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Scandinavian countries have some of the best healthcare in the world, and one of the main benefits of membership of the European Union is that citizens of the EU have the right to access healthcare across the EU, as long as they have filled in the application for EHIC cover online before leaving home. If you’ve done that, and happen to fall ill on a business trip or holiday in Sweden, you can use your EHIC to go to a Swedish state doctor or hospital. Keep the paperwork with you, along with your passport.
Finding a doctor in Sweden
Sweden does not have a country wide health system, and the organisation of hospitals and doctors is done on a regional basis. A good starting place is the 1177 website, which is the Swedish equivalent of the NHS 111 service. It offers advice about self-care and gives lots of information about the Swedish healthcare system and the system of charging. Click on “other languages” at the top to see information in English. Healthcare in Sweden is very high quality, and doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals will speak good English, so communication should not cause problems. If you need attention, the first port of call is a GP at a local health centre, or the A&E department of a large hospital in an emergency. Ensure that any provider you see is affiliated to the state healthcare provider. Also expect to be asked to show your EHIC paperwork and passport in order to establish your identity and your right to treatment.
Fees for Healthcare in Sweden
Swedish healthcare is not free of charge. Fees are paid by Swedish citizens to access their state healthcare, so EHIC holders have to pay too. You will not be able to claim any contributions you are charged in Sweden, or when you get home to the UK. Expect to pay anything between £8.50 and £20 for a GP appointment, depending on the region where you are treated. A hospital appointment with a consultant or specialist will cost anything from £16 to £28. Fees are also charged on a standard rate for inpatient treatment in hospital at around £8 per day. You should not be charged extra for tests or X-rays. If you need to see a dentist, care is subsidised but is only free for people under the age of 20. Most adults will have their care subsidised by around £13, but will have to pay the rest of the cost. Always clarify costs with a dentist before agreeing to go ahead with expensive treatment which might be better left until you return home. There is also a charge for prescription medicines. Many items which are available over the counter or in supermarkets are prescription-only in Sweden. You will not be able to claim back any costs for prescription medicines.