Healthcare clinics
Healthcare in Sweden is organised by regions. Depending on where you live, available services can vary. If you’re unsure where to go or what to do, call the national health advisory helpline at 1177 (or +46 771 11 77 00 from abroad) to receive guidance. You can also find reliable information in English at 1177.se.
Primary care
Your first stop for most medical or mental health needs is a primary healthcare centre (Vårdcentral, Husläkarmottagning or Hälsocentral).
Here you can meet a doctor, nurse, counsellor/psychologist, or be referred to specialists if needed.
- Book appointments by phone, on-site, or sometimes digitally via 1177.se (requires e‑ID).
- Centres are open during weekday daytime hours.
- You may register with any healthcare centre in your region that has available capacity. If you are not satisfied, you can change to another centre.
Urgent care (non‑life‑threatening)
For issues that cannot wait but are not life-threatening, visit Närakut, Jourcentral, or Jourmottagning. These are urgent and out-of-hours care centres, which means they attend to conditions that are more urgent than what can be met by your local healthcare centre or cannot wait until you are able to visit your local healthcare centre during business hours. Call 1177 or check 1177.se to find the nearest option.
Emergency care (life‑threatening)
For very serious or life‑threatening conditions, go to the hospital emergency department (Akutmottagning). It is open 24/7. No appointment needed.
- Call 112 for an ambulance in an emergency.
- Call 1177 for advice if you’re unsure how serious your symptoms are.
Psychiatric emergency care
If you need urgent psychiatric help, there are psychiatric emergency clinics and out‑of‑hours services.
- Call 112 if the situation is severe or life‑threatening.
- Call 1177 for advice and guidance on where to go.
Sexual health & midwifery services
Sexual health clinics and midwifery clinics offer:
- STI testing
- Contraceptive advice and prescriptions
- Help with sexual health or gender identity concerns
- Pregnancy-related midwifery visits are free of charge
Find locations via 1177 or 1177.se
Youth guidance centres
If you are under 23 (or under 25 in some regions), you can visit you can visit Ungdomsmottagning for free. They offer counselling, support related to sexual health, sexuality or gender identity, contraceptives, pregnancy tests, and STI testing after unprotected sex. Some centres also offer free psychologist or gynaecologist appointments.
Rehab clinics
You can book an appointment at rehabilitation clinics without a referral. Services vary by region but commonly include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and dietary counselling.
Student health services
Study in good health! The student health services offer preventative health care and, at most universities, provide counselling appointments for students. The range of services provided varies between universities. Visiting the student health service is almost always free of charge. Find out what applies at your local student health service.
National helpline for mental health support
For confidential support at any time call 90390 (or 020-290390 if calling from abroad). Here you can receive free counselling about anything that is troubling you, including anxiety, going through a life crisis or suicidal thoughts.
Other clinics
You may sometimes need to find care at other clinics. For such visits, you may need a referral from your local healthcare centre. Contact your healthcare centre, call 1177 or visit 1177.se to find out more.
Dental care
Dental care is expensive in Sweden. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist how much an examination or treatment will cost when you book the appointment. Call 1177 or visit 1177.se to find a dental care clinic.
Last updated: 2026-03-04