Insurance requirements for studying in Sweden
Insurance information for Sweden
If you are going to study and live in Sweden, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much.
Students from the EU/EEA countries
Student who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance .EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Your right to health services in Sweden depends of your status as resident of Sweden. If the duration of your stay in Sweden is more than one year make sure to get a personal identity number. With it you’ll have access to the same health benefits – and pay the same patient fees – as Swedes. And might pay around SEK 150-250 for a doctor’s appointment, depending on where you live. You will need to register in the Swedish Population Register. When that’s approved, you’ll get your personal identity number.
You’ll need your EHIC when applying for a Swedish personal identity number.
Students from outside the EU/EEA
If your stay in Sweden is longer than one year make sure to get a Swedish personal identity number.
With it you’ll have access to the same health benefits – and pay the same patient fees – as Swedes. And might pay around SEK 150-250 for a doctor’s appointment, depending on where you live. Not bad, eh? So after you get here, register in the Swedish Population Register. When that’s approved, you’ll get your personal identity number.
But it might take a while to get it. So it’s worth having insurance coverage for the time you spend here before you receive your personal identity number.
If your stay in Sweden is shorter than one year make you’ll need to organise health insurance yourself If your residence permit is valid for less than one year, you won’t be able to get a Swedish personal identity number. And, well, that means you won’t get automatic access to health insurance here.
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Sweden
Sweden is an ambitious and forward-thinking country, striving to achieve complete energy sustainability by 2040. Its renowned universities contribute significantly to its development goals through their top-notch research facilities. EU/EEA students can avail the opportunity to study at public universities free of charge. Swedish society's core values of freedom, equality, and sustainability are easily embraced by students, as they are deeply ingrained in every aspect of local life. Additionally, language barriers are almost non-existent, with approximately 80% of Swedes proficient in English.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Sweden, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Sweden.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Sweden is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Sweden.
