SWEDEN | Emergency | Healthcare system

Healthcare in Sweden

Sweden has a publicly funded healthcare system that is primarily financed through taxes and is known for its high quality and universal access. Responsibility for providing healthcare lies with the country's 21 regional authorities, which manage hospitals, primary care centres, and specialist services. Patients usually begin by visiting a primary healthcare centre (vårdcentral), where they can be referred to specialists if necessary. While healthcare is subsidised, patients generally pay small fees for consultations and treatments, with limited out-of-pocket expenses.

Costs

Healthcare in Sweden is publicly funded, which keeps patient costs relatively low. Most visits to a doctor, specialist, or hospital require a small patient fee, while emergency care is also subject to a standard charge. Sweden applies annual cost ceilings for both healthcare visits and prescription medicines. This way, patients do not have to pay more than a set amount within a 12-month period.

Prescriptions

In Sweden, many over-the-counter medicines can be bought without a doctor's prescription. These include:

• Pain relievers, e.g. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen
• Allergy medication
• Cough and cold remedies
• Nasal sprays
• Creams for minor skin conditions

Pharmacies in Sweden do not normally sell items like cosmetics.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Sweden are indicated by the sign Apotek and are open during normal shopping hours. Pharmacies are also generally open outside normal hours in lager towns.