How Safe is Sweden? Tips and Travel Insurance for Visitors
Is Sweden safe? For the most part, yes. Known both for its natural beauty and excellence in human design, Sweden also offers safety and a high quality of life. As a visitor, though, there are still some risks to consider. Winter sports are extremely popular and injuries are common. Natural disasters like blizzards and avalanches happen, especially in the north. And the country has become more prone to terrorist attacks in recent years as well. Travel insurance for Sweden will give you peace of mind and prepare you for the unexpected.
Travel Health Insurance in Sweden – Short Term (up to one year)
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
Comprehensive International Medical Insurance in Sweden
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Do I Need Insurance to Travel to Sweden?
Yes, travelers to Sweden should buy an insurance plan that offers both trip and medical coverage. If you happen to have an emergency while abroad, you can focus on what you need to do and not worry about bills.
For visitors who need a Schengen Visa, you must have proof of international travel insurance as part of your application. You can find which countries need a visa to enter Sweden on the government’s webpage.
Also Read: Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
While insurance is not mandatory for short-term visits to Sweden for Americans, Canadians and others, the government strongly recommends you buy a plan that covers at least €30,000 of medical care.
Medical Coverage:
Sweden has excellent healthcare and you are not limited to the major cities to find top quality hospitals. There are 100 hospitals available throughout the country and only 15 are private facilities. Citizens and residents have access to free healthcare. Travelers, however, will have to show proof of insurance or pay out of pocket to get care at a public clinic.
Depending on how serious your injury or illness is, you might need to get a medical evacuation. Evacuations can be very expensive. You’ll want to make sure your travel insurance for Sweden covers hospital stays, evacuations, or even repatriation to your home country.
Trip Coverage:
How safe is Sweden from natural disasters? While hurricanes and typhoons aren’t an issue in this Nordic country, you might experience a blizzard or an avalanche in the mountains, preventing travel. Flooding can make it hard to access essential services. If you’re visiting the country, it’s a good idea to buy full trip coverage. That way, you will be protected if you need to make last-minute changes, cancellations, or even get evacuated.
Which Travel Insurance is Best for Sweden?
There are some great choices listed below. When buying your travel medical insurance for Sweden, tell us how long your trip will be, what types of activities you plan to do, and any preexisting conditions you may have. Different visitors to the country will have different needs. We can help select the best plan for your trip.
For those interested in winter sports such as snowmobiling or dogsledding, you should think about buying additional adventure sports travel insurance. If your trip revolves around snow sports, you might also consider cancel for any reason insurance given how quickly weather conditions can change. At the very least, make sure your plan covers last-minute changes, cancellations and evacuations.
Also Read: Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
Medical Preparation for Travel to Sweden
What Vaccinations Do I Need When Traveling to Sweden?
There are no required vaccines to enter or exit Sweden. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend travelers be up to date on all routine vaccines such as influenza, chickenpox, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccines. Plan to visit your doctor at least a month before you leave on your trip. This will give you time to get any medications or vaccinations you might need.
How to Bring Medications to Sweden
You can visit Sweden with prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, the country limits how much you can bring with you. If you are traveling from a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), you are allowed a year’s supply. Those arriving from outside the EEA are limited to a three-month supply.
If you are bringing medication into the country, keep the medicine in its original packaging and with the receipt of payment. Make sure the name on the label is the same as on your travel documents. Lastly, carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you.
To learn about the legality or availability of your specific medication in Sweden, it’s a good idea to contact your local embassy. The numbers for each embassy can be found below.
How to Access Medical Care in Sweden for Visitors
Swedish urgent care emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day and see patients with or without doctor referrals. Some hospitals may charge a fee for an ambulance or helicopter transfer, but it is capped at 1,100 kronor (around $100 USD). Note, that this is county dependent — most provide free transfer to hospitals for emergency treatment.
Private healthcare is becoming more popular in Sweden. Private facilities offer shorter waiting times, individual rooms, and a high level of service. You will want to ask about the payment process before your visit. Some require up-front payment and you will need to get reimbursed by your insurance provider later.
Your Sweden travel insurance provider can help you find treatment options based on your needs and location. Many plans also provide telehealth visits and connect you with a translator if needed.
The Swedish website 1177.se, is an official source of healthcare information in Sweden.
Also Read: The Best Hospitals in Sweden for Expats
Is Sweden a Safe Country?
Sweden is the 28th most peaceful country in the world according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. The country has dropped a bit in rankings over the past few years largely due to the Ukraine conflict. In comparison, the United Kingdom is ranked 37th while the United States is placed at 131st.
