Medicine & Veterinary Sweden

Government Health Insurance:

   All residents of Sweden are entitled to access the public healthcare system, which is funded by taxes. To utilize this system, it's necessary to obtain a personal identification number, issued upon registration with the Swedish Tax Agency, and register with the social insurance office. This allows access to medical services at reduced fixed rates, including visits to a general practitioner (about 275 SEK per visit) and specialists (about 400 SEK per visit). There are also caps on maximum annual expenses for medications (2850 SEK) and medical services (1400 SEK).

 

Private Health Insurance:

   Despite the high accessibility of public healthcare, many foreigners, especially expats and temporary residents, choose private health insurance. It provides quicker access to specialists and the possibility of visiting private clinics. The average cost of private insurance is about 4,000 SEK per year. Such insurance can also cover additional services not included in the public system, such as dental care or urgent evacuation.

 

International Health Insurance:

   For citizens of EU/EEA countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to emergency and necessary healthcare on the same terms as Swedish citizens. For citizens of other countries, and those planning temporary residence in Sweden, international health insurance is recommended to cover potential additional costs and possible exclusions within the public system.

Public hospitals and clinics

   Sweden has a well-developed public healthcare system funded by taxes. Public medical institutions are managed at the regional and municipal levels. Every resident of the country, who has obtained a personal identification number (samordningsnummer – coordination identification number, or personnummer – permanent identification number for residents and citizens of Sweden), can utilize the services of public clinics and hospitals, as well as private ones like Kry, MinDoktor, and others. These institutions provide both primary and specialized care, including emergencies and planned hospitalizations. The cost of medical services in public institutions is minimal and regulated by law. For instance, a visit to a general practitioner costs about 275 SEK, and hospitalization is up to 130 SEK per day for the first 30 days, with subsequent days costing 65 SEK per day.

 

Sweden has several major public hospitals and clinics that are popular and provide a wide range of medical services.

 

Karolinska University Hospital (Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset), Stockholm:

   It is one of the largest and most renowned hospitals in Sweden, serving both research and clinical functions. The hospital is an important part of the Karolinska Institute and specializes in complex medical procedures and health research. It offers both standard medical services and highly specialized care.

 

Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset), Gothenburg:

   One of the largest hospitals on Sweden's west coast, part of the University of Gothenburg. It is known for its specialists in transplantation and cardiac surgery. It also provides a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized medicine.

 

Skåne University Hospital (Skånes Universitetssjukhus), Malmö and Lund:

   This is one of the leading university hospitals in southern Sweden. It offers a wide range of medical services, including oncology, cardiology, and pediatrics. The hospital collaborates with Lund University and is a center for scientific research and medical innovations.

 

Danderyds Hospital (Danderyds sjukhus), Stockholm:

   One of the largest public hospitals in the Stockholm region, providing both planned and emergency medical services. The hospital has several specialized departments, including cardiology and neurology.

 

Uppsala University Hospital (Akademiska Sjukhuset), Uppsala:

   This hospital is part of Uppsala University and offers both regular medical services and specialized treatment in fields such as neurosurgery and oncology. The hospital also participates in various international medical research projects.

 

Private Hospitals and Clinics:

   There are also a number of private hospitals and clinics in Sweden that can provide medical services. Some of them operate under contract with the state, allowing patients to receive treatment at the same rates as in public institutions. However, there are private facilities that operate independently and require full payment for their services. Many foreigners choose private clinics for faster access to specialists and to reduce waiting times, although the cost of such services can be significantly higher.

 

Here are some of the most popular private medical institutions:

 

Capio:

   One of the largest private medical networks in Sweden, offering both outpatient and inpatient services. Capio operates a multitude of clinics and specialized hospitals across the country, providing assistance in areas like surgery, orthopedics, and cardiology. Capio also has a number of clinics for quick diagnosis and treatment.

 

Aleris:

   Another major private network, providing a wide range of medical services, including oncology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and urology. Aleris also offers primary care and preventive services. Aleris clinics are located in large cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

 

Sophiahemmet Hospital, Stockholm:

   This is one of the most renowned private hospitals in Sweden, offering high-level specialized medical services. Sophiahemmet has been in operation since 1889 and is closely associated with a medical university, providing services in areas such as surgery, gynecology, urology, and dermatology.

 

Södermalms Läkarhus, Stockholm:

   A private clinic providing outpatient services, including specialist consultations, diagnostics, and treatment. The clinic specializes in gastroenterology, endocrinology, as well as general therapy.

 

GHP Specialty Care:

   This is a network of specialized clinics offering services in narrow medical areas such as orthopedics, neurology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. GHP operates in several major cities across Sweden, focusing on providing prompt high-quality care.

