Everyone who lives in Sweden is entitled to medical care. The type of healthcare services that you are entitled to depends on your current status in Sweden. Below you can find information about the rights and entitlements for asylum-seekers and refugees.
Is it an emergency? If your life or someone else’s life is in danger – always call 112
Asylum-seekers
Adult asylum-seekers over the age of 18 are entitled to a limited range of medical and dental care: emergency medical and dental care. You are also entitled to medical treatment if you have a condition that may become an emergency if it is not treated. A doctor determines whether your condition may become an emergency.
Asylum-seeking children below the age of 18 are entitled to the same medical and dental care as other children and young people in Sweden, and medical care is usually free of charge.
As an asylum-seeker you are also entitled to natal care, care in connection with an abortion, advice on contraceptives, maternal care, and care under the Communicable Diseases Act. When you visit a healthcare clinic or collect medicine at a pharmacy, you need to show your LMA card.
For more information on healthcare entitlements, allowances, and medical fees for asylum-seekers, please visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website: Health and medical care | Swedish Migration Agency
Please have a look at the Swedish Migration Agency’s information video on health in Sweden if you are an asylum-seeker:
Refugees
As a refugee, when you are registered in the Swedish Population Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), you have the same right to healthcare as anyone else who lives in Sweden. This also means that you pay the same medical fees as everyone else.
If you are in need of medical assistance or advice for common illnesses, you can contact the nearest health center (vårdcentral). The contact details and opening hours of health centers in Sweden can be found on the website of 1177 which is a Swedish healthcare advice platform: 1177.se (English)
If you do not speak Swedish or have difficulty understanding information in Swedish, an interpreter can be provided for you. For more information on access to interpretation please visit: Interpretation into my language | 1177