Stockholm

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Healthcare

Information about access to healthcare services, emergency care, and health insurance for immigrants and visitors in Stockholm.

Sections

1. Overview of Healthcare in Stockholm

Swedenโ€™s healthcare system is decentralized, meaning that each region (county) is responsible for providing healthcare services. Stockholm County, which includes the city of Stockholm, is managed by the Stockholm Region (Region Stockholm). The system is primarily funded through taxes, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all eligible individuals.

Healthcare in Stockholm is known for:

  • High standards of care.
  • A focus on preventive medicine.
  • Equal access for all eligible individuals.
  • A mix of public and private providers, with most private providers operating under public contracts.

2. Eligibility for Healthcare in Stockholm

Eligibility for healthcare services in Stockholm depends on your residency status and the purpose of your stay.

For Swedish Residents:

  • If you are a legal resident of Sweden (i.e., you have a Swedish personal identity number, or "personnummer"), you are entitled to subsidized healthcare services.
  • Residency is typically granted to individuals who live in Sweden for more than one year, including immigrants, workers, and students.

For EU/EEA Citizens:

  • EU/EEA citizens can access healthcare in Stockholm using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This allows you to receive care at the same cost as Swedish residents for medically necessary treatments during your stay.

For Non-EU/EEA Visitors:

  • Non-EU/EEA visitors are not automatically entitled to subsidized healthcare. You will need private health insurance to cover medical costs during your stay.
  • Emergency care is available to everyone, but it can be expensive without insurance.

For Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants:

  • Asylum seekers and undocumented migrants are entitled to emergency care, maternity care, and essential healthcare services at a reduced cost.

3. What is Covered by the Healthcare System?

Swedenโ€™s healthcare system provides a wide range of services, including:

Primary Care:

  • General practitioner (GP) visits.
  • Preventive care and health check-ups.
  • Vaccinations.

Specialist Care:

  • Referrals from a GP are required for specialist consultations.
  • Includes services like dermatology, cardiology, and mental health care.

Hospital Care:

  • Emergency services.
  • Inpatient and outpatient treatments.
  • Surgeries and advanced medical procedures.

Maternity and Childcare:

  • Prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care are highly subsidized.
  • Free healthcare for children under 18.

Dental Care:

  • Dental care is free for children under 23.
  • Adults pay for dental services, but costs are partially subsidized.

Mental Health Services:

  • Access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and counseling services.
  • Mental health care is integrated into the public healthcare system.

Prescription Medications:

  • Medications are subsidized, and there is a cost cap for prescriptions (see below for details).

4. Costs of Healthcare in Stockholm

While healthcare in Sweden is not entirely free, it is heavily subsidized for eligible individuals. Below is a breakdown of typical costs:

For Residents and EU/EEA Citizens:

  • Primary Care Visits: Around SEK 200โ€“300 per visit.
  • Specialist Visits: Around SEK 400 per visit.
  • Hospital Stays: SEK 100 per day.
  • Prescription Medications: Costs are capped at SEK 2,400 per year. Once you reach this limit, medications are free for the remainder of the year.
  • Dental Care: Costs vary, but subsidies are available for major treatments.

For Non-EU/EEA Visitors:

  • Costs can be significantly higher without insurance. For example:
    • A GP visit may cost SEK 1,500โ€“2,000.
    • Emergency care can cost several thousand SEK.

Cost Cap System:

Sweden has a cost cap system for healthcare services. Once you spend SEK 1,300 on healthcare within a 12-month period, additional visits are free for the rest of the year.

5. How to Access Healthcare Services in Stockholm

Accessing healthcare in Stockholm is straightforward, but it requires some understanding of the system:

Registering with a Primary Care Center (Vรฅrdcentral):

  • Residents should register with a local "vรฅrdcentral" (primary care center) for non-emergency care.
  • You can choose your preferred center, and appointments can be booked online or by phone.

Booking Appointments:

  • Use the 1177 Vรฅrdguiden website (www.1177.se) or app to find healthcare providers, book appointments, and access medical records.
  • The 1177 helpline (dial 1177) is available for medical advice in English.

Emergency Care:

  • For life-threatening emergencies, call 112 for an ambulance.
  • For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, visit an "akutmottagning" (emergency department) or an "nรคrakut" (urgent care center).

Pharmacies (Apotek):

  • Prescription medications can be collected from any pharmacy (Apoteket). Pharmacies are widely available, and some are open 24/7.

6. Local Considerations and Tips

Navigating the healthcare system in Stockholm can be easier with these tips:

Cultural Nuances:

  • Punctuality is highly valued in Sweden. Arrive on time for appointments.
  • Swedes generally prefer a reserved and polite approach when interacting with healthcare professionals.
  • English is widely spoken, so language barriers are minimal.

Digital Services:

  • Sweden is highly digitalized. Use the 1177 Vรฅrdguiden platform for most healthcare-related needs.
  • Many healthcare providers offer video consultations.

Health Insurance:

  • If you are not eligible for subsidized care, ensure you have comprehensive health insurance to cover potential medical expenses.

Preventive Care:

  • Preventive care is emphasized in Sweden. Take advantage of free health check-ups and vaccination programs.

Waiting Times:

  • Non-urgent care may involve waiting times, especially for specialist appointments. Plan accordingly.

Mental Health:

  • Mental health is taken seriously in Sweden. Do not hesitate to seek help if needed, as services are accessible and confidential.

7. Key Contacts and Resources

  • 1177 Vรฅrdguiden: www.1177.se (for booking appointments, medical advice, and information).
  • Emergency Services: Dial 112.
  • Stockholm Region Healthcare Information: www.sll.se (official website for Stockholm Region healthcare).
  • Pharmacies: www.apoteket.se (for finding pharmacies and ordering medications).

Conclusion

Healthcare in Stockholm is comprehensive, affordable (for eligible individuals), and of high quality. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or immigrant, understanding the system and your eligibility is crucial to accessing the care you need. By familiarizing yourself with the 1177 Vรฅrdguiden platform, registering with a primary care center, and ensuring you have the necessary insurance, you can navigate Stockholmโ€™s healthcare system with ease.