How much does healthcare cost in Sweden?
Sweden has a public healthcare system that provides subsidised medical care to all residents who are registered in the country. Healthcare visits usually cost between SEK 100 and 460, depending on the region you live in and the type of care required. Sweden also has a high‑cost protection system: once your total healthcare fees reach SEK 1,450, you will not have to pay for any additional outpatient visits within the same 12‑month period.
If you receive a residence permit valid for 12 months or more, you can register in the Swedish population register and obtain a Swedish personal identity number. This gives you access to the same patient fees as Swedish citizens for public healthcare. If you do not have a personal identity number and do not have health insurance that covers non‑urgent care, you can sometimes still book an appointment at a healthcare centre — but you will have to pay the much higher, unsubsidised fee.
It may take a couple of months to receive your personal identity number, but your residency registration is valid retroactively from the day your application was submitted. If you paid healthcare fees during this period, you can be reimbursed for the portion that exceeds the subsidised fee. Contact the clinic where you paid the fees to get your money back.
EU/EEA citizens
If you´re a registered resident in an EU/EEA country, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary health care in Sweden at the same subsidised rates as other registered residents. Necessary health care is medical care that cannot wait until you return home. This means not only emergency care, but also heath care related to chronic conditions. A healthcare professional will decide what qualifies as necessary care. You may use the EHIC while waiting for your Swedish personal identity number after applying for residency. The same rules apply if you have an ID card showing that you are a registered resident in a Nordic country.
Exchange students and fee-paying students
If you are staying in Sweden for less than 12 months, you cannot apply for a Swedish personal identity number. This means that you are only entitled to the healthcare covered by your health insurance, and must otherwise pay the full, unsubsidised cost of healthcare visits. Most health insurance policies cover only emergency medical and dental care, so be sure to read the terms carefully to understand your coverage. If you have questions about your insurance, contact the exchange coordinator at your university.
Last updated: 2026-03-04