If you are a new arrival, learning how to use local healthcare early is very important. Many internationals are surprised that you usually do not go directly to a hospital. Instead, most care begins at a local clinic, or vårdcentral.
These clinics are the gateway to the entire Swedish healthcare system. They help you when you are sick, support your mental-health, and refer you to specialists or hospitals when needed.
Sweden emphasises preventive dental care — regular visits are common and recommended.
As an international, your access and costs depend on your legal status: permanent resident, EU/EEA citizen, asylum seeker, TPD holder, or non-EU resident with a permit.
It’s important to read this article, to learn what’s what with Swedish dental care, and to save time and money.
Hospitals provide care for emergencies, surgery, specialist treatment, and serious mental-health conditions. Understanding costs, and what happens before, during and after a hospital visit will help you feel calmer and more prepared.
In most situations, you are expected to visit a local clinic first and receive a referral before going to a hospital, unless it is an emergency.