Is it Safe to Walk in Stockholm at Night?
Yes — Stockholm is rated as the fourth safest city in the world for personal security by the Economist’s 2021 Safe City Index. The well-lit streets and extensive public transit network make Stockholm a safe city to wander through after dark.
Is Sweden Safe for Female Tourists?
Yes, female-presenting travelers can rely on Sweden’s safety. Sweden is rated the third safest country by the Women Peace and Security Index, which measures how safe a country is for women. However, it’s still important to take the usual precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, stay in well-lit areas, and trust your instincts.
No matter where a country falls on global safety rankings, you should always stay up-to-date on travel alerts for your destination. As these warnings change frequently, you can use the following pages to learn about the latest safety recommendations.
- US Department of State Sweden Page
- Australian Government Smartraveller Sweden Page
- UK Government Foreign Travel Advice Sweden Section
- Government of Canada Travel Advisory Sweden Page
- Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sweden Page
Additionally, U.S. travelers can sign up for the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. If you register your travel dates with the program, you will receive alerts for the country while visiting.
What are the Emergency Assistance Numbers in Sweden?
If you require emergency care in Sweden, dial 112 from any phone for ambulance and police services. All phone operators are bilingual in Swedish and English. For non-emergencies, the police can be reached by calling 114 14.
Sweden also has a 24-hour non-emergency healthcare line staffed by registered nurses. You can dial 1177 from a Swedish phone to get medical advice and learn where the nearest health center is. If you’re using a sim card from outside the country, dial +46 771 1177 00.
Embassy Phone Numbers in Sweden
Below you can find contact information for your local embassy or consular services:
United States Embassy
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31 SE-115 89 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 783 53 00
Fax: +46 8 661 19 64
Embassy of Canada
23 Klarabergsgatan, 111 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 453 30 00
Fax: +46 8 453 30 16
Email: stkhm@international.gc.ca
British Embassy
Skarpögatan 6-8, Box 27819, 115 93 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 671 30 00
Email: Stockholm@fcdo.gov.uk
French Embassy
Kommendörsgatan 13, box 5135, 102 43 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 459 53 00
Australian Embassy
Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor, Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 613 29 00
Email: stockholm.reception@dfat.gov.au
New Zealand Embassy
Skarpögatan 6, Östermalm, 115 27, Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 400 17 270
Email: NZEmbassyStockholm@mfat.govt.nz
5 Safety Tips When Visiting Sweden
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While Sweden has a low rate of violent crime, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in the larger cities. Stay alert. Don’t walk around playing on your phone or looking at a map. Petty crime usually occurs when a thief has an easy opportunity, and if you are distracted, it makes you an easy target. Note that high tourist areas, like Stockholm’s Old Town (“Gamla Stan”), often have higher rates of petty crime.
2. Stay Informed of Terrorist Threat Levels
Swedish authorities warn the country is a likely target for terrorism. There have been an increased number of threats by violent Islamist groups and by far-right/Nazi terrorists. The threat level is rated at 4 out of 5. Take official government warnings seriously and be vigilant in public spaces. You can stay up to date with the threat levels on the embassy websites listed above as well as on the Swedish Security Service.
3. Dress For the Weather
About 15% of Sweden is located in the Arctic Circle. The northern region has severely low temperatures that can reach −22 to −40 °F (−30 to −40 °C) and gets heavy snowfall for up to eight months of the year. If you plan to be in northern Sweden in the winter months, make sure you have appropriate snow gear: a warm winter coat, thermal underwear, waterproof pants, wool socks, hats and gloves.
4. Be Prepared for Natural Disasters
Sweden can have extreme weather, such as blizzards, rockslides, forest fires, floods and storms. Weather can change quickly. If you want to get alerts when severe weather is headed your way, you can register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System. It’s a good idea to know where local shelters are and learn evacuation plans for different events.
5. Be Cautious of Wildlife
Sweden is home to dangerous animals like brown bears, wolves and moose. Do not approach wildlife in the forests or parks. Additionally, mosquitos and ticks are a growing problem in Sweden during the summer months. Make sure to wear long trousers and insect repellent when hiking.
Enjoying Sweden Safely and Smartly
While Sweden is regularly rated among the safest countries in the world, accidents can happen anywhere. It’s a good idea to buy comprehensive travel health insurance for Sweden before you leave. That way you are prepared for unexpected delays, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. Knowing you are protected in case of an emergency means you can focus on enjoying all that Sweden has to offer.
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