The Swedish healthcare system: a practical starting guide
Updated
Knowing where to start can make an unfamiliar healthcare system easier to navigate. In Sweden, the right contact depends on what help you need, how urgent the problem is and the arrangements that apply to your visit. This overview introduces common services and questions to ask; it does not determine your personal entitlement or fees.
Finding a first contact
A vårdcentral is a primary care centre. It can be a starting point for many health concerns and can help assess whether you need another service. A specialist clinic focuses on a particular area of care. Some specialist appointments require a referral, called a remiss; check with the receiving clinic rather than assuming a universal rule.
1177 provides information about healthcare and telephone advice. Its overview explains the roles of primary care, specialist services and emergency departments. Some pages also contain regional information, so check which region is selected when reading about local arrangements.
When contacting a service, describe the problem and ask whether it is the right place. If it is not, ask where to turn and whether you need to do anything before the next contact.
If you are visiting Sweden
The rules for care and payment vary with factors such as where you are insured, your reason for being in Sweden and the kind of care you need. A visitor should not assume that a general description for Swedish residents applies in full.
1177 has separate guidance for people insured in another country. Read the section relevant to your circumstances and ask the provider what documentation to bring. If you have travel or private medical insurance, check the policy and its assistance arrangements. Planned treatment and treatment needed during a visit may involve different rules.
Preparing for an appointment
Have the clinic's name, location and contact details available. Ask about language support, the appointment format, expected charges and any preparation instructions. Bring or prepare a list of your questions and the medicines you use, and ask how earlier records can be shared securely.
If an investigation is proposed, ask what question it is intended to answer and how you will receive the result. If you leave with a referral, find out whether the other clinic will contact you or whether you need to make contact yourself.
Keep track of the next step
After each contact, it can help to note:
- What was assessed or discussed?
- What is the next agreed action?
- Who is responsible for that action?
- When should you follow up if nothing happens?
- Where should you turn if your symptoms change?
For healthcare advice call 1177. For a life-threatening emergency call 112. Online information cannot assess how urgent your individual symptoms are.