Safety Tips and Travel Insurance Advice for Visitors to Sweden
There aren’t many places in the world that can boast having a shrine to disco (the ABBA Museum) next to a mighty 1600’s battleship (that would be the Vasa Museum). But they’re both in Stockholm and it’s this kind of quirky diversity that makes Sweden such an exceptional travel destination. The country is a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. And it’s all tucked into a gorgeous Nordic landscape and thousands of tiny islands. In other words, Sweden is irresistible! And international travelers agree. Sweden is the 21st most visited country in the world. It attracts over 7.6 million visitors a year. It’s generally considered one of the happiest, healthiest destinations in the world. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot for the potential visitor to consider. Here is the best health, safety, and travel advice for Sweden.
Visiting Sweden: Vaccines, Food, and Water Safety
There are no mandatory vaccines required to visit Sweden. All travelers should travel with updated routine vaccinations. These include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and a yearly flu shot.
As of 2016, Sweden is no longer rabies-free, thanks to 14 bats in the south of the country which tested positive for the rabies antibodies. While the risk is minuscule, adventure travelers planning cave based expeditions should speak with a physician for advice.
Tap water in Sweden is safe to drink. Lakes and streams with fast-flowing water are generally considered safe but it’s wise to double-check with a guide or outfitter before you head out.
The Swedish tradition of “allemansrätten” – roughly translated as the right of public access – gives the public the right to roam just about anywhere, even on private lands. This, of course, is contingent on the roamers being non-disruptive and respectful! You can even forage for wild berries and mushrooms as you go. However, unless you are 100% certain about what you are consuming, think before you eat.
Understanding the Swedish Healthcare System
The Swedish healthcare system is one of the best in the world. For instance, Swedish residents benefit from one of the lowest rates of maternal mortality, with fewer than 4 in 100,000 women and 3 in 1,000 babies dying in childbirth. The public healthcare system is government-funded and decentralized. Responsibilities for healthcare policy and administration are split among national, regional, and municipal political bodies. Together, they pay for approximately 97% of healthcare costs.
However, expats who are not official residents in Sweden will have to cover their own healthcare costs through private insurance. Once their residency is approved, they must apply for a personal identification number, known as a “personnummer” to facilitate their access to the national healthcare system.
Swedish Travel Insurance Plans:
Travel Health Insurance in Sweden – Short Term (up to one year)
Atlas Travel Insurance
- COVID-19 coverage outside your home country
- 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 network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Healthcare for Visitors to Sweden
Foreign visitors and tourists in Sweden are always entitled to receive essential emergency healthcare. The cost of this care depends on which country you are from. Sweden has agreements with EU countries, Switzerland, other Nordic states, and Australia, Algeria, Chile, Israel, Turkey and the Canadian province of Quebec. All others will have to pay the full cost of their treatment. The cost of a non-emergency consultation with a doctor can range from 150-200 Swedish Krona – and up. Therefore, having comprehensive travel medical insurance will provide peace of mind and help you avoid an unanticipated nasty bill!
Where to Access Swedish Healthcare and Emergency Care
Pharmacies, known as “apotek”, can provide advice in non-urgent situations. In larger towns and cities, pharmacies will always post information for the nearest 24-hour pharmacy. Like many shops and services in Sweden, you have to join an orderly line (or taking a numbered ticket from a machine at the counter) and wait your turn to speak with the staff.
The emergency hotline in Sweden is 112. Hospital emergency departments, known as “akutmottagning” are open 24 hours a day.
Emergency Assistance Numbers in Sweden
- 112 (general emergencies)
- 1177 (medical advice)
- 11 414 (Police – non-emergency assistance)
- 113 13 (for crises or other non-emergency situations )
For medical situations that aren’t quite emergencies but require timely care, out-of-hours clinics and urgent care clinic can help. In Sweden, they’re known as “jourcentral” or “primärvårdsakuten“. While you don’t have to make an appointment, calling ahead is wise so you can anticipate wait times. Hotel staff will be familiar with the nearest appropriate clinic in your neighborhood and can help arrange this.
For non-urgent care during normal business hours, health centers can help. A typical health center is staffed by doctors, nurses, midwives, and sometimes psychologists and physiotherapists.
The Swedish website 1177.se, is an official source of healthcare information in Sweden. It’s a good resource for residents and tourists alike.
Sweden: Travel Insurance Plans:
Short Term (up to one year) Swedish Travel Insurance
Atlas Travel Insurance
- COVID-19 coverage outside your home country
- 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 network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Enjoy Visiting Sweden and Traveling in Europe
Swedish people value time spent in nature. For tourists, for instance, this means there are plenty of hiking trails, campgrounds, lake excursions, horseback riding facilities, and more. While even rustic facilities in remote regions are generally well maintained, you should check with park rangers and guides for advice and recommendations. After all, you’re better safe than sorry!
Swedes are voracious coffee consumers. A big part of Swedish life is enjoying a “fika” break. Fika is a restorative break for coffee and a sweet treat often enjoyed with friends. It’s not just an excuse to consume cappuccino and cardamom buns. Fika is considered an important part of forming community bonds and managing stress. In conclusion: think of it as a very Swedish way to stop and smell the roses! Don’t hesitate to join a new friend for a fika break.
Sauna life is also a big part of stress management and bonding with friends in Sweden. Visiting a sauna isn’t considered an indulgence. It’s all part of a healthy lifestyle! As a result, hotel staff won’t be taken aback when you ask them to explain the lay of the land. They’ll explain if you should expect a single-sex or mixed gender experience and if you should wear swimsuits or wraps only. And they’ll be more than happy to provide recommendations! Everyone has an opinion on the best place to go. Consider this steamy de-stressor an essential part of staying healthy on the road!
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