Healthcare clinics 

Healthcare in Sweden is administered by areas called regions. Depending on which region you live in, the range of healthcare centres may vary. However, you can always call the national health advisory helpline at 1177 (or +46 771 11 77 00 if calling from a foreign number) to receive information on where to find the right health care depending on the emergency of your situation. You can also visit 1177.se to learn more.   

Primary health care  

When you need to access medical or mental health care, the first choice is often a healthcare centre. It´s called Vårdcentral, Husläkarmottagning or Hälsocentral depending on which region you live in. Here you can see a doctor, counsellor/psychologist, nurse and sometimes other health professionals. You can also get a referral for specialist care, such as a psychiatric care clinic, a speech and language pathologist or a dermatology clinic, depending on what is assessed to be necessary in your case.   

Some healthcare centres have drop-in hours but normally you need to book an appointment. You can do this by phone or on site. Some clinics have a digital booking system accessed by logging in on 1177.se, which requires some kind of e-identity (BankID, Freja+ or Foreign eID). Healthcare centres are open during the day on regular weekdays.  

You are free to make your choice among the different healthcare clinics in your region. To visit a healthcare centre, you need to register with the healthcare centre of your choice. This means that you are a patient of that healthcare centre and should turn to them from now on. If you are not satisfied with the healthcare centre you are registered with, you can register with another one instead. You may change healthcare centre no more than twice a year. 

Urgent care and out-of-hours care centres  

There are urgent and out-of-hours care centres in many regions. They are called “Närakut”, “Jourcentral” or “Jourmottagning” depending on your region. Here you can get emergency help in the event of illness and injury that is not life-threatening but is 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. For more information about where to go call 1177 or visit 1177.se.   

Emergency hospital care  

This is where to turn in the event of very serious or life-threatening illness or injury. It is called “Akutmottagning” and is open 24 hours a day. You don´t need to make an appointment beforehand. If your condition is life-threatening, call emergency number 112 for ambulance assistance. If you are unsure of the severity of your condition, call 1177 for medical advice and help to find the nearest emergency hospital.   

Psychiatric emergency  

If you need urgent psychiatric care, there are psychiatric out-of-hours care centres and emergency psychiatric clinics. If your condition is severe or life-threatening you must call emergency number 112 for ambulance assistance. Call 1177 for advice and help to find where to go.   

Sexual health clinics  

At the sexual health clinics you can find support if you have concerns about sexuality, sexual health or gender identity. You can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases if you have had unprotected sex, and ask for contraceptive advice, prescriptions and insertion of contraceptives. Call 1177 or visit 1177.se for more information about where to go.   

Midwifery clinics  

There are midwifery clinics for help with sexual health and pregnancy matters, help with contraceptives or checking for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are pregnant your visits at midwifery clinics are free of charge. Call 1177 or visit 1177.se for more information about where to go.   

Youth guidance centre  

If you are under the age of 23, or for some centres under the age of 25, you can attend a Youth Guidance Centre (Ungdomsmottagning) free of charge. There you can get help with counselling, concerns about sexual health, sexuality or gender identity, contraceptives, pregnancy tests and testing for sexually transmitted diseases if you have had unprotected sex. At some centres, it´s possible to book free appointments with a psychologist or a gynaecologist.  

Rehab clinics 

You can make an appointment with these clinics without a referral. The services offered may differ between regions, but it is often possible to book an appointment with an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or dietician.  

Student health services  

Study in good health! The student health services offer preventive 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 

Apart from the healthcare system there is a helpline offering confidential support from counsellors in difficult situations. You can talk about anything that is troubling you, including anxiety, going through a life crisis or suicidal thoughts. It is open at all hours and free of charge. Call 90390 (or 020-290390 if calling from a foreign number) to talk to a counsellor.  

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.