Your EHIC does not cover private treatment. Any costs incurred for private healthcare are non-refundable. You should be particularly careful if healthcare arrangements are made by a hotel or travel representative. They might reassure visitors that they can claim back whatever is paid out, but they are referring to private insurance and not the treatment given under the EHIC.
It's always advisable to have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Repatriation for medical treatment is not covered by the EHIC.
Remember to keep all receipts and any paperwork (make copies if necessary) as they might be needed by you or your insurance company to apply for any refund or reimbursement.
If you move to Denmark long term or plan to work in the country, you'll have to register with the Civil Registration Office in your region (also known as municipality) to obtain a health insurance card (sygesikringskort) and your CPR number.
Denmark has a healthcare system that is financed through income tax, and is available to Danish residents and EU citizens free of charge. The health insurance card is sent to you by your municipal authority and is proof that you are entitled to public health treatment. The card states your name, address and CPR number, and the name and address of your GP.
You must take your health insurance card with you when you visit the GP, dentist and hospital, and when you travel outside Denmark.
Be aware, if you are resident in Denmark and traveling around Europe, you will still need a free EU health insurance Card (blåt sygesikringskort or blue health insurance card), which you can order online or at your municipal authority office.
For more information, visit the Danish e-Health portal or the National Agency for Patients' Rights and Complaints (Patientombuddet).
Doctors
To visit a doctor in Denmark, you need to call to make an appointment first. You must take your health insurance card with you.
There is an emergency doctor service (vagtlæge) if you are ill on weekdays after 4pm. You must have your EHIC or civil registration number to hand. You can also contact the emergency doctor on weekends and public holidays. The number to call depends on where in Denmark you are staying:
- north Denmark: (+45) 7015 0300
- central Denmark: (+45) 7011 3131
- south Denmark: (+45) 7011 0707
- Zealand: (+45) 7015 0700
- capital region: (+45) 1813
Dentists
To visit a dentist in Denmark, you need to make an appointment first. Children are entitled to free dental care. If you are over the age of 18, you must find your own private dentist.
Patients have to contribute towards the cost of dental check-ups and treatments. The state pays part of the cost, which is deducted from your bill.
Hospitals
Emergency hospital treatment in a public hospital in Denmark is free. In most cases a referral from a doctor is required, unless you have an accident or acute illness. Examinations from a doctor or midwife during pregnancy and childbirth are also free of charge.
An interpreter can be present for people who do not speak Danish at appointments with a doctor, nurse or midwife, or in a hospital. They are provided free of charge. Where possible, inform the hospital before you arrival that you'll need the service.
Prescriptions
Prescription medicine is paid for by the patient. The majority of chemists are open from 9.30am to 5pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 12pm on Saturdays. Some chemists are open till 2pm on Saturdays. There are also a number of 24-hour pharmacies (døgnåbne apoteker).
