🚑

Emergency Services

Guidance on how to access emergency medical services in Sweden, including emergency numbers and procedures.

Sections

Emergency Services in Sweden: A Comprehensive Guide

Sweden has a well-organized and efficient emergency healthcare system that ensures timely and high-quality care for residents, visitors, and immigrants. Below is a detailed overview of how emergency services work in Sweden, including national regulations, costs, standard procedures, and unique aspects of the system.

1. National Regulations for Emergency Services

Sweden’s emergency healthcare system is governed by national laws and regulations to ensure equal access to care for everyone, regardless of nationality or residency status. Key regulations include:

  • The Health and Medical Services Act (Hälso- och sjukvårdslagen): This law mandates that all residents in Sweden have access to healthcare, including emergency services, on equal terms. It also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing care based on medical need.
  • Emergency Care for Everyone: Emergency services are available to everyone in Sweden, including tourists, temporary visitors, and undocumented migrants. No one is denied emergency care due to inability to pay upfront.
  • EU/EEA Citizens: Citizens of EU/EEA countries can access emergency care under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system, which ensures they are charged the same rates as Swedish residents.
  • Non-EU/EEA Visitors: Non-EU/EEA visitors are entitled to emergency care but may need to pay the full cost unless covered by travel insurance or a bilateral healthcare agreement between Sweden and their home country.
  • Immigrants and Asylum Seekers: Immigrants with residency permits and asylum seekers are entitled to emergency care. Asylum seekers are issued a special healthcare card that grants them access to subsidized care.

2. Costs of Emergency Services

The cost of emergency services in Sweden depends on your residency status and whether you are covered by Swedish healthcare or an international agreement. Below is a breakdown:

  • Residents of Sweden:

    • Emergency care is heavily subsidized for residents.
    • A visit to the emergency room (ER) typically costs between 400–500 SEK (approximately €35–45 or $40–50), depending on the region.
    • If admitted to the hospital, additional fees may apply, but these are also subsidized.
    • Children under 18 often receive free emergency care.

  • EU/EEA Citizens:

    • With an EHIC, EU/EEA citizens pay the same subsidized rates as Swedish residents.
    • Without an EHIC, they may be charged the full cost of care.

  • Non-EU/EEA Visitors:

    • Visitors without insurance or a bilateral agreement may be charged the full cost of emergency care, which can range from 2,000–10,000 SEK (approximately €180–900 or $200–1,000) or more, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment required.

  • Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants:

    • Asylum seekers pay a nominal fee for emergency care, typically 50 SEK (approximately €5 or $5).
    • Undocumented migrants are entitled to emergency care but may be billed for the full cost unless they qualify for subsidies.

3. Standard Procedures for Emergency Services

Sweden’s emergency services are designed to provide prompt and effective care. Here’s what to expect:

a. Calling for Emergency Help

  • Dial 112 for all emergencies (medical, fire, police). This is a free, 24/7 service available nationwide.
  • Operators speak Swedish and English, and interpreters for other languages can be arranged if needed.

b. Ambulance Services

  • Ambulances are dispatched for life-threatening emergencies. They are staffed with highly trained paramedics and equipped with advanced medical technology.
  • Ambulance transport is subsidized for residents and EHIC holders, costing around 150–400 SEK (approximately €15–35 or $15–40). For non-residents, the cost may be higher.

c. Emergency Rooms (Akutmottagning)

  • Emergency rooms are located in hospitals across Sweden and are open 24/7.
  • Upon arrival, patients are triaged based on the severity of their condition. Life-threatening cases are prioritized.
  • Non-urgent cases may experience longer wait times or be redirected to primary care centers (vårdcentraler).

d. Emergency Medical Clinics

  • In less severe cases, patients may be referred to an on-call medical clinic (jourmottagning) instead of the ER. These clinics handle urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor injuries or infections.

e. Follow-Up Care

  • After receiving emergency treatment, patients may be referred to a specialist or primary care provider for follow-up care. Residents and EHIC holders benefit from subsidized follow-up services.

4. Unique Aspects of Sweden’s Emergency Healthcare

Sweden’s emergency healthcare system has several distinctive features that visitors and immigrants should be aware of:

a. Focus on Medical Need

  • Emergency care in Sweden is strictly prioritized based on medical urgency. This means that patients with life-threatening conditions are treated first, regardless of their ability to pay or residency status.

b. High-Quality Care

  • Sweden is known for its high standards of medical care. Emergency services are staffed by skilled professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

c. Language Support

  • Most healthcare professionals in Sweden speak English fluently, making it easier for non-Swedish speakers to communicate. Interpreters are also available for other languages.

d. Mental Health Emergencies

  • Mental health crises are treated as medical emergencies in Sweden. Patients can seek help at psychiatric emergency units (psykiatrisk akutmottagning) or through the general ER.

e. Poison Information Center

  • For poisoning emergencies, Sweden has a dedicated Poison Information Center (Giftinformationscentralen) that can be reached at 010-456 6700. They provide advice in Swedish and English.

f. No-Fault Liability System

  • Sweden operates a no-fault liability system for medical injuries. If a patient experiences harm due to medical treatment, they can file a claim with the Swedish Patient Insurance (LÖF) for compensation.

5. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Carry Identification: Always carry your passport, EHIC (if applicable), or Swedish healthcare card (if you are a resident or asylum seeker).
  • Know Your Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have travel insurance or understand your entitlements under international agreements.
  • Learn Key Phrases: While most healthcare professionals speak English, learning a few Swedish phrases (e.g., "Jag behöver hjälp" – "I need help") can be useful in emergencies.
  • Use 1177 for Non-Emergencies: For non-urgent medical advice, call 1177 or visit 1177.se. This service provides guidance on where to seek care and is available in multiple languages.

Conclusion

Sweden’s emergency healthcare system is accessible, efficient, and designed to prioritize medical need. While costs are subsidized for residents and EU/EEA citizens, visitors from outside the EU/EEA should ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover potential expenses. By understanding the procedures and regulations, visitors and immigrants can navigate Sweden’s emergency services with confidence and receive the care they need in critical situations.