Einen Gesundheitsdienstleister finden
Sie sind auf der Suche nach einer Versicherung?
Hier erfahren Sie, wie Sie mit MSH den geeigneten Gesundheitsdienstleister finden
Bereits Mitglied?
Bitte melden Sie sich an, um einen geeigneten Gesundheitsdienstleister zu suchen
Vertrieb
Customer services
Vertriebsteam für Einzelpersonen
Von 9:00 bis 18:00 Uhr (CET)
Kontaktieren Sie uns per E-Mail
Vertriebsteam für Unternehmen
Von 9:00 bis 18:00 Uhr (CET)
Kontaktieren Sie uns per E-Mail
Schnellzugriff

Sweden

Sweden is a country located in northern Europe with coasts overlooking the Baltic Sea to the east and the North Sea to the west. It is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the east. Sweden is also linked to Denmark by a bridge and tunnel connecting Malmö to Copenhagen.

The country is mainly made up of forests and lakes with a mountain range, the Scandinavian Alps, stretching from the north to the south of Sweden. Major cities include the capital Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Sweden is divided into 21 counties, each of which has some autonomy in the management of its local affairs. The country also has several large islands, including Gotland, located in the Baltic Sea.
  • Population: 10.51 million in December 2022
  • Area: 528,447 km2
  • Currency: Swedish crown (krona)
  • Official languages: Swedish

Healthcare system

Discover how the Swedish healthcare system works

The Swedish healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. It is financed primarily by public funds and is accessible to all Swedish citizens as well as to foreign residents.

The Swedish national health services are both public and private. Public healthcare is managed and provided either by the county, the local authority, or the municipality. There are two types of private healthcare:
- Health services provided by a private company under contract with the county council, local authority, or municipality. In this case, the cost of private and public healthcare is the same.
- Health services provided by a private company without a contract with the national healthcare services. The patient must then pay the full cost of the treatment and care received.

Primary healthcare is provided by general practitioners and nurses in local health centers while hospital care is available in regional and university hospitals.

Waiting times for non-emergency treatment can be long, but emergency care is usually available quickly. Patients also have some choice in selecting their doctor or hospital.



The Swedish healthcare system has a strong tradition of prevention, health promotion and equal access to care. Mental healthcare, which is also covered by the Swedish healthcare system, is generally of high quality.
 

Healthcare formalities for expatriates

If you are planning to move to Sweden, it is important to make some arrangements in terms of your health such as:
  • Taking out supplementary health insurance: Sweden has a public healthcare system that covers 75%-82% of expenses but it is strongly recommended to take out private health insurance to cover medical expenses, especially if you are an expatriate. It is also important to check if your current insurance covers you abroad.
  • Obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your health insurance organization. This card entitles you to medical coverage in case of emergency during your stay and guarantees you direct access to public healthcare providers. If you forget, lose or do not have your card with you, or if it is stolen, your health insurance fund can issue you with a PRC (Provisional Replacement Certificate) which is valid for 3 months and can be used under the same conditions as the EHIC.
So, basically, it is important to plan your trip to Sweden carefully when it comes to your health. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before leaving and take out international health insurance to cover all medical expenses during your stay.

Visiting a doctor

You can find a general practitioner in your area by using the "1177 Vårdguiden" service which is available online or by phone. You can also go to a primary care clinic ("Vårdcentral" in Swedish) which can help you find a doctor that suits your needs.

If you need a specialist consultation, you can ask your general practitioner or search for a provider through your international insurance medical network. Most specialized healthcare is available in public hospitals which are located throughout the country.

Healthcare in Sweden is largely free or low-cost for residents and expatriates. However, it is important to note that some fees may apply for medical visits, dental care, or medication, for example. In this case, and without supplementary international health insurance, you will have to pay the costs out of pocket.
 

Hospitalization

Being admitted to hospital

If you are an expatriate in Sweden, you will first have to see a doctor for a consultation or go to the emergency room if the situation seems worrying. If the doctor feels that you need to be hospitalized, they will send you to the nearest hospital.

Swedish hospitals are often equipped with modern technology and have well-trained staff, which allows them to offer high-quality healthcare.

As for the cost of a day in hospital in a state-registered facility, the daily charge is capped at 110 SEK (around 10 euros/day). It is important to note that if you do not have international health insurance or if your insurance does not cover healthcare in Sweden, you will have to pay the medical expenses yourself. Costs vary depending on the type of healthcare you receive, the hospital you are treated in, and the length of your hospital stay.
 

Buying medication

If you are a foreign resident in Sweden, you can buy over-the-counter medication (without a prescription) in Swedish pharmacies. However, if you need a prescription drug that was prescribed by a doctor in your home country, you may need to contact a Swedish doctor to obtain a new prescription.

Medicines in Sweden may have different names to those used in other countries, even if the active ingredients are the same. If you have any doubts or questions about the medication you are buying, it is recommended that you seek help from a Swedish pharmacist.
 

