Health & Safety in Sweden

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world, with excellent healthcare, low crime rates, and a well-organised emergency response system. With a few sensible precautions and the right documents, you can travel with confidence.

Emergency Numbers

114 14 — Non-emergency police
113 13 — National information number (for major incidents/crises)
Swedish Poison Centre: 010-456 67 00

112 is the single emergency number for all of Sweden (and across the EU). Operators speak English. From a mobile phone, 112 works even without a Swedish SIM.

1177 is Sweden's healthcare advice line — staffed by nurses around the clock. Call for advice on symptoms, to find the nearest healthcare facility, or to determine whether you need emergency care or can wait for a scheduled appointment. English-speaking operators are available.

Healthcare for UK Visitors

EHIC / GHIC Coverage

UK citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are entitled to access Swedish state healthcare on the same terms as Swedish residents. This means:

You pay the same patient fee as Swedes (not free, but heavily subsidised)
A GP visit (vårdcentral (health centre)) costs approximately 200–350 SEK
An emergency department visit costs approximately 400 SEK
Prescriptions are subsidised — you pay the same as Swedish residents
Hospital care (if admitted) is approximately 120 SEK per day

Important: The EHIC/GHIC does NOT cover:

Private healthcare (only state-run or county-contracted providers)
Repatriation or medical flights home
Non-urgent dental care
Pre-existing conditions (in some cases)
Adventure sports injuries (check your travel insurance)

Recommendation: Always carry both your EHIC/GHIC AND comprehensive travel insurance.

How to Get the GHIC

Apply free of charge at nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic. Processing takes about two weeks. Old blue EHIC cards remain valid until their expiry date.

Finding Healthcare

Vårdcentral (health centre / GP surgery) — for non-urgent medical issues. Walk-in or book via 1177.se (website available in English). Open weekday daytime hours.
Akutmottagning (emergency department) — for emergencies. Found at major hospitals in all cities.
Jourmottagning (out-of-hours clinic) — evening and weekend clinics for urgent but non-emergency care.
Närakut (minor injuries unit) — intermediate care for less severe issues.

The 1177.se website (available in English) is the best resource for finding the nearest healthcare facility and booking appointments.

Pharmacies

Swedish pharmacies (apotek (pharmacy)) are well-stocked and staffed by qualified pharmacists who can advise on minor ailments and sell a range of over-the-counter medications.

Driving conditions in winter require winter tyres (mandatory December–March) and extra caution.
Hypothermia risk for outdoor activities in the north. Dress appropriately and don't underestimate Arctic conditions.

Winter Weather & Conditions — Understand Sweden's winter climate, temperature extremes, and how to stay safe outdoors on The Land.

Outdoor Safety

Ticks (fästingar (ticks)) are active April–November, particularly in central and southern Sweden. They can transmit Lyme disease and TBE (tick-borne encephalitis). Check your body after walks in long grass or forest. TBE vaccination is available and recommended for extended outdoor stays.
Swimming — Sweden's lakes and coastal waters can have strong currents. Swim at designated spots where possible, never swim alone, and be aware that even summer water temperatures rarely exceed 18–20°C. Hypothermia is a real risk in colder water.
Wildlife — Sweden's large animals (moose, brown bears, wolves) are generally shy and avoid humans. Moose are the biggest road hazard — most common at dawn and dusk. Bear encounters are extremely rare; if you see one, back away slowly.

Swedish Wildlife — Learn about Sweden's mammals — moose, bears, wolves, and how to stay safe in their habitat on The Land.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Alcohol: Sweden has a blood-alcohol limit of 0.02% for driving — effectively zero tolerance. Penalties are severe (licence revocation, fines, imprisonment).
Drugs: All recreational drugs are illegal in Sweden with a zero-tolerance policy. This includes cannabis. Penalties apply even for personal possession.

Water Safety

Swedish tap water is safe to drink everywhere — in cities, rural areas, and from mountain streams (though UV purification is recommended for backcountry water). The water quality is among the best in Europe.

Sun Safety

Don't underestimate the Swedish sun, especially in summer:

At northern latitudes, the UV index can be deceptive — you can burn quickly
Reflected light from water and snow increases exposure
Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, especially near water and in the mountains
Protect children especially carefully

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Sweden is one of the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, discrimination protections are strong, and acceptance is high across society. Stockholm Pride is one of Northern Europe's largest pride festivals (late July/early August).

LGBTQ+ Rights in Sweden — Sweden's pioneering history of equality and LGBTQ+ rights on The People.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential regardless of EHIC/GHIC coverage. Ensure your policy covers:

Medical treatment and hospitalisation
Emergency repatriation
Trip cancellation
Lost/stolen belongings
Winter sports (if applicable — skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding)
Adventure activities (if applicable — hiking, kayaking)

For visa and entry information, see Visa & Entry Requirements. For language help, see Language Survival Guide.