This page describes the healthcare system in Sweden and what applies to you as an international student if you need to seek healthcare in Sweden.
In case of illness
For issues regarding your healthcare, please call 1177 or visit 1177.se .
Through the Swedish healthcare helpline (1177) you will get advice and help 24h a day. They will guide you to your nearest clinic or hospital.
If you are calling from a foreign phone, dial +46 771 11 77 00.
For emergencies
For ambulance assistance, call 112(Swedish emergency number). You can dial the number without cost. Call the emergency number 112 if there is a danger to life, property and environment.
Emergency number 112 (SOS Alarm website)
For urgent but non-life-threatening medical conditions, you should turn to a local emergency unit (närakut). If you have a sudden and serious accident or illness go to an emergency hospital clinic (akutmottagning) at a hospital.
Finding your way around the Swedish healthcare system
The Swedish healthcare system is financed by social insurance that provides all citizens with subsidised healthcare through the government. There are both public and private providers of healthcare. If you have obtained a Swedish personal identity number, or are a holder of the European Health Insurance Card, you are entitled to healthcare at the standard patient fee, with some exceptions depending on taxpayer status.
Patient fees at 1177 Vårdguiden
Dental care is not fully subsidised and, therefore, relativity expensive in Sweden regardless of whether you choose a public or private provider. The cost is more or less the same with or without a Swedish personal number or EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . Check if your insurance covers emergency dental treatment (the EHIC only covers a minor part of the cost). In most cases, insurance only covers emergency treatment (e.g. infections). Please study the insurance conditions to find out what is included in your insurance plan.
General medical care
Health centre
Medical care is handled mainly through local health centres (vårdcentral in Swedish). At a local health centre, you can receive healthcare for medical problems and illnesses that are non-urgent and not life-threatening. The local health centre is where most people see a general practitioner who can refer the patient to a specialist if necessary.
Health centres are open during the daytime on weekdays for advice and visits, and some are open in the evening. Book an appointment by calling the reception. You may have to leave your number on an automatic voicemail, and they will call you back. Some facilities accept drop-in visits for minor injuries.
Find a healthcare centre near you (link only available in Swedish)
Stockholm Student Health Services
Stockholm Student Health Services is aimed at students at KTH and provides nurse, therapist and counsellor services. If you are dealing with personal or emotional issues, an appointment with a therapist may be helpful, where you can book a single or several appointments. Stockholm Student Health Services can also help you find and connect you with other healthcare services in Sweden. They are bound to confidentiality, and visits are free of charge.
Stockholm Student Health Services
For psychiatric services
If you need urgent psychiatric services you should reach out to Vårdguiden 1177 for help. The nurse at Vårdguiden 1177 will also be able to help you find the healthcare that you need. If it is an emergency and you require immediate care, please dial 112 .
Local emergency unit
When the health centre is closed and you cannot wait until the following day you can receive help at a local emergency unit (närakut). The unit treats the same kind of illnesses and complaints as the health centre. Always call before a visit to get advice or to book an appointment. Call Vårdguiden 1177 to consult a nurse if you need help to decide how urgent your condition is.
The local emergency unit is for medical conditions that require urgent attention but are not life-threatening.
Pharmacy
Swedish pharmacies handle prescription drugs as well as hygiene products. Antibiotics and certain medicines cannot be bought without a doctor’s prescription. Prescriptions are handled electronically. If you have been prescribed medication, ask for the nearest pharmacy with prescription services at the doctor’s office.
The pharmacy is relevant for issues like headaches, colds and coughs, allergic reactions, insect bites, fever, dry or red eyes, and stomach problems.
Sexual and reproductive health
For queries related to sexuality and health, turn to reproductive health clinics. You can either get a recommendation from your local health centre (vårdcentral)or Vårdguiden 1177 . Many clinics have drop-in times on certain days of the week.
If you need to seek out pregnancy or birth control health care and have a personal number, you can contact your local women’s health clinic (mödravårdscentral). You can get a recommendation from your local health centre or Vårdguiden 1177 .
Healthcare and insurance coverage
Healthcare guidelines vary depending on your country of citizenship and the length of your studies. Therefore before coming to Sweden and KTH, it is crucial to understand and ensure your medical insurance coverage. Make sure you have medical insurance coverage to avoid extra costs in case of an emergency or if you fall ill during an off-campus activity. Find out what applies to you in the list below.
If you come to Sweden from another Nordic or EU/EEA country only to study, you are entitled to receive essential healthcare for the same patient fee as Swedish citizens. Essential healthcare is treatment that cannot wait until you return to your home country. What is considered essential healthcare thus depends on how long you plan to study in Sweden. If you wish to have healthcare that is not considered essential, you must pay the entire cost yourself if you do not have a Swedish personal identity number.
You must bring the European Health Insurance Card
To obtain essential healthcare for the same patient fee as Swedes, you must show proof of identity and your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) filled out by the social insurance office in your home country. With this card you are entitled to healthcare at the same standard patient fee as Swedish citizens. Bring the card any time you need to seek medical care. Holding an EHIC card does not guarantee full healthcare coverage. Please check with the social insurance office in your home country for more details.
Staying less than 12 months
If you have a residence permit for less than 12 months in Sweden you need comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies.
When seeking medical attention you will need to pay for the treatment yourself and later fill out a claim form to be reimbursed by your insurance company (read more above). Make sure to read through the terms and conditions to find out in which situations the insurance applies.
Insurance at KTH
Staying more than 12 months
International students who have obtained a residence permit for 12 months or more, can register in the Swedish population register to obtain a Swedish personal identity number. The personal identity number entitles you to the same patient fees as Swedish citizens for public healthcare. For questions about Swedish health insurance please contact the Swedish social insurance agency.
Related pages
Healthcare for foreign citizen at the 1177 Vårdguiden website
Stockholm Student Health Services
Insurance
