Insurance
Whether it’s for you, your income or your belongings, insurance is something you should consider when setting up in Sweden. Here you will find useful links and information on some of the various types of insurance.
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.
On our Healthcare page you will find more information on healthcare in Sweden, including costs and where to turn if you fall ill.
Unemployment insurance (Arbetslöshetskassa or A-kassa)
Most working Swedes choose to join an unemployment fund. These provide income compensation (up to 80% of your previous income level) for people who have been members for at least one year and who have lost their jobs.
The unemployment funds are usually administered by trade unions. If you choose to join one you will pay a monthly fee, which varies depending on your income and unemployment fund.
There are many unions and you can find them through the three confederations listed below. Your new colleagues may also offer helpful advice on the suitable unions for your profession.
The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO)
The Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO)
The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO)
Household insurance
In Sweden 95% of all households have home insurance (hemförsäkring). The insurance usually covers your belongings in case of theft or if they are damaged by fire or water. It also often includes travel insurance and covers everyone who is living at the address and named in the policy.
Life and accident insurance
Most companies provide life and accident insurance plans for expat workers 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.
Motor vehicles
All motor vehicles must be covered by third party liability insurance. Comprehensive car insurance is optional.
Swedish insurance providers
Photo credits: Emelie Asplund/imagebank.sweden.se