Helsingborg

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Health and Medical Care

Insights into access to hospitals, health centers, and medical care facilities for safety and well-being.

Sections

1. Overview of the Healthcare System in Sweden

Sweden has a high-quality, publicly funded healthcare system that is accessible to all residents. Helsingborg, as part of the Skåne region, benefits from well-organized healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The system is primarily funded through taxes, and residents pay only a small fee for services. However, visitors and immigrants may need to meet specific requirements to access care.

2. Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Numbers

  • 112: This is the national emergency number for all urgent services, including medical emergencies, police, and fire services. Operators speak Swedish and English.
  • When calling, provide your location and describe the emergency clearly.

Ambulance Services

  • Ambulances are dispatched through the 112 system and are equipped with advanced medical equipment.
  • Ambulance services are free for residents and covered by insurance for visitors (see insurance requirements below).

Emergency Departments

  • Helsingborg has a well-equipped emergency department at Helsingborgs Lasarett (Helsingborg Hospital), which is the primary hospital in the city.
  • For life-threatening emergencies, go directly to the Akutmottagning (Emergency Department) at Helsingborgs Lasarett.

3. Hospitals in Helsingborg

Helsingborgs Lasarett

  • Address: Charlotte Yhlens gata 10, 252 23 Helsingborg
  • Services: Full-service hospital offering emergency care, specialized treatments, maternity care, and surgeries.
  • Contact: +46 42 406 10 00
  • Website: Region Skåne Healthcare

Specialized Care

  • For specialized care not available in Helsingborg, patients may be referred to larger hospitals in Malmö or Lund, which are part of the same regional healthcare system.

4. Clinics and Primary Care

Vårdcentraler (Health Centers)

  • Primary care is provided through vårdcentraler, which are local health clinics. These are the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues.
  • Common clinics in Helsingborg include:
    • Capio Citykliniken Helsingborg Söder
    • Helsa Vårdcentral
    • Närhälsan Helsingborg

Booking Appointments

  • Appointments can be booked online via the 1177 Vårdguiden website or by calling the clinic directly.
  • 1177 Vårdguiden is Sweden’s official healthcare portal, offering information and appointment booking in multiple languages.

Costs for Primary Care

  • Residents: A visit to a vårdcentral typically costs 200-300 SEK.
  • Visitors: Costs vary depending on insurance coverage. Without insurance, expect to pay the full cost upfront (approximately 500-1,000 SEK per visit).

5. Pharmacies

Apotek (Pharmacies)

  • Pharmacies in Helsingborg are widely available and well-stocked with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  • Major pharmacy chains include:
    • Apoteket AB
    • Kronans Apotek
    • Apotek Hjärtat

Locations

  • Pharmacies are located in shopping centers, near hospitals, and in central areas. For example:
    • Apoteket Kärnan (Stortorget, central Helsingborg)
    • Kronans Apotek Helsingborg Söder

Opening Hours

  • Most pharmacies are open during regular business hours (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), with some offering extended hours or weekend services.

Emergency Pharmacies

  • For urgent medication needs outside regular hours, check the 1177 Vårdguiden website for the nearest open pharmacy.

6. Costs and Insurance Requirements

Costs for Visitors

  • Healthcare in Sweden is not free for non-residents. Visitors from outside the EU/EEA must pay the full cost of care unless covered by private insurance.
  • EU/EEA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access care at the same cost as residents.

Insurance Requirements

  • EU/EEA Citizens: Bring your EHIC card for reduced costs.
  • Non-EU/EEA Citizens: It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel or health insurance to cover medical expenses.
  • Without insurance, costs for emergency care can range from 2,000-5,000 SEK or more, depending on the treatment.

Payment

  • Payment is typically made at the time of service. Credit cards are widely accepted.

7. Procedures for Accessing Care

For Emergencies

  1. Call 112 or go directly to the emergency department at Helsingborgs Lasarett.
  2. Bring identification and any relevant insurance documents.
  3. Be prepared to pay upfront if you are not covered by Swedish healthcare.

For Non-Emergencies

  1. Contact a vårdcentral to book an appointment.
  2. Use the 1177 Vårdguiden website or app to find clinics and book online.
  3. Bring your ID and insurance information to the appointment.

Language Support

  • Most healthcare professionals in Helsingborg speak English. However, interpreters can be arranged if needed, especially for less commonly spoken languages.

8. Local Considerations for Safety and Security

Health and Hygiene

  • Sweden has high standards of hygiene in medical facilities.
  • Tap water is safe to drink, and food safety standards are strictly enforced.

Mental Health Services

  • Mental health support is available through vårdcentraler or specialized clinics. In emergencies, contact 112 or the psychiatric emergency unit at Helsingborgs Lasarett.

COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases

  • Sweden has robust measures for managing infectious diseases. For the latest updates on COVID-19 or other health concerns, visit the Folkhälsomyndigheten (Public Health Agency of Sweden) website.

Safety in Medical Facilities

  • Medical facilities in Helsingborg are secure and adhere to strict patient confidentiality laws. There are no significant safety concerns when accessing healthcare.

9. Additional Resources

10. Key Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Always carry your ID and insurance documents when seeking medical care.
  • Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest vårdcentral and pharmacy.
  • Download the 1177 Vårdguiden app for easy access to healthcare information and services.
  • If you have a chronic condition, bring a copy of your medical records and prescriptions in English.

By following this guide, you can navigate the healthcare system in Helsingborg with confidence, ensuring your safety and well-being during your stay.