These councils, comprising elected representatives, have considerable autonomy in determining how health services are planned and delivered.
This enables regional concerns to be prioritized throughout Sweden. Each region also has an executive or hospital board to exercise authority over hospital structures and associated management.
Finally, at the municipal level, local authorities are responsible for maintaining social and environmental health.
Their responsibilities include providing social welfare services, post-discharge care for the elderly, long-term psychiatric care for those in need, and overseeing the water supply.
Private Health Insurance in Sweden
Private health insurance is not widely available in Sweden. Only about 10% of Swedes have private healthcare, but that number is increasing.
They choose it for quick access to certain specialists and to avoid waiting lists for elective treatments. Additionally, treatment at private hospitals and clinics offers greater comfort and privacy for patients.
Pros and Cons of Using the Local Healthcare System
Sweden’s public healthcare system provides high-quality, comprehensive care. It covers inpatient and outpatient hospital services, prescription medications, primary and preventive care, disability support, rehabilitation, and even dental care for individuals up to age 19. When orthodontic treatment is required, families are not burdened with high out-of-pocket costs.
Should patients be unable to find a doctor or dentist who speaks their language, they are entitled to free interpreter services.
In general, the system is very affordable. Taxes and the national government fund the national healthcare system.
While patients are required to pay small fees, the cap is 1,100 kronor per year. Doctor visits, whether private or public, are capped at 300 kronor per appointment. The system covers hospital fees and specialist visits.
Fees for prescription drugs are capped at 2,200 kronor a year. If patients exceed this amount, the government will cover any future costs.
How Expats Can Qualify For Healthcare in Sweden
Visitors from the European Union can receive public healthcare services in Sweden, just like locals, provided they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). An EHIC is free, but you must obtain it in your home country before you travel.
Sweden also has healthcare agreements with Switzerland, other Nordic countries, Australia, Algeria, Chile, Israel, Turkey, and the Canadian province of Quebec.
All expats living in Sweden as permanent residents are also eligible for healthcare. However, tourists and other visitors to Sweden should carry their own private global medical insurance.
What You Need To Know About Processes
All Swedish permanent residents, including expats, have access to the healthcare system. To sign up for healthcare in Sweden, expats must:
- Obtain a residence permit (which you presumably have, as you are living there)
- Obtain your personal Swedish tax ID number (known as the personnummer)
- Visit your local Swedish healthcare center (known as a vårdcentraler)
To obtain a personnummer card, foreigners must visit their local Swedish tax office (Skatteverket).
Most applications are processed within two weeks. If you have been living in Sweden with a residency permit for over a year, you may be required to demonstrate that you have private insurance to cover your healthcare costs until you obtain your personnummer.
For those who do not yet have a Swedish personnummer, scheduling an appointment with a doctor may be challenging. If you need urgent care, you can receive treatment at a local acute care center (also known as a närakut).
International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Sweden
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Health Insurance in Sweden for US Citizens
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
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- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
How To Find A Family Physician
A local friend or fellow expat can help you get started on your search for a physician. To register, you must first visit the local public health center, known as a vårdcentraler.
There are no restrictions on which doctor you can register with; however, if you plan to use the public healthcare system, ensure that your chosen doctor is also registered.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work
Once you request a doctor’s appointment through the vårdcentraler, you should have one within a week. The national guarantee of care, or vårdgaranti, aims to keep waiting times for visiting a primary care physician below 7 days.
It is necessary to see a primary care physician to request a specialist consultation. In general, this process occurs very quickly, with an average wait time from referral to appointment being around 12 days.
If patients have to wait beyond 90 days for an appointment, they will be offered care elsewhere (such as at a neighboring district or private clinic), and the county council will pay all associated costs (including travel).
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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