Sundsvall

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Healthcare

Access to medical services, including how to register for healthcare, finding clinics, and emergency services.

Sections

Overview of Sweden’s Healthcare System

Sweden operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily through taxes. The system is decentralized, meaning that each region (county) is responsible for providing healthcare services. Sundsvall is located in Västernorrland County, and healthcare services in the area are managed by the Västernorrland Regional Council (Region Västernorrland).

The system ensures that all residents, including immigrants with the proper permits, have access to high-quality healthcare services. The focus is on preventive care, equitable access, and affordability.

Benefits of Healthcare in Sundsvall

  1. Universal Access:

    • All residents, including immigrants with a residence permit, are entitled to healthcare services.
    • Emergency care is available to everyone, including tourists, though costs may vary for non-residents.

  2. Subsidized Costs:

    • Healthcare in Sweden is heavily subsidized, meaning patients only pay a small fee for services.
    • There is an annual cap on healthcare costs (explained below), ensuring affordability.

  3. Comprehensive Services:

    • Services include primary care, specialist care, hospital care, maternity care, mental health services, and rehabilitation.
    • Preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings, is widely available.

  4. Child and Maternal Care:

    • Healthcare for children under 18 is free.
    • Prenatal and postnatal care for mothers is comprehensive and free of charge.

  5. Dental Care:

    • Dental care is free for children and young adults up to the age of 23.
    • Adults pay for dental care, but subsidies are available for certain treatments.

  6. Prescription Subsidies:

    • Prescription medications are subsidized, and there is an annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for medications.

  7. Patient Rights:

    • Patients have the right to choose their healthcare provider within the region.
    • Interpretation services are available for non-Swedish speakers.

Costs of Healthcare in Sundsvall

  1. Healthcare Fees:

    • Visits to a primary care doctor typically cost 200–300 SEK (approximately €18–€27 or $20–$30).
    • Specialist visits cost around 400 SEK (€36 or $40).
    • Hospital stays cost 100 SEK per day (€9 or $10).

  2. Annual Cap on Costs:

    • There is a high-cost protection system (högkostnadsskydd) that limits how much you pay for healthcare in a 12-month period.
    • Once you’ve paid 1,300 SEK (€118 or $125) for healthcare visits, further visits are free for the remainder of the year.

  3. Prescription Costs:

    • Prescription medications are subsidized, and there is a separate annual cap of 2,400 SEK (€218 or $230) for out-of-pocket medication costs.

  4. Dental Care Costs:

    • Adults pay for dental care, but the government provides an annual subsidy of 300–600 SEK (€27–€54) depending on age.
    • Additional subsidies are available for extensive treatments.

How to Access Healthcare in Sundsvall

  1. Registering for Healthcare:

    • To access subsidized healthcare, you must have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), which is issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
    • Immigrants with residence permits can apply for a personnummer upon arrival.

  2. Choosing a Primary Care Center (Vårdcentral):

    • Once you have a personnummer, you can register with a vårdcentral (primary care center) of your choice.
    • Vårdcentralen is your first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues.

  3. Booking Appointments:

    • Appointments can be booked online, by phone, or in person at your chosen vårdcentral.
    • Many healthcare providers use the 1177 Vårdguiden website (www.1177.se), which is a national platform for healthcare information and services.

  4. Emergency Care:

    • In case of an emergency, you can go directly to the Sundsvall Regional Hospital (Sundsvalls sjukhus) or call 112 for an ambulance.
    • For non-urgent medical advice, you can call 1177, a 24/7 helpline staffed by nurses.

  5. Specialist Care:

    • A referral from a primary care doctor is usually required to see a specialist.

  6. Pharmacies (Apotek):

    • Prescription medications can be collected from any pharmacy (apotek) in Sundsvall.
    • Pharmacies are well-distributed across the city, and some offer extended hours.

Local Considerations for Immigrants

  1. Language Support:

    • Most healthcare professionals in Sundsvall speak English, but interpretation services are available if needed.
    • It’s a good idea to request an interpreter when booking your appointment if you’re not fluent in Swedish.

  2. EU/EEA Citizens:

    • If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in Sundsvall.
    • For long-term stays, you’ll need to register for a personnummer.

  3. Non-EU Citizens:

    • Non-EU immigrants must have a residence permit to access subsidized healthcare.
    • If you’re in Sweden on a work or study visa, you are typically eligible for healthcare services once you’ve registered with the Swedish Tax Agency.

  4. Asylum Seekers:

    • Asylum seekers are entitled to emergency care and essential healthcare services, including maternity care and child healthcare.
    • Reduced fees apply for asylum seekers.

  5. Private Healthcare:

    • While the public system is excellent, private healthcare options are available in Sundsvall for those who prefer shorter wait times or additional services.
    • Private care is more expensive and not covered by the high-cost protection system.

Key Healthcare Facilities in Sundsvall

  1. Sundsvall Regional Hospital (Sundsvalls sjukhus):

    • The main hospital in the city, offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, specialist care, and surgeries.

  2. Primary Care Centers (Vårdcentraler):

    • Examples include Vårdcentralen Centrum and Vårdcentralen Granlo. These centers provide general medical care, vaccinations, and referrals to specialists.

  3. Dental Clinics (Tandvård):

    • Public dental care is provided by Folktandvården, with several clinics in Sundsvall.

Tips for Navigating Healthcare in Sundsvall

  • Use 1177 Vårdguiden: This website is an invaluable resource for finding healthcare providers, booking appointments, and accessing medical advice.
  • Keep Your ID Handy: Always carry your ID and personnummer when visiting a healthcare facility.
  • Plan Ahead: While emergency care is prompt, non-urgent appointments may have waiting times, so book early.
  • Learn Basic Swedish: While English is widely spoken, learning basic Swedish phrases can help you navigate the system more easily.

By understanding the structure and benefits of Sundsvall’s healthcare system, you can ensure that you and your family have access to the care you need. Whether you’re a resident or a newcomer, the system is designed to provide equitable and affordable healthcare for all.