Seeking Medical Care

How it works: The first step in seeing a doctor in Sweden is to find a healthcare provider. There are two main options for this: local health centers and hospitals. Local health centers, also known as vårdcentralen in Swedish, are typically the first point of contact for non-emergency medical care. They provide a range of services, including general practitioner (GP) appointments, specialist consultations, and basic diagnostic tests. Hospitals, on the other hand, are typically used for more serious conditions or procedures that require specialized care.

Seeing a doctor: If you need to see a GP, you can either walk in to a local health center or schedule an appointment in advance. You can do this by calling the health center or by visiting their website. If you prefer to schedule an appointment online, you may need to register for an account. You can also schedule an appointment with a specialist, but you will typically need to be referred by a GP first. If you miss an appointment, you will have to pay a fine of several hundred krona. You can also use online paid consultation platforms such as Doktor.se. 

Numbers to call: For non-emergency contact, you would need to call 1177 and talk to a duty nurse about your problem. They can also help you to make appointments too. In case of an emergency, you can go to the nearest emergency room or call 112 for an ambulance. Emergency rooms are open 24/7 and are staffed by doctors and nurses who are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening condition, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Forms to fill: When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to fill out some basic information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You may also be asked to provide proof of your identity, such as your Swedish ID card. During the appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your medical concerns with the doctor. They will perform any necessary examinations and may order diagnostic tests or prescribe medication.

How much does it cost? When you go for medical consultation, you will be charged about 250 SEK per visit. For outpatient visits, you will pay a maximum of 1,300 SEK annually, and is free after the limit is crossed – it is called a “free card“. For buying medicines, you only pay up to 2,600 SEK per year. The 12-months period starts from the day you made your first visit.

No personal number? If you don’t have a personal number, you will have to pay for your treatment. A person with a “coordination number” also doesn’t qualify for free treatment. If you don’t have personal numbers, it’s better to have health insurance. If you have paid extra while waiting for a personal number, you can apply for a refund when you get your ID.

Dental care: Going to a dentist is very expensive in Sweden. Up to 23 years, dental treatment is free, but after that it can cost several thousand Krona for most dental procedures. Many Indians prefer to get their dental checkups done in India which is significantly cheaper. Find a list of dental clinics in your area from here.

Open hours system: It’s worth noting that Sweden has a unique approach to healthcare, which is called the “open hours” system. This means that in most cases there is no need to make an appointment and you can just go to your local health center during the hours that are open for walk-ins. The open hours vary from one center to another but it’s usually between 8 am-6 pm on weekdays and 8 am-12 pm on Saturdays.

Criticisms of Swedish healthcare: One major issue is the long wait times for certain procedures and appointments. Despite the country’s high taxes, which are meant to fund the healthcare system, patients are often forced to wait months for non-emergency surgeries and specialist appointments. This can lead to significant pain and suffering for patients, as well as an overall reduction in the quality of care. Another area of criticism is the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas. This can lead to a lack of access to care for residents in these areas, as well as increased pressure on healthcare providers who are stretched thin. There have been instances where patients have not been informed of their diagnosis or treatment options, and have not been able to access their medical records. Despite these criticisms, the Swedish medical system still receives praise for its overall quality of care and its ability to provide universal coverage. 

In conclusion, the Swedish healthcare system is one of the best in the world and offers free healthcare to its citizens and permanent residents.