 

Options for Foreigners:

   Foreigners temporarily in Sweden can receive medical assistance from public institutions, but they must have insurance or pay for services themselves. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers emergency care on the same terms as Swedish citizens. Non-EU foreigners need to provide medical insurance or utilize private clinics.

Registration with a Family Doctor (General Practitioner)

   To access medical services, you must have a tax number issued by the Swedish Tax Agency. Once you receive this number, you can register at a local medical clinic. The clinic choice should be within your region where your personal number is registered.

 

   - To register, you need to contact the chosen clinic, which may offer to schedule an appointment online or by phone.

   - Appointments are made through a system where you may need to enter your personal number. You can also use the 1177.se portal, which allows searching for doctors and scheduling appointments.

 

Scheduling an Appointment with a Specialist

   In Sweden, visiting a specialist usually requires a referral from a general practitioner. After consultation with the family doctor, you may be referred to a specialist, and in this case, the appointment should be organized within 90 days. If this period is exceeded, you gain the right to treatment at another medical institution with travel expenses covered.

 

Online Consultations

   Sweden is actively developing telemedicine systems. For example, through platforms like Alltidöppet.se, Doktor.se, Kry, and Min Doktor, you can get consultations from doctors via video calls or chat. The applications are available to those who have an individual tax number. To do this, you need to:

 - Download the app and register using BankID to verify your identity. 

 - Choose a service (e.g., make an appointment, update prescriptions) and contact a doctor online. Sometimes, you can get advice from a nurse who is also competent.

Emergency medical care in Sweden is available to all residents and visitors to the country, including tourists, regardless of registration in the healthcare system. The ambulance service (emergency number — 112) operates 24/7 and can be called for urgent assistance in life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, and other emergencies.

Key features of emergency medical care in Sweden:

Priority for emergencies: In emergency hospitals, patients are triaged according to the urgency of their condition. Emergency cases are always prioritized, while less urgent cases may have to wait. This ensures efficient resource allocation and assistance for those in greatest need.

Access to emergency departments: All major hospitals in the country have emergency departments. These departments operate 24/7 and accept all patients without a doctor's referral. After initial treatment, patients may be hospitalized or directed for further care.

Cost of services: For Swedish residents and those registered in the healthcare system, the cost of services in emergency departments is low and regulated by the government. Typically, there is a fixed fee for each day of hospitalization or visit to the emergency department (about 130 SEK per day). For foreign citizens and tourists, insurance is recommended; otherwise, services are paid in full.

Access to online consultations: In some cases, remote consultations with a doctor can be obtained, for instance through platforms like Doktor.se or Kry. This can be useful for less urgent conditions or a preliminary assessment before visiting a hospital.

In Sweden, medical tests and examinations are organized through public clinics or private laboratories, which offer both scheduled and urgent assessments.

How to get medical tests

 To undergo tests, you need to visit your local clinic or a specialized laboratory. A general practitioner will refer you for tests if necessary after consultation. Results are typically processed the same day or within a few days and can be accessed through online systems like 1177 Vårdguiden, where patients can track their medical data.

Private medical assessments

 If you want to have additional or specialized tests without a referral, a number of private clinics exist, such as Testmottagningen and Wallberghälsan, where you can order various tests (blood, hormones, liver function, thyroid, etc.) online. In these clinics, you can select tests, pay for them, and take tests at a convenient time. Results are available within 1-5 business days, with the option of an online consultation with a doctor.

Features of examinations

 As part of general check-ups, tests such as blood analysis, ECG, vision tests, lung function tests, cholesterol, and blood sugar level tests are often conducted. These services can be provided in public clinics under a doctor's referral or in private clinics where you can choose the needed tests.

The most popular private and public laboratories for testing:

Karolinska Universitetslaboratoriet: This laboratory is part of the Karolinska University diagnostics; specializes in sample collection, analysis, and providing consultation on test results. 

Synlab Medilab: One of the largest laboratory networks in Sweden; offers a wide range of services for blood tests, urine tests, hormones, vitamins, and other tests; has many branches across the country and allows online booking.

Unilabs: A popular laboratory network that offers both basic tests and specialized tests, like PCR, DNA analyses, and hormone examinations. 

Testmottagningen: A clinic that allows you to book tests online in advance. Patients can choose from a large number of tests, such as blood tests, vitamin deficiency tests, and cardiovascular disease screenings. Results are available within a few days, followed by a doctor's consultation.

Wallberghälsan: A popular private clinic offering medical testing and comprehensive medical examinations; it offers a wide range of tests, including cardiac and endocrine examinations.

When preparing for childbirth in Sweden, it is important to consider several key aspects: the choice of hospital, contact with doctors, and arranging health insurance.

