How does the healthcare system work in Denmark?

What is the quality of healthcare in Denmark?

• Danes are not only incredibly happy, they also have incredibly good healthcare. They have a two-tier healthcare system consisting of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is universal, which means that all residents are entitled to free or subsidized healthcare.
• The life expectancy is quite high - an average of 81 years, this is partly due to the healthcare and the focus on preventive care in Denmark.
• Denmark is known for its use of good technology in healthcare. This makes the system very efficient.
• There are good facilities for mental healthcare.
• English is generally spoken well in Denmark, so you usually don't have to worry about non English speaking doctors.
• There are many pharmacies (Apotek) in Denmark. Most are open between 8:30 AM in the morning and 5:30 PM in the evening. Some are even open 24 hours a day! You need a prescription for most medicines.
• In case of an emergency, you can call 112. Emergency care, for example after an accident, sudden illness or the sudden birth of a child, in the hospital is free regardless of where you come from.

How does the public healthcare system work in Denmark?

• Public health care is mainly paid for by tax revenue. For this reason, receiving care for residents is usually free or very cheap.
• After 6 months, it is mandatory for EU and EEA citizens to register with an international citizen service centre (Borgerservice). Non-EU citizens must register for a stay of more than 3 months. After registration, you will receive a CPR (central personal number) and then a health insurance card, or yellow card. With this card you can use the public health care institutions in the country.
• When registering, you can choose between two groups in terms of insurance. Under group 1, care from the general practitioner and specialists is free, you must then choose a specific general practitioner. Under group two, you have access to every general practitioner and specialist, but you will only be reimbursed for part of the costs. Most residents choose group 1.
• In principle, the first three months, EU residents can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

How does the private healthcare system work in Denmark?

• There are also private healthcare institutions in Denmark and many companies offer an insurance package that allows private healthcare to be used.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Denmark?

• As an emigrant, you can choose a general practitioner who will be your first point of contact and who will monitor your health. You also need this general practitioner to get referrals for specialists.
• There is also an emergency doctor service that is available 24 hours a day for emergency medical assistance. For this, you call 1813.

How is the dentist arranged in Denmark?

• Dental care is of good quality in Denmark. You can often book appointments by phone or online.
• Under the public system, children aged 0-18 years receive free dental care. People over 18 years must choose their own private dentist. The government pays 40% of the costs. Non-insured persons pay the full costs.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Denmark?

• Maternity care in Denmark is of excellent quality! As soon as you become pregnant, the first thing you do is inform your GP so that you can discuss your options.
• All pregnant women have free access to doctors and midwives during their pregnancy. Together they provide basic care. After that, you will receive several ultrasound scans (one in week 11-13 and one in week 18-20) and a blood test.
• Births take place both in the hospital and at home, you discuss this with your GP. There are also a few private clinics. A midwife is present for a home birth. Caesarean sections only take place in some situations.
• Abortion is legal in Denmark. It can be done up to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Denmark?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Denmark?

• There is little to say about things to watch out for as an expat in Denmark. The country is quite safe, although it is wise to keep an eye on your belongings in busy places in Copenhagen.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Denmark?

• There are few health risks in Denmark.
• Tap water is drinkable and food hygiene is good.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Denmark?

• The roads are good, driving is calm and polite and people generally respect the traffic rules. In Denmark you are in one of the safest countries in the world in terms of traffic.
• Traffic violations are strictly enforced. There are many speed meters and traffic cameras.
• In Copenhagen, traffic can be quite busy during rush hour, especially on the major access roads and around the motorways. Traffic can be congested, but the traffic jams are usually shorter than in larger world cities.
• Denmark is one of the most bicycle-friendly countries in Europe, especially in cities such as Copenhagen. Cycling is a popular mode of transport, with extensive cycle paths and routes.
• Public transport is also excellent with buses, trains and metros.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Denmark?

• Is the trip to Denmark and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Denmark if you are going to live there for a while?

• After a certain period, it is mandatory for migrants to register for the national health system. Before that time, it is wise to take out your own international insurance if you do not have an EHIC. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.