Health & Safety
Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Medical care is excellent.
Medical Care
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted
- Vårdcentral (health center): The first point of contact for non-acute complaints. Co-payment: 200–350 SEK (17–30 €)
- Akutmottagning (emergency room): For emergencies. Co-payment: approx. 400 SEK (35 €)
- Pharmacies (Apotek): Well-stocked. Apotek Hjärtat and Apoteket are the largest chains
- 1177 Vårdguiden: Telephone health advice service — 24/7, also in English
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (Police, Fire, Rescue) | 112 |
| Police (non-urgent) | 114 14 |
| Health Advice | 1177 |
Special Health Tips
- Ticks (Fästingar): Common from April to October in southern and central Sweden. Can transmit TBE and Lyme disease. TBE vaccination recommended (especially for hikers and campers). Check your body after forest visits.
- Mosquitoes in Lapland: In June and July, mosquitoes (mygg) and blackflies (knott) can be a plague in northern Sweden. Insect repellent and possibly a head net are essential.
- Tap water: Excellent quality everywhere in Sweden — refill your bottle, save plastic.
