Hospitals in Sweden for Visitors and Expatriates: Reliable Care
Expats and visitors to Sweden can choose from a network of reputable hospitals, including Citykliniken Malmo, Danderyds Hospital in Stockholm, Citykliniken Halmstad, and Uppsala University Hospital.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
If you do not know your way around a Swedish hospital or have health insurance, getting medical treatment in Sweden can be a real challenge. Securing health insurance coverage ensures that expatriates receive the highest quality healthcare while living and traveling abroad.
This article from Pacific Prime gives visitors and expats a rundown of the Swedish healthcare system, details which hospitals are the best, and explains why health insurance is so important.
The Best Hospitals for Expatriates in Sweden
The best hospitals in Sweden are Danderyds Hospital in Stockholm, Citykliniken in Malmö, Citykliniken in Halmstad, and Södertälje Hospital. However, it’s important to read more about each hospital and its specialization.
Below is a list of what we believe to be some of Sweden’s best hospitals:
Danderyds Hospital
Danderyds is one of Sweden’s largest emergency hospitals, offering university healthcare in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet. It provides care for about 90,000 emergency cases annually.
- Address: Box 12134, Stockholm 102 24, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 656 4641 | Fax: +46 8 656 1299
- Website: www.ds.se
Karolinska University Hospital, Solna
Located in Solna, Karolinska is a leading medical facility known for advanced care and research. It is affiliated with Karolinska Institutet, one of the world’s most renowned medical universities.
- Address: Solna, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 728 6400 | Fax: +46 8 31 8406
- Website: www.karolinska.se
St. Erik’s Eye Hospital
St. Erik’s is the largest eye hospital in Sweden, treating conditions ranging from cataracts to complex eye disorders. It is a specialized eye care hospital known for both routine and advanced ophthalmology services.
- Address: Polhemsgatan 50, Stockholm, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 672 2400 | Fax: +46 8 672 4924
- Website: www.sankterik.se
St. Göran’s Hospital
St. Göran’s Hospital offers a broad range of general medical services with a strong emphasis on emergency care. It is known for providing high-quality healthcare and operates in partnership with private healthcare providers.
- Address: Box 12134, Stockholm, 102 24, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 672 2400 | Fax: +46 8 672 4924
- Website: https://capiostgoran.se/in-english/
Citykliniken Malmö
Citykliniken Malmö offers general medical services in Malmö, including preventive care and specialized treatments. It is a healthcare center offering general and specialist care in Malmö.
- Address: Malmborgsgatan 4, Malmö 211 38, Sweden
- Tel: +46 40 350 200
University Hospital MAS
University Hospital MAS is a leading university hospital known for its advanced medical research and specialized care. It is a key healthcare institution in Malmö, offering a wide range of treatments and services.
- Address: S-20502 Malmö, Sweden
- Tel: +46 40 331 000 | Fax: +46 40 336 226
Citykliniken Halmstad
Citykliniken Halmstad provides comprehensive general medical services in Halmstad. It focuses on personalized care with a range of consultations and treatments available.
- Address: Broigatan 6, Halmstad 302 43, Sweden
- Tel: +46 35 100 400
Website: https://capio.se/hitta-mottagning/primarvard/vardcentraler/halmstad/
Citykliniken Helsingborg
Citykliniken Helsingborg offers a variety of general healthcare services and preventive care solutions. It is known for delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare in Helsingborg.
- Address: Drottinggatan 14, Helsingborg 252 21, Sweden
- Tel: +46 42 387 770
- Website: https://capio.se/hitta-mottagning/specialistvard/eslov/
Citykliniken Kristianstad
Citykliniken Kristianstad provides a range of medical services,. including consultations and treatments tailored to patient needs. It serves as a healthcare center for both general and specialist care.
- Address: Bjorkhemsvagen 15c, Kristianstad 291 54, Sweden
- Tel: +46 44 102 800
- Website: https://capio.se/hitta-mottagning/primarvard/vardcentraler/kristianstad/
Citykliniken Landskrona
Citykliniken Landskrona is a healthcare center offering various medical services and preventive care. It supports the local community with accessible and reliable healthcare.
