Accessing healthcare in Sweden

You will be treated on the same basis as a Swedish resident, provided you show your EHIC, provisional replacement certificate or other relevant documents.

Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK.

It is important that you ensure you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative.

Non-EEA nationals are covered in Sweden.

Where to get information while in Sweden

The Swedish healthcare system is very extensive and organised by county councils. For more information contact the 'Sveriges Kommuner och Landsting -SKL' (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) or visit the SKL website.

'Sveriges Kommuner och Landsting -SKL
Hornsgatan 20
SE-118
82 Stockholm
Sweden

Telephone: 0046 8 452 70 00
E-mail: info@skl.se
Website: www.skl.se

Emergency numbers

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Sweden, dial 112. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Treatment, coverage and costs

Doctors

You should consult a doctor affiliated to the public insurance scheme. You will be charged on the same basis as a Swedish resident. Charges are not refundable and vary between SEK 100 to SE 150 (£8-£12) per treatment. However, anyone under 20 is treated free of charge.

Dentists

State-provided dental care is available from most dentists. You can contact the Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency) for further information.

Hospital treatment

Inpatient treatment is generally free, except for a daily standard charge of SEK 80 (£6.50). This fee is not refundable.

A patient fee is charged for outpatient treatment and the costs are not refundable.

Specialist care is charged between SEK 200 - SEK 300 (£16 - £24).

These charges are non-refundable in Sweden but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Prescriptions

Prescription charges may vary.

Ambulance

Ambulance service is free of charge in most Swedish regions.

Air ambulance

Air ambulance service is free of charge in most Swedish regions.

Making healthcare arrangements in advance

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the relevant county council were you will be staying during your visit in Sweden and make necessary arrangements before leaving the UK. The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions website offers information about every county council in English.

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Sweden nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Sweden.

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Sweden

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access public healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

There is no refund system in Sweden. Provided you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you should have been charged only the standard patient contributions and those are not refundable.

If you have had to pay for the cost of your care, you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK.

Living in Sweden

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the the Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency).

However, if you move to the Sweden to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to register with the Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency). You will then receive either your E106/ E121 form, wich you'll have to present, together with a proof of identity, everytime you seek health care.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Working in Sweden

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106, your posting is for less than two years and you are using an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare.

How to register your E106

You will need to register with the Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency). When you register you will receive the E106 form, wich you'll have to present, together with a proof of identity, everytime you seek health care.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Am I still eligible for treatment under the NHS?

UK citizens registered in another EEA country and using an E106 or E121 are not automatically eligible for free treatment in the UK.

You should also visit the 'Planned treatment abroad' section for detailed information.

Last reviewed: 23/06/2011

Next review due: 23/06/2013

Country-by-country guide