Medicine & Veterinary Denmark

All residents of the country are entitled to free medical services, but there are different types of insurance available that can further enhance access to healthcare services.

 

Public Health Insurance

 

Group 1: Most Danish residents are registered in this group. You can choose a general practice family doctor whom you consult for any medical issues. To see specialists, a referral from the family doctor is required. Services are fully covered at no additional cost to the patient.

 

Group 2: Provides greater flexibility in choosing medical services. You can consult any doctors and specialists directly without a referral. The state covers a fixed part of the costs, but the patient may pay the difference out of pocket.

 

Private Medical Insurance

 

Supplementary Insurance: A non-profit insurance company partially or fully covers expenses for dentistry, physiotherapy, medications, and other additional services. Available to all residents for a monthly fee.

 

Corporate Insurance: Provided by employers as part of a benefits package. Ensures quick access to private clinics, reduced waiting times, and enhanced medical services. The cost is entirely or partially covered by the employer.

 

Individual Private Policies: Intended for those who wish to have additional coverage beyond public insurance. Coverage may include specialized services, improved inpatient conditions, and other benefits. The cost depends on the chosen plan and insurance company.

 

Insurance for Foreign Citizens

 

Students: Foreign students residing in Denmark for more than 3 months are entitled to public health insurance. They must register with the local municipality and obtain a health card.

 

Tourists and Short-term Visitors: It is necessary to arrange travel medical insurance before the trip. The public system does not cover tourists, and medical services may be chargeable.

 

Healthcare System Features

Dental Services: Free for children under 18. Adults pay for services themselves or through supplementary insurance.

Medicines: Partially subsidized by the state; the remainder is paid by the patient.

Psychological Support: Partially covered with a referral from a family doctor; supplementary insurance may be available.

 

It is recommended to carefully study all available options and, if necessary, consult with an insurance specialist.

Medical services are provided through a network of public and private institutions, including general practitioners, hospitals, and specialized clinics.

 

Public Medical Institutions

 

Public Hospitals

Availability: Located throughout the country, providing a wide range of medical services.

Specialized Care: Offer inpatient and outpatient treatment, surgical operations, obstetrics, and other specialized services.

Referral: A referral from a general practitioner is usually required to visit a hospital, except in emergency cases.

Cost: Medical services in public hospitals are free for residents.

 

Specialized Clinics: Focus on specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, etc. A referral from a general practitioner or another specialist is required.

 

Private Medical Institutions

 

Private Clinics and Hospitals

Availability: May offer shorter waiting times and additional comfort.

Services: Provide a wide range of medical services, including specialist consultations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures.

Cost: Services are paid for by the patient or covered by private medical insurance.

How to Access: Appointment directly, without the need for a GP referral.

 

Private Specialists

Areas of Specialization: Often work in areas with high demand, such as dermatology, dentistry, physiotherapy.

Advantages: Quick access to consultations and treatment.

Payment: Services are paid out-of-pocket or through an insurance company.

 

Below are some of the most renowned and popular hospitals and clinics in the country.

 

Public Hospitals

 

Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen: The largest and most specialized hospital in Denmark, known as the National Hospital. It is a leading medical and research center. Provides a wide range of highly specialized medical services, including cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, and transplantation.

 

Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus: One of the largest university hospitals in Scandinavia. Provides comprehensive medical care in various fields, such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology.

 

Odense Universitetshospital, Odense: The main hospital on the island of Funen. Offers specialized services in pediatrics, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and others.

 

Aalborg Universitetshospital, Aalborg: A key medical facility in Northern Jutland. Provides a wide range of services, including orthopedics, oncology, and psychiatry.

 

Herlev og Gentofte Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte: A large medical complex serving the capital region. Specializes in oncology, endocrinology, surgery, and other areas.

 

Private Hospitals

 

Aleris-Hamlet Hospitaler: The largest network of private hospitals in Denmark with branches in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and other cities; orthopedics, plastic surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, diagnostics, and rehabilitation.

 

Capio CFR Hospitaler: Part of the international medical group Capio, represented in several cities; orthopedic surgery, neurology, physiotherapy, pain treatment, and rehabilitation.

 

Privathospitalet Mølholm, Vejle: Oncology, cardiology, gynecology, urology, plastic and reconstructive surgery.

