Insurance - is it necessary?

You should make sure that you and your family have adequate protection in place in the event of the unexpected occurring.

Medical care and insurance

Depending on the duration of your stay and your country of citizenship, you may be eligible for tax-subsidised healthcare. Without it, medical costs in Sweden can be expensive and you should consider taking out medical insurance. 

If you are staying in Sweden for at least one year you can get a Swedish personal identity number. This will give you healthcare at the same subsidised cost as Swedish residents. 

If you aren’t eligible for a personal identity number but are from a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you should arrange a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you leave. This will give you emergency healthcare at the same subsidised cost as Swedish residents. For non-emergency healthcare, however, you may have to pay the full cost unless you have a certificate indicating that your country of origin will pay.

Citizens of most other countries who aren’t eligible for a personal identity number will have to pay the full cost for all forms of healthcare. If this is you, you should consider arranging your own medical insurance.

A few nations, such as Australia, have healthcare agreements with Sweden. You can check with your local Swedish embassy or consulate general to see if your nation is among them.

In our Healthcare article you will find more information on healthcare in Sweden, including costs and where to turn if you fall ill.

Life and accident insurance

Most companies provide life and accident insurance plans for international employees as part of the benefits package. Check that the cover is adequate for you and your family.

If you have an existing plan from your home country, you may be able to adjust it so it will cover you while you are in Sweden. Alternatively, you should consider taking out a new plan either through a Swedish or international insurance company. 

Last updated: 21 January 2020