Vaccinations to be carried out

The country does not pose any particular problems in terms of hygiene and health and no vaccinations are required for a stay in Sweden. However, recommended vaccinations for travelers include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, influenza and measles, and mumps and rubella (if you are not already vaccinated against these diseases).

It is also important to check that your routine vaccinations are up to date, such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
 

Health risks

In general, Sweden is considered to be a safe country in terms of health. The Swedish healthcare system is highly regarded and very well developed.

However, like anywhere else in the world, there are health risks in Sweden. Tick-borne diseases are quite common during the summer months and can cause diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. It is therefore recommended to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents.

In winter, health risks are related to cold and snow, such as frostbite and hypothermia. It is important to wear warm clothing and stay warm indoors during periods of very cold weather.
 

Good to know

Emergency services and useful numbers:
  • Police: 114 14 (if not urgent) / 112 (if urgent)
  • Fire department: 112
  • Medical emergencies: 112
  • 24-hour medical advice: 1177
  • Official name: Kingdom of Sweden
  • Main cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala
  • Type of state: Constitutional monarchy
  • Capital: Stockholm
  • Languages spoken: Swedish and English

Get your health insurance for Sweden

MSH can help you design the best international health insurance plan to suit your needs.

Going for less than a year?  
We have the right health insurance plan to cover you for 1 to 12 months, whether it's for a personal project, an apprenticeship, a working holiday or any other reason.

Going for a year or more?
Explore our comprehensive and highly flexible health insurance solutions to protect you and your family while you're abroad.

Kurzinfos

Offizieller Name

Königreich Schweden

Größte Städte

Hauptstadt

Stockholm

Regierungsform

Zentral regierte parlamentarische
konstitutionelle Monarchie

Verbreitete Sprache

Finnisch (Suomi), Meänkieli, Samisch, Romani, Jiddisch

Weitere Informationen

Schweden auf Wikipedia

Kundenerfahrungen

Kundenerfahrung: Sie waren für mein Baby da

Laure und Robert zogen 2014 aus beruflichen Gründen nach Singapur. Aber letztendlich gründeten sie dort auch eine Familie. Laure informierte MSH über ihre Schwangerschaft und freute sich sehr über die umfangreiche Unterstützung, die sie erhielt. Zunächst erhielt sie einen praktischen Leitfaden für Schwangere (mit Informationen über das richtige Verhalten in den einzelnen Stadien, medizinische Untersuchungen usw.). Anschließend bekam sie einen Anruf von einem Teammitglied, das ihr ihre Leistungsansprüche persönlich erklärte und ihr Ratschläge erteilte, wo sie das Kind am besten zur Welt bringen könnte. Am Tag der Geburt ihrer Tochter erhielt Sie ein Geschenkpaket mit einer Wachstumstabelle, einem Babyspielzeug und den Glückwünschen von MSH. Mittlerweile ist noch ein weiteres Kind unterwegs ...
Kundenerfahrung: MSH als Retter in der Not

Matthieu war in einem Canyon in Peru wandern, als er abrutschte und mehrere Meter in die Tiefe stürzte. Dabei brach er sich die Kniescheibe und den Ellenbogen: 'Nach zwölf Tagen in einem lokalen Krankenhaus wurde ich nach Frankreich zurückgeschickt. Dort verbrachte ich noch einmal zwei Wochen im Krankenhaus und erhielt mehrere Monate lang Physiotherapie', erinnert er sich. Matthieus Krankenhausaufenthalt, die Rückführung und die Rehamaßnahmen wurden komplett von MSH bezahlt. 'Ohne meine private Krankenversicherung wäre das ein Albtraum gewesen: 16.000 Euro für das Krankenhaus und 50.000 für meine Rückführung mit zwei Sanitätsflugzeugen ... Können Sie sich das vorstellen?'
Kundenerfahrung: die richtige Entscheidung

Bill lebt mit seiner Familie in Brasilien. Weil er mit seiner vorherigen Versicherung nicht zufrieden war, wechselte Bill im Dezember 2015 zu MSH. 'Das war eine der besten Entscheidungen, die ich getroffen habe, seit ich hierher gekommen bin', sagt er. 'Das liegt an den umfangreichen Dienstleistungen und der Größe und Qualität des Netzwerks.' Bills Versichertenkarte wird jetzt von den größten und besten Krankenhäusern in São Paulo akzeptiert. Selbst die Kosten für einfache Untersuchungen im Krankenhaus werden ohne vorherige Vereinbarung direkt übernommen. 'MSH macht das Leben leichter', meint Bill.
Lesen Sie die Geschichten

For more information

Find out about other countries' healthcare system

Möchten Sie mehr erfahren?
Finden Sie mit ein paar Klicks die richtige Versicherung
Kontaktieren Sie unser Expertenteam
Wir sind rund um die Uhr in Ihrer Sprache für Sie ansprechbar