 

Gildhøj Privathospital, Brøndby: Strong reputation in orthopedics and sports medicine; treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, arthroscopic surgery, rehabilitation.

 

Copenhagen Private Hospital, Copenhagen: Plastic surgery, dermatology, orthopedics, ENT surgery.

In Denmark, the healthcare system is organized in such a way that every resident has a designated family doctor (general practitioner) who is the first point of contact for medical care. To see specialists, a referral from a family doctor is usually required.

 

Registration with a Family Doctor

 

Obtaining a CPR Number

To access medical services in Denmark, you must have a CPR number – a unique resident identification number. To obtain it, you should register with the local municipality at your place of residence.

 

Choosing a Family Doctor: When registering with the municipality, you will be offered a choice of family doctors available in your area. You can select a doctor in the following ways:

- Online: Through the portal (https://www.lifeindenmark.dk/), using NemID or MitID.

- In Person: By visiting the municipality and filling out the relevant form.

If the chosen doctor cannot accept new patients, alternative options will be provided.

 

Medical Card: Used for identification in medical facilities and when receiving services; issued after registration with the municipality.

 

Making an Appointment with a Family Doctor

After registering with a family doctor, you can make an appointment in the following ways:

- Phone: Your doctor's phone number is listed on your medical card.

- Online: Through the Min Læge app.

 

Referral to a Specialist

If your family doctor deems a specialist consultation necessary, they will issue a referral for you. With this referral, you can make an appointment with a specialist in the following ways:

- Phone: Contacting the specialist's clinic directly.

- Online: Using the portal (https://www.sundhed.dk/), where you can find information about specialists and make appointments.

Note that a referral is not required to see ophthalmologists and ENT doctors.

 

Online Consultations

Online consultations with doctors are gaining popularity in Denmark. Some clinics and private medical centers offer such services through their own platforms or applications. Please note that online consultations may be charged, and the cost depends on the specific institution.

Emergency Situations: Calling an Ambulance

Emergency Number: In life-threatening situations or for serious injuries, call 112 immediately. This number is free and available 24/7.

Post-call Actions: Wait for instructions from the operator and, if possible, provide first aid until the medical team arrives.

Emergency Medical Care

For cases that do not require immediate intervention but need urgent medical care outside the regular hours of general practitioners, there is an emergency service.

When to Call: In the evening, at night, on weekends, and public holidays in case of sudden illnesses or worsening health conditions.

How to Contact: The phone number is on your medical card or available on the website of your regional medical administration.

A doctor may offer a phone consultation, invite you to an on-call clinic, or send a medical team to you.

Emergency Departments

For serious but non-life-threatening conditions, such as fractures, deep cuts, or severe pain, it is recommended to go to the nearest hospital's emergency department.

How to Find: Information on the nearest departments is available on the website (https://www.sundhed.dk/).

What to Bring: A medical card and, if possible, documents describing your medical history.

 

On-Call Pharmacies: If you need to purchase medication outside working hours, there are on-call pharmacies operating 24/7. A list of on-call pharmacies is available on the website (https://www.apoteket.dk/).

In Denmark, the healthcare system is organized in such a way that most medical tests and examinations are carried out by referral from your family doctor. The doctor gives a referral for specific tests or to a specialist.

Conducting Tests and Examinations

Laboratory Tests: Most blood, urine, and other biomaterial tests are conducted in laboratories associated with your clinic or hospital.

Receiving Results: Test and examination results are usually sent to the family doctor. The doctor will contact you to discuss the results and, if necessary, prescribe further treatment or additional examinations.

Online Access to Results: You can access your medical data through the Sundhed.dk portal.

Private Medical Services

In private clinics, you can get tests and examinations without a referral from a family doctor. Services in private institutions are paid by the patient or covered by private insurance.

Screening Programs

Denmark has national screening programs for the early detection of certain diseases, such as breast, cervical, and bowel cancer. Residents of the respective age groups receive invitations by mail.

Some of the most well-known laboratories and diagnostic centers in Denmark: Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen); Aarhus Universitetshospital (Aarhus); Aleris-Hamlet Hospitaler (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and other cities); Unilabs Denmark (Copenhagen, Aarhus, and other cities); Eurofins Denmark (Copenhagen and other cities).

