- Registration is essential for full healthcare access
- Legal status determines what care you can get and costs
- Residents with a personal number: full access, pay standard patient fees
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: medically necessary care at resident fees
- Asylum seekers / TPD: subsidised fees; children under 18 get care at no cost
- Undocumented migrants: emergency and urgent care, maternity, abortion; children under 18 receive free care
- Interpreters are available at no cost
Sweden’s healthcare system is public and region-run. How you access it depends on your legal status and whether you receive a personal identity number (personnummer).
This article contains important information about registering for healthcare in Sweden.
Call 112 in case of life-threatening emergencies
1
you have a residence permit (work, family, studies > 1 year)
Once registered with the Swedish population register via Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), you receive your personnummer. This gives you full access to the same healthcare as Swedish citizens.
next steps
- Register with a local health centre (vårdcentral)
- You are automatically covered by national health insurance through Försäkringskassan
You then pay standard patient fees.
2
your stay in sweden is < 1 year (no personnummer)
You can still get healthcare, but you pay the full cost unless covered by insurance.
Who this includes:
- Short-term workers
- Visitors
- Students staying under 12 months
You should:
- Obtain private health insurance
- Use travel insurance when possible
3
your stay in sweden is < 1 year but you have a european health card (EHIC)
With a valid EHIC:
- You receive medically necessary care at Swedish patient fees
- Care must be needed during your stay (not planned treatment)
4
asylum seekers and people with temporary protection (TPD)
People registered with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) receive subsidised care.
Typical costs:
- Doctor visit: about SEK 50
- Emergency care: about SEK 50
- Hospital stay: very low daily fee
- Children under 18: healthcare and dental care free
Emergency care is never refused, regardless of legal status.
5
undocumented migrants
Entitled to:
- Emergency care: you may be asked to pay the full cost, as there is no subsidy for regular care (hospitals often offer reduced rates or payment plans)
- Maternity care & abortion: often subsidised, some hospitals provide care at no cost, but it can vary regionally
Children under 18 receive healthcare at the same cost as residents.
getting guidance
Call 1177 Vårdguiden for advice, clinic booking and health information. Interpreters are available.
- Always register with Skatteverket to get a personal number if eligible
- Register at a local clinic (vårdcentral) to access regular healthcare
- Save receipts; they count toward the yearly fee ceiling (SEK 1,450)
- Children: residents get care at no cost until 20, asylum/TPD until 18
- Call 1177 for advice or to find the nearest clinic
Call 112 in case of life-threatening emergencies
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or local emergency services if needed.
- Register with a local vårdcentral early — don’t wait until you get sick
- Save your EHIC card details and insurance documents digitally and physically
- If you need language support, request an interpreter when booking your appointment
- Healthcare rules and fees can vary slightly between regions in Sweden
- Call 1177 before visiting emergency care for non-life-threatening issues
↗ 1177
↗ The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)
do I need a personnummer to receive healthcare?
No. You can still receive healthcare without a personnummer, but access, costs and subsidies depend on your legal status and insurance coverage.
can I go to the hospital without registering first?
Yes. Emergency care is available regardless of registration or legal status. However, costs may differ depending on your situation.
does sweden have free healthcare?
Healthcare in Sweden is subsidised, not completely free. Most residents pay reduced patient fees, while some groups — including children under 18 in many cases — receive care at no cost.
can I get healthcare in english?
Often, yes. Many healthcare workers speak English, especially in larger cities. You can also request an interpreter free of charge.
what should I do if I do not understand the healthcare system?
Call 1177 Vårdguiden for guidance. They provide healthcare advice, help explain where to seek care and can arrange interpreters.
do undocumented migrants have the right to healthcare?
Yes. Emergency and urgent care cannot be refused. Undocumented migrants also have access to maternity care and abortion services, while children under 18 receive healthcare under the same conditions as resident children.