If you are an EU citizen, you can apply for a personal identity number at the Swedish Tax Agency after moving to Sweden
1. Do newcomers need a personal number? Most newcomers to Sweden are required to have a personal identity number (personnummer) in order to access the Swedish healthcare system. However, EU/EEA citizens without a Swedish personal number are entitled to use public medical services on the same basis as Swedish citizens, provided they are covered by health insurance in their home country and can produce an EU Health Insurance card (EHIC).
2. If you are an EU citizen, you can apply for a personal identity number at the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) after moving to Sweden. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your intention to stay in Sweden for more than one year.
3. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will be assigned a personal identity number when you receive your residence permit. You will need to bring your residence permit to the Swedish Tax Agency to receive your personal identity number.
4. Registering with the healthcare system. Once you have a personal identity number, you can register with the Swedish healthcare system. To do so, you will need to choose a healthcare provider and fill out a registration form. You can find a healthcare provider by using the 1177.se healthcare guide, which allows you to search for providers by location and type of care.
5. As an EU citizen, you have the right to choose any healthcare provider that is publicly funded and contracted with the county council. As a non-EU citizen, you will need to choose a healthcare provider that is contracted with the Swedish Migration Agency.
6. To register with a healthcare provider, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Personal identity number
- Passport or national ID card
- Proof of residency in Sweden (such as a rental contract or a utility bill)
Once you have registered, you will receive a healthcare card, which you will need to bring with you to all healthcare appointments.
If you are a newcomer to Sweden and are unsure how to navigate the healthcare system, there are resources available to help you
7. Accessing healthcare services. Once you have registered with the Swedish healthcare system, you can access a range of healthcare services, including:
- Primary healthcare: This includes general medical care, preventive services, and treatment for chronic conditions. You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider, or visit a healthcare center or medical clinic during their drop-in hours.
- Emergency care: If you require emergency care, you can visit the nearest emergency room or call 112.
- Specialist healthcare: If you need specialized medical care, your healthcare provider can refer you to a specialist.
- Dental care: Dental care is not included in the Swedish healthcare system, but is available through private dental clinics.
- Prescriptions and medications: Prescriptions and medications are available through pharmacies located throughout Sweden. There is a charge, although you pay a maximum of SEK 2,400 a year for medicines covered by the 'pharmaceutical benefit scheme'. This is called the high-cost threshold ( Högkostandsskydd ) . The county council ( Region Västerbotten, in this case) will pay for costs exceeding that amount.
If you require emergency care, you can visit the nearest emergency room or call 112.
8. Mental health services: Mental Health Services: mental health care is available to everyone, including immigrants. Mental health care is provided through primary healthcare providers and specialized mental health clinics. If you need help with your mental health, you can talk to your healthcare provider or call a mental health helpline like Mind Suicide Line (0771-22 00 60) or Hjälplinjen (0771-22 00 60). Primary healthcare providers in Sweden are able to provide support and treatment for a range of mental health conditions. These conditions may include anxiety, depression, stress, and other issues related to mental health.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, you can make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and receive treatment. Specialized mental health clinics in Sweden are available for those who require more specialized care. These clinics provide a range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals with complex mental health conditions. If your healthcare provider feels that you require more specialized care, they can refer you to a specialized mental health clinic.
9. There may be a cost associated with some healthcare services, depending on your individual situation. As an EU citizen, you may be eligible for the European Health Insurance Card, which covers the cost of necessary medical care while you are in Sweden (see above). Non-EU citizens are required to have private health insurance.
10. Resources for newcomers. If you are a newcomer to Sweden and are unsure how to navigate the healthcare system, there are resources available to help you. These include:
- 1177.se healthcare guide: This is an online tool that provides information about healthcare services in Sweden. It includes a search function to help you find healthcare providers in your area, as well as information about healthcare costs and insurance.
- 1177 phone line: You can call 1177 for assistance with healthcare-related questions. They can provide information about healthcare services, as well as help you find a healthcare provider in your area.
- Migrationsverket: The Swedish Migration Agency provides information about healthcare for non-EU citizens, including how to choose a private healthcare provider and obtain health insurance.
- Your healthcare provider: Your healthcare provider can provide information about the healthcare services they offer, as well as any costs associated with those services.
This article is a guide and is not to be taken as medical advice.