Please note that for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the selected medical institution directly or consult your family doctor.

Choosing a Hospital

 

Public Hospitals

Advantages: High level of medical care, cost coverage by the state healthcare system.

How to Choose: After registering the pregnancy, your family doctor or midwife will provide information about the nearest maternity departments. It is recommended to register for childbirth at the chosen hospital early in pregnancy.

 

Private Clinics

Advantages: More personalized approach, additional services, and comfort.

Cost: Services in private clinics are paid by the patient or covered by private insurance.

 

Interaction with medical staff

 

Midwife: Midwives play a key role in managing pregnancy and childbirth. After registering your pregnancy, you will be assigned a midwife through the local healthcare service. Regular consultations with the midwife will help you prepare for childbirth and discuss the birth plan.

 

Health insurance

 

Public insurance: For residents of Denmark, the public healthcare system covers expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth. Be sure to have this card with you when visiting medical facilities.

 

Private insurance: May include additional services, such as staying in a private room or choosing a specific doctor. Contact the selected insurance company for information on available plans.

 

Partner-supported childbirth

In Denmark, partner-supported childbirth is a common practice, and most hospitals support the participation of a partner or close relative in the birth process. Usually, the presence of one person is allowed, but some hospitals may permit more, depending on the hospital's facilities and the mother's wishes. Private clinics may offer additional amenities, such as separate rooms and more comfortable conditions. In some hospitals, the partner is allowed to stay overnight. Partner participation in childbirth in public facilities is free and included in public health insurance coverage. Some private clinics may require additional payment for the partner's stay in the room, as well as for separate services for comfortable accommodation.

 

Vaccination of newborns

In Denmark, the vaccination of newborns and children is voluntary and not mandatory. However, the public healthcare system strongly recommends that parents ensure their children are vaccinated against a number of serious diseases. All children are offered free vaccination against ten different diseases, including measles, polio, and diphtheria. Contact your family doctor to schedule an appointment or get more information.

The death of a foreign citizen in Denmark requires certain procedures related to the registration of death, organization of the funeral, or repatriation of the body to the homeland.

 

Notifying the authorities

Medical services: If the death occurred in a hospital, the medical staff will notify the appropriate authorities. In case of death outside a medical facility, a doctor must be called to certify the death.

Police: In some cases, especially if the death occurred under unclear circumstances, the police should be notified.

 

Obtaining a death certificate

Medical certification: A doctor will issue a medical death certificate required for further procedures.

Registration with the civil registration office: The death certificate must be registered with the local civil registration office within 2 working days.

 

Informing the embassy or consulate

It is recommended to notify the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country of citizenship. They may provide information and assistance with the repatriation of the body or other necessary actions.

 

Organization of the funeral or repatriation

Funeral in Denmark: If burial is to take place in Denmark, contact a local funeral bureau, which will assist with organizing the ceremony and processing documents. It is customary in Denmark to bury or cremate the deceased within eight days after death.

Repatriation of the body: To transport the body to the homeland, the following are necessary:

- Death certificate.

- Permission for the export of the body, issued by local authorities.

- Coordination with the airline and funeral bureau in the destination country.

The funeral bureau can help organize repatriation and handle the necessary paperwork.

 

Financial aspects

Check whether the deceased had an insurance policy covering funeral or repatriation expenses. In the absence of insurance coverage, the costs usually fall on the deceased's relatives or legal representatives.

 

Inheritance Issues

If the deceased owned property in Denmark, inheritance matters are governed by Danish law. The estate is processed in Denmark if the deceased held Danish citizenship or a permanent residence permit in the Kingdom at the time of death. It is recommended to consult a lawyer specializing in international inheritance law for advice and assistance in estate processing.

In Denmark, there are certain mandatory requirements and recommendations for pet owners, particularly for dogs and cats, aimed at ensuring the health of pets and public safety.

 

Mandatory Requirements

 

Microchipping

Dogs: All dogs in Denmark must be microchipped and registered in the national database. This helps identify the animal and its owner in case of loss or other situations.

Cats: Microchipping is not mandatory for cats, but it is strongly recommended to facilitate locating them if they go missing.

 

Rabies Vaccination

Dogs and Cats: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats, especially if they are to travel abroad or participate in exhibitions.