 

Choosing a hospital and doctor

   In Sweden, childbirth usually takes place in hospitals under the supervision of midwives, and you can choose a maternity hospital in your region. To start preparing, you need to register at your local maternal health center. During your pregnancy, you will have regular check-ups with a midwife, including ultrasounds and tests. If medical questions arise, you will be referred to a doctor.

   You can also create a birth plan with your midwife, discussing your preferences for pain relief, delivery conditions, and other aspects. However, it is important to note that there may not be free spaces available in the chosen maternity hospital, and in such a case, you might be directed to another facility. When planning childbirth with your midwife, you can request to book a doula who will accompany you in your native language during difficult times and help manage the processes.

 

Health insurance

   If you are registered in the Swedish healthcare system and have a tax number, medical care during pregnancy and childbirth will be free for you. This includes all examinations, visits to the midwife and doctor, as well as the delivery process in the hospital. If you are not registered in the system, you may need to arrange health insurance to cover medical expenses.

 

Preparing for childbirth

   In Sweden, it is recommended to stay at home during the early stages of labor until contractions become frequent enough. The midwife or maternity hospital will provide you with instructions on when to arrive at the hospital. You should definitely bring identification with you. For a comfortable stay in the hospital, many expectant mothers bring personal items, baby clothes, and hygiene supplies. After birth, the baby will stay with you for skin-to-skin contact, and then you might be directed to a "baby hotel" at the hospital for further recovery.

 

Postnatal care

   After returning home, you should contact the child clinic where you will be assigned a nurse to monitor your child's health and development until the age of five. It is important to note that the child clinic does not provide treatment; they monitor the child's development and administer vaccinations, offer advice on sleep, feeding, etc. If an illness occurs, you should contact a family doctor.

 

Partner births

When registering at the maternal health center, discuss with your midwife the possibility of partner births. This is usually included in the birth plan, which you draw up together with the midwife. On the day of delivery, your partner can be present with you in the delivery room. This is usually possible in all hospitals unless there are specific medical restrictions. The partner can participate in decision-making during the process if you have discussed this with the doctors in advance. You can also invite another person, such as a mother or friend, or a doula, but discuss this with the midwife beforehand.

 

After childbirth

After the baby is born, your partner can also stay with you and the baby, including staying in the hospital's "baby hotel," where the family can spend a few days together for recovery. A separate room for the family and a celebratory meal with a drink is provided after childbirth.

 

In most Swedish hospitals, partner births are organized simply and without additional costs if you are insured under the public health insurance system. The only cost will be for your partner or another companion staying with the mother – from 130 SEK per day.

 

 

Vaccination 

In Sweden, vaccination of newborns is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. The vaccination program for children begins in infancy and is included in the national immunization schedule, which is state-funded and free for all children.

 

Recommended vaccines:

BCG (against tuberculosis): This vaccine is not included in the mandatory list for everyone but is recommended for newborns from at-risk groups, such as children whose parents come from countries with high tuberculosis rates. It is recommended for children starting at seven months of age free of charge.

Hepatitis B: Vaccination against hepatitis B is usually conducted if indicated, especially if the child belongs to a risk group, for example, if one of the parents is a carrier of the virus.

Combined vaccines: Vaccination against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus, and rotavirus is carried out under the standard vaccination program.

TBE (against tick-borne encephalitis): In Sweden, there are many ticks, so it is recommended to be vaccinated according to the schedule, 3 doses over a year, and the 4th dose three years after the third dose. You need to book the time and place on your own. Vaccination is paid for all ages.

Voluntariness of vaccination

Vaccination is voluntary, and parents may refuse it. However, most parents agree to vaccination, as Sweden has high standards in preventive medicine, and vaccination programs play a key role in protecting children from dangerous diseases. Additionally, parents can independently decide which vaccines they want their children to receive, for example, for chickenpox. Vaccination is paid.

In the event of a foreigner's death in Sweden, several important steps need to be taken to organize all the necessary procedures:

 

Registration of death

   After death, a doctor is called to issue a death certificate, which is sent to the Swedish Tax Agency. This agency registers the death and issues a confirmation of death registration, which may be required for subsequent legal actions, such as closing accounts, settling estates, and other procedures.

 

Funeral arrangements

   It is recommended to contact a funeral agency for funeral arrangements. They will assist with practical matters, including transportation of the body, if repatriation is required. In Sweden, a funeral or cremation must be conducted within one month after death.

Funerals in Sweden can be either religious or secular and may include traditional burial or cremation.

  If the deceased was not registered in Sweden, funeral arrangements are possible, but the cost of such services may be higher.

 

Repatriation

   If the family wishes to repatriate the body, they should contact a funeral agency for transportation arrangements. Required documents include a death certificate, a cremation certificate (if the body was cremated), and a medical certificate confirming no infectious diseases.

