How healthcare works in Sweden for foreign residents

Sweden's public healthcare is organised by regions, paid largely through taxes, and accessed mainly through a local healthcare centre. For Americans used to choosing an insurer and a network, the Swedish model is simpler in some ways and less familiar in others: there is no plan to pick, but there are referrals, waiting times and regional differences. This guide explains how the system works for foreign residents, using information from 1177, the national healthcare information service, and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).

When you become entitled

Access to public healthcare at resident rates follows population registration. Försäkringskassan states that once you are registered in Sweden, you are entitled to medical and dental care on the same terms as others who live there, paying the standard Swedish patient fee in the public system.

Registration comes through the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) if you plan to live in Sweden for one year or more. Before that, 1177 explains that most people from countries outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland pay the full cost of care themselves, including emergency, necessary and planned care. You always have the right to emergency care in Sweden, but the cost depends on where you are insured.

Regions run healthcare

Healthcare is governed by areas called regions. Rules, fees and services vary between them, which is why 1177.se asks you to choose a region at the top of the page to see what applies where you live. When reading about fees or opening hours, check your own region's version.

Where to go

### The healthcare centre (vårdcentral)

For most needs, start at a healthcare centre (vårdcentral), usually close to where you live. It may also be called a health centre (hälsocentral), a GP surgery (husläkarmottagning) or a doctor's office (familjeläkarmottagning). Doctors, nurses and other professionals there help with illness and depression. Healthcare centres are always open during the day Monday to Friday, and some open at other times too.

### The 1177 helpline

If you are unsure where to seek care, call 1177. A nurse answers, gives advice on managing your condition and can tell you where to go. You can choose Swedish or English, and some regions offer other languages.

### Urgent care and emergencies

• When the healthcare centre is closed, go to an urgent care centre, open evenings and weekends.
• If you are seriously injured or very ill, go to a hospital emergency department, open 24 hours with no appointment. The sickest are treated first, so less urgent cases may wait.
• Call 112 if it is very urgent or a life is in danger. The operator speaks Swedish and English and can get an interpreter. An ambulance is sent if needed.

### Specialist care and referrals

For specialist care, such as a dermatology, psychiatric or eye clinic, you may need a referral (remiss), which the professional at your healthcare centre can send. You may have to wait for an appointment. Some regions offer video consultations by phone.

Care for families

### Children

Children up to age six attend child health centres (barnavårdscentral), where they go regularly and receive their vaccinations. Some places have special children's hospitals and emergency departments.

### Young people

A youth guidance centre (ungdomsmottagning) is for people aged 13 to 25, offering help with contraception, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infections and counselling.

### Pregnancy and women's health

Midwifery clinics (barnmorskemottagning), maternity centres and women's clinics give advice, contraception and testing. When it is time to give birth, you go to a maternity ward, open 24 hours.

What it costs

1177 states that the amount you pay varies. An emergency department costs more than a healthcare centre, and the cost depends on your age and whether you live in Sweden. Patient fees are set by each region, so check your region's page on 1177.se.

Medicines

### Buying medicines

You can buy common over-the-counter medicines, for coughs, sore throats, aches or fever, at a pharmacy (apotek), and many at grocery stores or petrol stations. You must be at least 18 to buy medicines in a shop or petrol station, and for certain medicines at a pharmacy.

Prescription medicines are sold only by pharmacies and their websites. Online orders can be sent to your home or to a pharmacy. Tell the prescriber what other medicines you take.

### High-cost protection

If you live in Sweden, you are covered by high-cost protection (högkostnadsskydd): you pay only up to a certain amount each year for prescription medicines. Children under 18 usually do not pay for prescription medicines.

### Medicines advice

Pharmacy staff are trained to answer questions. The Medicines Information Line is open weekdays 8:00 to 17:00 on 0771-46 70 10, in Swedish and English.

Dental care

1177 states that in Sweden you pay a large part of dental costs yourself, and you have the right to know the price before treatment. You can choose your dental clinic, so compare costs first.

• Försäkringskassan states that if you are insured in Sweden, you receive free dental care until age 23. From the year you turn 24, you can get the national dental care subsidy.
• There is a yearly general dental care allowance, based on age, which the clinic applies when you pay.
• High-cost protection for dental care limits what you pay over twelve months.
• Some clinics offer a subscription agreement, a fixed monthly payment covering treatment.

### Dental care linked to illness

If you have a disease that affects your teeth, a dentist or dental hygienist can decide that you qualify for a special dental care allowance, sometimes with a doctor's certificate. In some cases you pay the same price as for medical care, for example when dental treatment is part of treating a disease, and such care is free for people aged 85 and older. If you cannot afford treatment, 1177 suggests asking the clinic to split the bill, talking to your bank or contacting Social Services in your municipality.

Using 1177 online

The 1177.se site has fact-checked information on illnesses and care, with an English section. You can log in to its personal e-services to read your medical record and handle care matters. The 1177 phone line gives healthcare advice around the clock.

Interpreters

You may be entitled to an interpreter if you do not speak Swedish. For medical care, 1177 says you do not pay for the interpreter, who is sworn to secrecy. Tell the clinic when you book. For dental care there may sometimes be a charge.

Before you are registered

Until registration, keep private health cover. If you hold a work permit for a job of up to one year, the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) requires comprehensive health insurance in any case.

Common questions

When can I use Swedish public healthcare at resident rates? Försäkringskassan says you are entitled to medical and dental care on the same terms as others living in Sweden once you are registered there.

Who do I call if I am unsure where to go? Call 1177 for advice from a nurse in Swedish or English. Call 112 in an emergency.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist? Often, yes. The professional at your healthcare centre can send a referral to a specialist clinic.

Are prescription costs capped? Yes. People living in Sweden are covered by high-cost protection, which caps what they pay each year for prescription medicines.