Finding your way in the Swedish healthcare system
Do you have questions about your body and sexuality? There is a lot of help and support available.
Your rights in the Swedish healthcare system
You have the right to choose which medical centre you want to go to. It is important that you choose a medical centre and register there. If you have Bank-ID, you can make appointments at various clinics via e-services on 1177.
Primary care
Primary care is where you should go first if you have become ill. You can always phone 1177 for advice. Primary care consists of medical centres, where there are staff who take care of health issues that are not acute. If you are acutely ill, you should call 112 or visit an emergency department at a hospital instead.
Confidentiality
Everyone who works in the medical field is bound by confidentiality. This means they are not allowed to tell anyone (such as the police, Migrationsverket or others) that you were there.
Interpreter
If you do not speak Swedish, you have the right to an interpreter. Say that you need an interpreter when making your appointment. If you have a doctor’s appointment and have not booked an interpreter in advance, the staff can call interpreter services and get a phone interpreter.
Asylum-seekers and undocumented people
All children and young people under age 18 have the right to healthcare and dental care in Sweden. If you are over 18, you have the right to “care that cannot be deferred”, even if you do not have a personal identity number. This includes more than just emergency care. It can also be care during pregnancy and delivery, abortion and contraceptive advice. Healthcare professionals decide if you need care.
- LMA card. When you apply for asylum in Sweden, you first receive a receipt of your application, then an LMA card from Migrationsverket. Use the LMA card or the receipt to book healthcare or pick up medicines.
- Reserve number. If you are undocumented and do not have ID with a personal identity number, you will be issued a reserve number when you seek care. This number only works in the healthcare system. Try to use the same reserve number every time you receive care.
Patient fees
You will usually pay a fee when you visit a healthcare facility. Maternity care is always free. Screening for breast (mammograms) and cervical (pap smears) cancer are free. The testing and treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases is free.