 

Financial matters

   If the deceased has insufficient funds to cover funeral expenses, financial assistance from municipal authorities may be available. To do so, the deceased's assets need to be evaluated, and an application needs to be submitted to social services.

 

The organization of the funeral and related procedures can be complex, so it is advisable to discuss these matters in advance with a funeral agent or lawyer to ensure all necessary steps are correctly followed.

   In Sweden, there are mandatory and recommended vaccinations for pets, especially for dogs and cats. The main requirements include vaccination, identification, and other procedures ensuring animal health and preventing the spread of infections.

 

Mandatory vaccinations

   - Rabies: Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for all dogs and cats traveling to or arriving in Sweden. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entering the country and must be renewed according to the vaccine's validity (1-3 years).

 

Identification

   - All animals must be microchipped or have a readable tattoo for identification. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

 

Recommended Vaccinations

   In addition to rabies vaccination, veterinarians in Sweden recommend other vaccinations that are not mandatory but are important for the health of animals:

   - For dogs: vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis.

   - For cats: vaccinations against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus infection.

 

Other Procedures

   - Animals arriving from abroad may also require parasite treatment, depending on the country of origin, as well as quarantine.

   - For traveling within EU countries, animals must have an EU pet passport, which is issued by a veterinarian and contains information about the animal's vaccinations and health.

 

Thus, it is important for pet owners in Sweden to monitor the timeliness of vaccinations and procedures, especially if trips abroad or back are planned.

Animal Hotels

   In major cities, such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, animal hotels are popular, where you can leave your pet during a trip. For example, Changdobels and Dog Planet in Stockholm offer hotels for dogs with day care, overnight stays, and facilities for training and grooming. Such hotels often provide comfortable conditions, including play areas and personalized care.

Shelters and Animal Services

   For those looking for shelters or adoption opportunities, Sweden has several organizations, such as Stockholms Katthem and Föreningen Kattstallet, which are involved in rescuing and adopting cats. Shelters not only help animals find new homes but also offer information on animal care and support in difficult situations.

Pet-friendly Hotels

   For those traveling with their pets, Sweden also has a large number of pet-friendly hotels. For example, hotel chains like Scandic Hotels and Best Western offer rooms for guests with pets. It's important to check the conditions for staying with pets in advance, as there may be restrictions on the number of pets or additional fees may apply.

In Sweden, pet ownership is regulated by strict laws aimed at ensuring their welfare and protection.

Registration and Identification  

All dogs in Sweden must be registered and microchipped. Starting from January 1, 2023, registration also became mandatory for cats. Owners must register their pets with the Swedish Board of Agriculture, which costs 40 SEK for online registration or 100 SEK for paper application submission.

Vaccination and Care  

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies, especially if they travel outside Sweden or arrive from other countries. It is also recommended to have regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the overall health of the animal and timely vaccinate it against other diseases, such as distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis for dogs.

Living Conditions  

The Animal Welfare Act requires that animals receive sufficient food, water, exercise, and medical care. Owners are obligated to provide their pets with comfortable living conditions, including enough space to move around. It is also important to give pets the opportunity to exhibit natural behavior, such as walks and physical activities. If the owner cannot walk the dog or look after the cat during the day, there is an option to place the animal in a daycare (hund- or kattdagis).

Restrictions on Certain Breeds and Animal Species  

Sweden has strict rules on keeping exotic and rare animal species, including the necessity of obtaining special permits for ownership. This helps prevent illegal animal trade and ensures the protection of wild species.

Owner's Responsibility  

Owners are required to control their animals, especially in public places. Dogs must be on a leash in populated areas and public zones. It is also important to follow hygiene rules and clean up after their pets.

Fines for Violations of Pet Keeping Regulations:

Violation of animal registration: For failure to register or untimely registration of dogs and cats, the owner may face an administrative fine. Although the exact amount of the fine varies depending on the region, it usually amounts to several thousand Swedish crowns.

Violation of dog walking rules: If a dog is found without a leash in areas where it is mandatory (such as public parks or nature reserves), the owner may be fined. Such fines usually start from 1,000 to 2,500 Swedish kronor, but in some cases, they may be higher if the violation is repeated or has led to property damage or harm to other people or animals.

Cruelty or neglect of animals: If the owner does not meet the requirements for animal care, including providing adequate living conditions, medical care, and feeding, this can lead to serious fines, which can reach 10,000 kronor or more. In particularly serious cases, the owner may lose the right to own an animal, and the case may be taken to court.

Insurance

Sweden is one of the countries with a high level of pet insurance. More than 90% of dogs and about 50% of cats are insured, covering veterinary expenses, including complex surgeries and treatment of diseases.