- Address: Kungsgatan 11, Landskrona 261 31, Sweden
- Tel: +46 418 448 880
- Website: https://capio.se/hitta-mottagning/primarvard/vardcentraler/landskrona/
Citykliniken Lund
Citykliniken Lund offers a variety of general and specialist medical services. It is well-regarded for its patient-centered approach to healthcare in Lund.
- Address: Clemenstorget 5, Lund 222 21, Sweden
- Tel: +46 46 350 350
- Website: https://capio.se/hitta-mottagning/primarvard/vardcentraler/lund-clemenstorget/
Huddinge University Hospital
Huddinge University Hospital, affiliated with Karolinska Institute, is a leading teaching hospital in Sweden. It provides advanced medical treatments and research-driven care.
- Address: Halsovagen, Flemingsberg SE 141 86, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 656 4641 | Fax: +46 8 656 1299
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Sahlgrenska University Hospital is one of Sweden’s largest teaching hospitals, offering specialized and high-complexity medical care. It plays a critical role in both patient care and medical research in Gothenburg.
- Address: Gothenburg 413 45, Sweden
- Tel: +46 31 601 000
- Website: https://www.sahlgrenska.se/
Södertälje Hospital
Södertälje Hospital provides a wide range of general and emergency healthcare services. It serves the local community with essential and acute care services.
- Address: Rosenborgsgatan 6-10, Södertälje, Sweden
- Tel: +46 8 550 24000 | Fax: +46 8 550 24050
- Website: https://www.sodertaljesjukhus.se/
Strängnäs Clinic of Spinal Surgery
Strängnäs Clinic of Spinal Surgery specializes in advanced spinal surgeries and treatments. It is a renowned clinic for patients seeking specialized spine care in Sweden.
- Address: Lot 645 94, Strängnäs, Sweden
- Tel: +46 15 225 660 | Fax: +46 15 225 690
Uppsala University Hospital
Uppsala University Hospital is a leading Swedish teaching hospital known for its cutting-edge research and comprehensive patient care. It provides specialized medical services and collaborates with Uppsala University.
- Address: Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
- Tel: +46 18 663 000 | Fax: +46 18 665 08127
- Website: https://www.akademiska.se/
Expat and Visitor’s Guide to Swedish Healthcare
Sweden’s healthcare system is renowned for its high quality and is largely tax-funded, providing universal access to residents. In any case, private health insurance is a must for covering medical expenses if you are a short-term visitor, an expatriate without a personnummer, or both.
Here’s an overview of what expatriates and visitors should know about the Swedish healthcare system:
Public Healthcare in Sweden
In Sweden, the public healthcare system is comprehensive and designed to ensure that all residents have access to essential medical services. Here are some key aspects to understand about navigating healthcare in the country:
- Eligibility: Public healthcare is accessible to all residents, including expatriates with a residence permit. To access the system, you need a personnummer (personal identification number), which is required to register for state-funded healthcare.
- Costs: While healthcare is not free, the costs are low and capped annually. Patients pay small fees for consultations and prescriptions. Emergency services are available, and in cases of serious emergencies, care is provided first, with insurance claims handled later.
- Waiting Times: A common issue with the public system is long waiting times for non-urgent care, ranging from several days to months for specialist appointments or surgeries.
Private Healthcare in Sweden
While Sweden’s public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage, some individuals and companies choose private health insurance for additional convenience and flexibility. Private insurance can help reduce long waiting times and offer quicker access to care at private clinics.
- Private Health Insurance: Although not common, some expatriates and companies opt for private insurance to bypass long waiting times and access private clinics, where appointments are faster. Private insurance may also allow greater flexibility in choosing doctors.
- Supplemental Insurance: Even if you are covered under the public system, private insurance can supplement high costs associated with dental, eye care, or certain treatments not fully covered by the public system.
The Importance of Health Insurance for Expatriates and Visitors in Sweden
Health insurance is essential for expatriates and visitors in Sweden to ensure access to timely and comprehensive healthcare services. Here are some key reasons why having health insurance is important:
- Access to Public Healthcare: Expats with a residence permit are eligible for Sweden’s public healthcare system, but must have a personnummer (personal identification number) to access these services. Without insurance, visitors may face high out-of-pocket costs for medical care.
- Emergency Coverage: Health insurance provides financial protection in the event of unexpected medical emergencies. While emergency services are offered, uninsured visitors may still need to pay for treatment afterward.
- Reduced Waiting Times: For expatriates who prefer faster access to healthcare, private insurance can help bypass long waiting times in the public system, especially for specialist appointments or elective surgeries.
- Coverage for Non-Public Services: Certain treatments, such as dental care, eye care, and specialized therapies, may not be fully covered by Sweden’s public healthcare system. Health insurance can help cover these additional costs.
- Travel and Repatriation Benefits: Many private health insurance plans for expatriates include coverage for medical repatriation or travel-related medical expenses, which can be critical in case of severe illness or accidents while abroad.
- Peace of Mind: Having health insurance ensures that expatriates and visitors can focus on their stay in Sweden without worrying about unexpected medical bills or delays in receiving necessary care.
Best Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Sweden
The best insurers for expats in Sweden include Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, IMG, Generali, and Bupa Global. If you are looking for the best insurance plans with comprehensive coverage, these insurers will provide you with all you need.
Listed below are some insurers to consider for expatriate healthcare coverage in Sweden:
- Cigna: With three levels of coverage—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—Cigna offers tailored international health insurance that includes worldwide access to specialists, preventive healthcare, and emergency evacuation, which is ideal for comprehensive coverage beyond Sweden’s borders.
- AXA: Known for its extensive global network, AXA’s international plans provide different tiers, including Foundation, Standard, and Prestige Plus, enabling flexibility based on coverage needs and budget. AXA’s plans are also popular due to direct billing at numerous facilities worldwide.
- Allianz: Allianz’s Essential, Classic, and Premier plans offer a blend of global coverage, with optional maternity and dental benefits. Allianz is well-suited for expatriates seeking peace of mind with emergency services like evacuation and coverage at hospitals that avoid out-of-pocket costs when possible.
- April International: Catering to expats seeking ease of use, April International provides an app-based platform for claims, coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, and 24/7 telemedicine access. This makes it convenient for those who prioritize mobile and remote healthcare access.
- IMG: With options such as Global Medical Insurance, IMG specializes in customizable plans for expats and families living abroad. Coverage includes emergency evacuation and repatriation, making it a flexible choice for varying healthcare needs.
- Generali: Generali’s expat plans offer three levels—Select, Classic, and Premier—each designed with flexibility for inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services. This is ideal for expats who want comprehensive coverage in Sweden and across Europe.
- Bupa Global: Bupa’s Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite plans range from essential medical cover to premium options with mental health, maternity, and dental coverage. Bupa’s broad network and flexible plans appeal to expats looking for everything from essential to luxury coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best hospitals in Sweden for expatriates?
Some top hospitals for expatriates include Danderyds Hospital in Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, Citykliniken Malmö, and Uppsala University Hospital. Each offers specialized services and high-quality care.
Why is health insurance important for visitors to Sweden?
Health insurance is crucial for visitors as it covers medical expenses, ensures access to public healthcare, and provides financial protection during emergencies. Without it, visitors may face high out-of-pocket costs.
How does the Swedish healthcare system work for expatriates?
Sweden’s public healthcare is accessible to residents, including expatriates with a personnummer. While it’s tax-funded and low-cost, private health insurance can help reduce waiting times and cover non-public services.
Conclusion
In Sweden, while the public healthcare system offers extensive coverage, securing private health insurance is highly recommended for expatriates and visitors to ensure faster access to quality care, financial protection, and peace of mind.
For expatriates and visitors, having comprehensive health insurance is essential to avoid unexpected medical costs and guarantee access to top-notch healthcare services in Sweden’s clinics and hospitals.
If you’re looking to secure a customized health insurance plan for your stay in Sweden, Pacific Prime can assist you in finding a plan that meets your budget while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Contact us today to compare plans and receive a free quote!
Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance and writing a gargantuan amount of SEO articles to draw in billions of leads.
In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry.
- Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Tanzania - April 2, 2025
- Top 10 Health Insurance Providers in Malaysia for Expats - April 1, 2025
- Top Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Hungary - March 28, 2025
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.
We'll notify you
when our team replies!