 

Recommended Procedures

Vaccination against other diseases:

Dogs: Vaccination against distemper, parvovirus enteritis, infectious hepatitis, and leptospirosis is recommended.

Cats: Vaccination against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus infection is recommended.

Parasite Treatment: Regular treatment for fleas and ticks; periodic deworming as recommended by a veterinarian.

 

Spaying/Neutering: Although not mandatory, spaying or neutering a pet can prevent unwanted offspring and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

 

Registration and Licensing

Dogs: All dogs older than 4 months must be registered with the local municipality. An annual registration fee may apply, depending on the specific municipality.

Cats: There is no mandatory registration for cats, but it is recommended to inform the municipality about the cat for record-keeping purposes.

 

Owner Responsibilities

Pet owners are required to provide proper care, nutrition, and medical attention for their pets. Failure to comply with mandatory requirements, such as not microchipping a dog or not vaccinating against rabies, may result in fines and other administrative measures.

For more detailed information and consultations, it is recommended to contact a local veterinarian or the local municipality.

Animal Hotels

Animal hotels provide temporary accommodation for pets when their owners are away or unable to care for them temporarily.

Services provided by animal hotels:

Accommodation: Comfortable conditions with individual or shared spaces for dogs and cats.

Feeding: Balanced nutrition tailored to the needs of each pet.

Care: Regular walks, playtime, and attention from staff.

Medical Supervision: Some hotels collaborate with veterinary clinics to ensure the health of animals.

How to find an animal hotel in Denmark:

Online Search: Use search engines with queries in Danish, such as "dyrepension" or "hundepension".

Recommendations: Contact local veterinary clinics or pet stores for advice. Review the feedback from other pet owners on the quality of services and living conditions.

 

Animal Shelters

Shelters are intended for the temporary housing of stray or abandoned animals with the aim of finding them new homes.

Main functions of shelters:

Care and Treatment: Providing basic care, nutrition, and medical assistance.

Socialization: Preparing animals for life in new families.

Finding New Owners: Organizing events and programs for adoption.

How to find an animal shelter in Denmark

Online Resources: Visit the websites of organizations involved in animal protection, such as (https://www.dyrenesbeskyttelse.dk/).

Social Media: Many shelters actively run pages on social networks where they post information about animals ready for adoption.

Volunteering: If you want to help, contact local shelters to participate in volunteer programs.

Thus, in Denmark, pet owners can take advantage of animal hotels and also support shelters that provide a temporary home for homeless pets.

Denmark is considered one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. The country offers excellent conditions for comfortable living with pets, as well as for their care and socialization.

The country has many parks and areas where dogs can be walked freely. Most city parks have special fenced zones where pets can run off-leash. Many hotels and restaurants allow pets, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Some establishments offer bowls of water for dogs and even special menus for pets. Dogs can travel with their owners on public transport, although large dogs may require a ticket purchase. Trains often have designated areas where pets are allowed.

Denmark has strict laws protecting animal rights. Cruelty to animals is strictly punished, and there are organizations that monitor compliance with these rules. The country has a wide network of highly qualified veterinary clinics and animal centers, allowing timely and quality medical care for pets.

Denmark has a well-developed community of pet owners and often hosts events, meetings, and walks for dogs, where owners and their pets can socialize. Danes generally have a friendly attitude towards pets and support their presence in public places.

Denmark is part of the European Union, and the rules for transporting animals across EU countries are simplified. This makes the country attractive for pet owners traveling with their pets.

Care and Maintenance

Animals must be kept in conditions that meet their physiological and ethological needs. Keeping dogs tethered for extended periods is prohibited. Providing a balanced diet appropriate to the age, breed, and health condition of the pet. Regular grooming of fur, claws, and teeth, as well as ensuring the cleanliness of the living area.

Walking and Public Places

In public places, dogs must be on a leash unless local regulations provide otherwise. For certain breeds or specific situations, a muzzle may be required. Owners are required to clean up after their pets in public areas.

Breed Restrictions

Denmark has a list of breeds prohibited from ownership, including pit bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers. Owning such breeds is prohibited, and violating this ban can lead to serious consequences.

Owner Responsibility

Owners are fully responsible for the behavior of their animals. In case of damage or harm to third parties or their property, the owner may be held liable.