This page describes the healthcare system in Sweden and what applies to you as an international student if you need to seek healthcare in Sweden.
Healthcare in Sweden
If you have obtained a Swedish personal identity number or are a holder of the European Health Insurance Card, you are entitled to healthcare at the standard patient fee, with some exceptions depending on taxpayer status. If you do not have a Swedish personal identity number or have a European Health Insurance Card, you may need to pay the total cost of care yourself. Remember to check your insurance coverage..
Sweden has a website with information and services about healthcare, 1177.se , where you can read more about which healthcare options are available and where to get help.
You can also always call 1177 and talk to a nurse and get advice about medical care and where to get help. The telephone number is 1177 if you call from a Swedish number and +46 771-11 77 00 if you call from a foreign number. The helpline is open 24 hours. For emergencies, call 112.
On a national portal for student health, studenthalsa.se , you will find tips and advice that can help you feel good during your studies and improve your well-being.
Stockholm Student Health Services is aimed at students at KTH and provides nurse, therapist and counsellor services. If you are dealing with personal or emotional issues, an appointment with a therapist may be helpful, where you can book a single or several appointments. Stockholm Student Health Services can also help you find and connect you with other healthcare services in Sweden. They are bound to confidentiality, and visits are free of charge.
Healthcare guidelines vary depending on your country of citizenship and the length of your studies. Therefore, before coming to Sweden and KTH, it is crucial to understand and ensure your medical insurance coverage. Make sure you have medical insurance coverage to avoid extra costs in case of an emergency or if you fall ill during an off-campus activity. Find out what applies to you in the list below.
If you come to Sweden from another Nordic or EU/EEA country only to study, you are entitled to receive essential healthcare for the same patient fee as Swedish citizens. Essential healthcare is treatment that cannot wait until you return to your home country. What is considered essential healthcare thus depends on how long you plan to study in Sweden. If you wish to have healthcare that is not considered essential, you must pay the entire cost yourself if you do not have a Swedish personal identity number.
You must bring the European Health Insurance Card
To obtain essential healthcare for the same patient fee as Swedes, you must show proof of identity and your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) filled out by the social insurance office in your home country. With this card you are entitled to healthcare at the same standard patient fee as Swedish citizens. Bring the card any time you need to seek medical care. Holding an EHIC card does not guarantee full healthcare coverage. Please check with the social insurance office in your home country for more details.
If you have a residence permit for less than 12 months in Sweden you need comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies.
When seeking medical attention you will need to pay for the treatment yourself and later fill out a claim form to be reimbursed by your insurance company. Make sure to read through the terms and conditions to find out in which situations the insurance applies.
International students who have obtained a residence permit for 12 months or more, can register in the Swedish population register to obtain a Swedish personal identity number. The personal identity number entitles you to the same patient fees as Swedish citizens for public healthcare. For questions about Swedish health insurance please contact the Swedish social insurance agency.
