Care
Here you will find information about what applies to you when it comes to healthcare in Sweden.
Healthcare
All refugees under the Temporary Protection Directive who come to Sweden are offered a free health examination. You will receive an invitation with an appointment from the healthcare centre.
As an adult you are only entitled to emergency care and care that cannot wait. It is the healthcare system that determines what care you can receive, not the Swedish Migration Agency. Children (under the age of 18) are entitled to all medical care.
Always turn primarily to your nearest healthcare centre if you become ill. You contact a hospital if you become acutely ill or have an accident.
Film tip – Healthcare
See the film Healthcare
External link, opens in new window.
The “Start Talking About” films are jointly produced by MILSA education platform and InformationSverige.se.
Dental care
As an adult, you have the right to emergency dental and dental care that cannot wait. You should always turn to the Public Dental Service for dental care. When Public Dental Service is closed, you should primarily contact an emergency dentist who is connected to the Public Dental Service and, secondly, another emergency dental clinic.
Children (under the age of 18) are entitled to all dental care.
Maternal care
At the midwife clinic, midwives work with health screenings for women who are pregnant. These visits are free of charge. As a woman, you have access to free contraception advice as well as free antenatal care. You also have the right to care in case of abortion but you then pay the same fee as those who live permanently in Sweden.
Costs for healthcare and medicine
To get cheaper medical care, dental care and medicine on prescription, you need to show your residence permit card (UT-card).
Visits to doctors at a healthcare centre or dentist in Public Cental Service costs 50 SEK if you show your UT-card. The same cost applies to the majority of prescription medication. Visits to a nurse or physiotherapist cost 25 SEK.
Healthcare may require you to pay the full cost of care unless you can demonstrate that you are a refugee under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Emergency room visits to hospitals and specialist treatments you received after referral from the hospital cost more.
The care is for the most part free for children but it may vary between different healthcare regions. Medication for children under 18 years of age is free if it has been prescribed.
High-cost protection
If during the course of six months you have paid more than 400 SEK for doctor visits, sick trips and prescription medicine, you can apply for a special grant. The Swedish Migration Agency can then reimburse you for any costs that exceed 400 SEK.
Emergency and dental services costs are not covered by the 400 SEK rule. Also, prescription drugs that cost more than 50 SEK are not included in this rule. However, you can apply for special grants directly when you have had costs for emergency visits to hospitals or for medications costing more than 50 SEK. In the case of emergency visits, the Swedish Migration Agency can only grant a special grant for the part of the fee that exceeds 50 SEK.
Keep in mind that it is very important to save receipts and such things. Without a receipt, it is difficult for the Swedish Migration Agency to reimburse you for the costs you have incurred.
Covid-19 – vaccination
All vaccination against Covid-19 is free of charge for the individual and it also applies to refugees under the Temporary Protection Directive. Contact a healthcare centre if you want to get vaccinated.
Eyeglasses
In some cases, under the Temporary Protection Directive, refugees can receive financial help from the Swedish Migration Agency for the cost of eyeglasses. The Swedish Migration Agency must first receive a statement from an optician. Contact your reception unit if you need eyeglasses.
Children covered by the Temporary Protection Directive are entitled to a grant from the region of up to 800 SEK for eyeglasses or contact lenses. This applies to children aged 8 to 19 years. The different healthcare regions handle this in different ways. Contact the healthcare services where you and the child live to check what applies there. If the child needs eyeglasses that cost more than the grant covers, it is possible to apply for a special grant from the Swedish Migration Agency for the excess cost.
Healthcare advice
At 1177.se External link, opens in new window. there is medical advice in various languages, including Ukrainian. You can also call 1177 Vårdguiden and receive personal advice from medical professionals 24 hours a day. Those who answer these calls speak Swedish or English. For example, if you are unsure if you should go to a doctor, you can call 1177 and describe how you feel. You can also call to ask other questions about your or your children's health.
Support from the healthcare centre
In addition to providing physical care, your healthcare centre can also help you with counselling. You can also get practical help, such as a wheelchair, crutches or a hearing aid.
Show up for appointments and cancel appointments
If you have an appointment with a healthcare provider, it is important that you arrive at the appointment that you have booked. It is overall very important to arrive on time for appointments in Sweden. If you are unable to come to a scheduled visit, you must tell the clinic in question no later than 24 hours before the visit. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fee for failing to show up for the visit.
Emergency situations – 112
If something serious happens such as a fire, someone becomes acutely ill or subject to crime or violence you should call 112.
Always call if someone's life is in danger. You should be able to tell the emergency operator your location when you call.
