Healthcare in Sweden
As an international student you are entitled to use the Swedish healthcare system. Learn how to get access to the healthcare system, how to seek healthcare, and what to think about if you need to bring medication to Sweden.
Healthcare in Sweden is largely subsidised by the government making it affordable for citizens and residents with a Swedish personal identity number. If you become ill, healthcare is always available near you.
Apply for a personal identity number for subsidised patient fees
Once you have notified the Swedish Tax Agency of your move to Sweden you will receive a Swedish personal identity number and will get access to healthcare at the same standard patient fees as Swedes.
It can take time to receive your Swedish personal identity number. Be sure to check that you have insurance coverage if you need urgent healthcare during the waiting time.
How to seek healthcare
If you need medical care, you can usually get help at a healthcare centre (Vårdcentral), but depending on your illness there may be other ways.
The healthcare centre (Vårdcentral) is the primary care facility for medical treatment in Sweden. You can also get psychological/psychiatric care here.
If you need specialist care you need to book an appointment with a doctor at a healthcare centre to receive a referral. This is also the case if you have an on-going medical condition that requires specialist care.
If you need medical advice you can dial 1177 (+46 771-11 77 00 if you have a foreign number), which is open round the clock. The nurse who takes your call can assess your need for care and give you advice on what you can do yourself and where to turn if you need medical attention.
- Please contact 1177 for consultation before visiting an local emergency unit or emergency clinic.
- Local emergency units (Närakut) are available during evenings and weekends for urgent, but non life-threatening medical conditions.
- Accident and emergency clinics (Akutmottagning) at a hospital are available for sudden, serious illnesses and injuries.
- Call 112 if the matter is very urgent, or if your or someone else’s life is in danger. This is the free public service emergency telephone number in Sweden, as well as in the whole EU. It is available free of cost from mobile, landline and public telephones.
Dental care is expensive, even for Swedish citizens. If you have obtained a Swedish personal identity number you are eligible for benefits for some dental care procedures. EU/EEA-citizens are entitled to use the emergency dental care services on the same basis as Swedes, provided they are covered by health insurance in their home country and can present an European Health Insurance Card.
The cost of dental care is not fixed, so you should always ask your dentist how much the treatment will cost before it starts.
In Sweden, everyone can get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). That includes HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis and it is always free of charge. This is also applicable if you come from a different country or if your stay in Sweden is of a short duration.
Support at KI
The Student Wellbeing Centre at KI offers advice and support for any study-related health issues. The service offers both individual support and group activities free of charge. Student Wellbeing Centre operates as a complement to public healthcare and thus does not offer any psychological or medical treatment.
This service is available around the clock for KI students through Falck. At the first contact, you get to talk to a sociologist/behavioral scientist who can provide direct guidance/counselling. If the assessment concludes that there is a need for contact with another specialist, there is a possibility to talk to a psychologist or a psychotherapist (up till 3 sessions) . The consultations with the specialists take place by telephone. The student support includes both study-related and private matters. The service assists with matters concerning, for example, emotional or relationship problems, addiction issues and personal crises.
When contacting Falck please state that you are a student at KI
Falck: 0200-21 63 00
From international number, call +46-316 049 20
Travelling with prescribed medicines to Sweden
If required, bring any personal medications you need for the length of your stay in Sweden. Leave the labels with your name on medication packaging and have your prescription with you as border/airport security may ask to see this.
Check how much medication you can bring
Depending on where you are travelling from and what medication you are bringing, there is a limit to how much medication you are allowed to bring. Check if you need to apply for an exemption to be able to bring all the medication you need.
Good to know:
- In your application state that you are in the process of applying for a Swedish Personal Identity Number.
Travelling with medicines at the Swedish Medical Products Agency's website
Check how prescriptions work
If you can't bring medication for the length of your stay, check if your medication is available in Sweden, and what you need to do for your prescription to be valid.
With a Swedish personal identity number, you will be able to seek subsidised healthcare through a healthcare centre (Vårdcentral) and renew your prescription.
How prescriptions work in Sweden (for EU/EEA citizens) at the Swedish eHealth Agency's website
Pharmacy
There are several pharmacy (apotek) chains in Sweden, where you can ask for medical advice and buy medication to treat minor illnesses such as headache, cold and cough, allergic reactions, fever and stomach problems.
Most pharmacies are open 10-18, but two are open longer: