Sweden Health Insurance

The Kingdom of Sweden in Scandinavia consistently ranks amongst the global leaders in quality of life indicators. The Swedish government is a constitutional monarchy and it is a member of the European Union and the OECD. The socioeconomic system in Sweden has been designed to promote equity; as a result, Sweden ranks among the lowest countries in terms of income inequality. Tax rates and social benefits are both very high compared to most western countries. Sweden boasts a rich cultural history, but modern Sweden is highly regarded in the fashion, design and music industries. Hennes & Mauritz has been a successful pioneer in the “fast fashion” segment. And home wares retailer IKEA has become an iconic global brand.

Consistently among global leaders in most social welfare indices, Swedes enjoy very high life expectancy: 79 years for men and 83 years for women. Sweden spends nearly 10 percent of GDP on health care, or USD 3,690 annually per capita in 2009. Government expenditure makes up nearly 80 percent of overall healthcare spending, with private funding making up the remainder. Most private health care expenditure comes from out of pocket spending as private Sweden health insurance makes up just 1.2 percent of total private spending. Most medical care, including specialist and dental care, is provided within the state system.

Sweden Health Insurance & Health Care Indicators

With its healthy, active population, most Swedes enjoy robust health. Rates of communicable disease are very low. For example, the rate of HIV infection is just one quarter of the European average and tuberculosis affects about one eighth of the European norm. The bulk of Sweden’s burden of disease comes from non-communicable conditions such as cardiac disease, cancer and diabetes. Sweden’s healthy diet and relatively low rates of obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse generally keep these life-threatening conditions at bay until much later in life, compared with most other countries.

With 35.8 doctors and 115.7 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people, Sweden has one of the best-staffed health care workforces in the world. This allows Sweden to provide universal health care to its citizens as well as non-citizen residents. Patients unable to work due to illness are entitled to a percentage of their wage, to be paid by their employer for up to 14 days and by the state thereafter. Private Sweden health insurance is very rarely used, although there have been an increasing number of private care facilities established in the past decade. The health care system is mostly financed by taxes levied by local government councils, and is managed on a national level by the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. However, unlike in many European countries, doctors who work in the public health care system are not permitted to be in private practice as well. Whether public or private, Sweden’s health care system is considered among the best in the world.

Sweden Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

As home to several of the world’s largest corporations, Sweden is an important destination for business travelers and expatriates. Tourists are also attracted to the area’s rich culture, buzzing nightlife, winter sports and summer midnight sun. While Sweden may be among the world’s safest countries, there are health risks which travelers should be aware of. Winter conditions, such as snow and ice, lead to increased risk during winter sports, such as skiing and skating, but also on the roads, including not only traffic accidents, but also pedestrians slipping on icy pavement, which can cause serious injury. Hikers in forested areas in the summer may be at risk for tick-borne encephalitis.

In addition to its excellent hospitals, Sweden is also at the forefront of health care research. The World Health Organization operates eleven collaborating centers throughout the country, including three in Stockholm. Although Sweden does offer universal health care to citizens and residents, with several hospitals catering to foreigners near Stockholm, tourists from non-EU countries may require an international health insurance plan for medical care.

All doctor and hospital visits require a modest co-payment from the patient (except for pensioners and the unemployed), however the total amount of co-payment is capped annually. EU country nationals will be required to produce a European Insurance Card to receive care. Also, many drugs available over the counter in other parts of the world require a prescription in Sweden; however, the maximum amount to be paid out of pocket by the patient is also capped annually, with the balance paid by the Swedish government.

Visitors should research whether any of their regular medication requires a prescription. Dental care is subsidized, but not entirely covered by the Swedish government, and elective plastic surgery must be paid for by the patient. In the case of a serious medical emergency requiring evacuation, both tourists and residents may require an expatriate medical insurance plan in order to receive treatment in their home country. Sweden health insurance will generally not cover the cost of repatriation and medical evacuation.

Sweden Expat Health Insurance and International Health Insurance Plans

While Sweden’s own state health care system is among the most generous in the world, getting the supplementary coverage required for your own situation can be complicated, particularly with the wide range of international health insurance plans available on the market. Fortunately, the experienced advisors at Expat Medical Insurance are available to help you select the policy best suited to meet your individual requirements. Options for coverage include alternative, dental and even medical evacuation plans to suit individuals, families, businesses and tour groups. Our representatives are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; contact an Expat Medical Insurance representative today for further information.