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Costs and Fees

Information on healthcare costs, including patient fees for services and subsidies provided by the government.

Sections

1. Overview of Sweden’s Healthcare System

Sweden has a publicly funded healthcare system, primarily financed through taxes. The system is decentralized, meaning that the 21 regional councils (regions) are responsible for providing healthcare services. While the system is universal and accessible to all residents, patients are required to pay nominal fees for certain services.

2. Costs and Fees for Healthcare in Sweden

The Swedish government regulates healthcare fees to ensure affordability. Below are the typical costs associated with healthcare services:

a. Primary Care (e.g., visiting a doctor or health center)

  • Cost for residents: SEK 100–300 per visit, depending on the region.
  • Cost for visitors (non-residents): Fees vary and are generally higher. Visitors without reciprocal healthcare agreements may pay the full cost of care.
  • Children under 20: Free in most regions.

b. Specialist Care

  • Cost for residents: SEK 200–400 per visit, depending on the region.
  • Referral requirement: In most cases, you need a referral from a primary care doctor to see a specialist.
  • Cost for visitors: Higher fees apply unless covered by an agreement (see Section 5).

c. Hospital Care

  • Emergency visits: SEK 200–450 per visit for residents.
  • Inpatient care: SEK 100 per day for residents.
  • Visitors: Costs can be significantly higher for non-residents without coverage.

d. Prescription Medications

  • Residents: Sweden has a high-cost protection system for medications. Patients pay a percentage of the cost, with a maximum annual out-of-pocket expense of SEK 2,400. After reaching this limit, medications are free for the remainder of the year.
  • Visitors: Full cost of medications unless covered by an agreement.

e. Dental Care

  • Residents: Subsidized for adults, with costs depending on the treatment. Free for children under 23.
  • Visitors: Full cost applies unless covered by an agreement.

f. Maternity and Childcare

  • Prenatal and postnatal care are free for residents.
  • Visitors may incur costs unless covered by an agreement.

3. National Policies and High-Cost Protection

Sweden has a high-cost protection system (högkostnadsskydd) to cap healthcare expenses for residents:

  • Healthcare visits: Once you pay SEK 1,300 in fees within a 12-month period, further visits are free for the remainder of the year.
  • Medications: As mentioned, the maximum annual out-of-pocket cost for prescription medications is SEK 2,400.

This system ensures that healthcare remains affordable for all residents.

4. Accessing Healthcare in Sweden

a. For Residents

  • Personal Identification Number (Personnummer): Residents must have a Swedish personal identification number to access subsidized healthcare.
  • Registering with a Health Center (Vårdcentral): Residents are encouraged to register with a local health center for primary care.

b. For Visitors

  • EU/EEA Citizens: Visitors from EU/EEA countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare at the same cost as residents.
  • Non-EU/EEA Citizens: Visitors from countries with bilateral healthcare agreements (e.g., Australia, Canada) may receive subsidized care. Others must pay the full cost of services.
  • Travel Insurance: Non-residents are strongly advised to have travel insurance to cover healthcare costs.

5. Considerations for Immigrants

a. Newly Arrived Immigrants

  • Immigrants with a residence permit are entitled to the same healthcare benefits as Swedish citizens.
  • While waiting for a personal identification number, immigrants may need to pay full costs for healthcare services.

b. Asylum Seekers

  • Asylum seekers are entitled to subsidized healthcare, including emergency care, maternity care, and essential dental care. Fees are minimal.

c. Undocumented Migrants

  • Undocumented migrants are entitled to emergency care and other essential services at subsidized rates.

6. Practical Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Bring Identification: Always carry your ID, EHIC (if applicable), or proof of insurance when seeking care.
  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the healthcare services you are entitled to based on your residency or visitor status.
  • Register Early: Immigrants should register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to obtain a personal identification number as soon as possible.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent medical advice, call 1177 (Vårdguiden).

7. Key Takeaways

  • Healthcare in Sweden is affordable for residents due to regulated fees and high-cost protection.
  • Visitors and immigrants should be aware of their eligibility for subsidized care and ensure they have appropriate insurance if needed.
  • Accessing care typically involves registering with a local health center and, for specialist care, obtaining a referral.

By understanding these costs, policies, and procedures, you can navigate Sweden’s healthcare system with confidence.