If you need healthcare
Last updated: 26/9-2024
The healthcare system may differ from one country to another. There are many different types of healthcare providers in Sweden. Different parts of the country have different types of hospitals and clinics and what they are called may also vary. Always call the emergency number, 112, if you or someone else has a life-threatening illness or serious injury.
When you are registered in the Swedish Population Register, you have the same right to healthcare as anyone else who lives in Sweden
As a registered resident of Sweden, you are entitled to healthcare on the same terms as anyone else who lives in Sweden. This means, for example, that you pay the same patient fees as every other person in the Swedish Population Register.
Contact a health centre when you need to see a doctor
If you or your children fall ill, you should contact a health centre (vårdcentral). The staff who work at health centres can treat you for any common illnesses and complaints. Many health centres have their own advice lines you can call.
You can choose which health centre to go to when you need healthcare. You can choose to register with a health centre. That means you are a patient of a specific health centre. In some regions, you are automatically registered with your closest health centre unless you choose otherwise.
Even if you are registered with a health centre, you can seek care at another health centre.
The contact details and opening hours of health centres in Sweden can be found on the website 1177.se. You can also book an appointment at many health centres by logging in to 1177.se. You can usually choose or change your health centre by logging in to 1177.se.
You will need a valid e-ID to log in to 1177.se. The site accepts BankID and Freja+.
You can always call 1177
If you are unsure whether you should seek medical attention, you can call the national healthcare advice line on 1177. Calls to 1177 are answered by nurses who are qualified to give medical advice. The nurses can also tell you where you can get the right care. You can call 1177 anytime – it is open 24 hours a day. In some regions, you can get advice in languages other than Swedish.
The 1177 national healthcare advice line is a collaboration between Sweden’s regions. In Sweden, regional authorities are responsible for healthcare and dental care.
Always call 112 in an emergency
Always call the emergency number, 112, if you or someone else has a life-threatening illness or serious injury. If necessary, an ambulance will come and take you to the Accident & Emergency Department at a hospital.
Call 1177 if you have any doubts about how serious an illness or injury is. Your call will be answered by a nurse who is qualified to give medical advice.
Always take your ID card with you when visiting a healthcare provider
You need to have your ID card with you when you visit a healthcare provider or collect a prescription.
Healthcare staff have a duty of confidentiality
A duty of confidentiality means that someone working in healthcare is not permitted to disclose information about you without your consent. However, there are exceptions. Under certain circumstances, information concerning you may be disclosed to the police, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) or social services without your consent.
You have the right to an interpreter
If you do not speak Swedish or have difficulty understanding information in Swedish, an interpreter can be provided for you. Explain that you need an interpreter when you book your appointment.
Sometimes the interpreter will attend your appointment in person and sometimes by telephone. Interpreters also have a duty of confidentiality.
Do not ask children or other family members to interpret for you.
You may feel anxiety, sadness or stress when you arrive in a new country
Moving to another country is a major life change. You may have been forced to flee your homeland. It is perfectly normal to feel anxiety, sadness or stress.
If you feel that your mental health is suffering, you should contact your health centre. They can offer you advice, support and counselling. They may also prescribe medication if you need it.
Question and answers
If you are over the age of 20, you usually need to pay a fee when you visit a healthcare provider. The amount you pay varies from one region to another.
Cancel your appointment if you get better and no longer need to see a doctor, or if you are unable to attend. Otherwise, you may have to pay an additional fee.
Children and young people under 20 receive free healthcare and dental care in most regions of Sweden.
If you require regular care, Sweden has something called high-cost protection. This means that you will pay a lower price for healthcare, dental care, medical travel and medication above a certain amount.
Words and terminology explained
Population registration
If you move to Sweden, you will usually be required to be listed in the Swedish Population Register as a resident of the country. The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) is responsible for the Swedish Population Register.
LMA card
LMA is an abbreviation of the Swedish title of the Act on the Reception of Asylum Seekers. The LMA card is a laminated card with your photograph and personal details that proves that you are an asylum seeker. The LMA card is not and ID card. It is proof that you have applied for asylum and are permitted to remain in Sweden while awaiting a decision.
Patient fees
Patient fees are the money you pay when you visit a healthcare provider, such as a doctor at a health centre.
