Denmark is known for its comprehensive public healthcare system, which is funded by taxes and available to all Danish residents. However, expats may find that their needs are not fully met by the public system and may want to consider private health insurance. In this article, we will answer some commonly asked questions about health insurance in Denmark.
Health Insurance Requirements in Denmark
Yes, it is mandatory for all Danish residents to have public health insurance. The health insurance is paid for through taxes and covers basic medical needs such as visits to the doctor and hospital care. However, there are some medical services that are not covered by the public health insurance system, such as dental care and non-urgent treatments.
State Health Insurance System in Denmark
The Danish public health insurance system is known as the “sygesikring” and is funded by taxes. It provides free medical care to all residents and covers basic medical needs such as visits to the doctor and hospital care. The sygesikring also covers most prescription medication costs.
However, there are some services that are not covered by the sygesikring. These include:
- Dental care for adults (except for certain treatments for severe dental problems)
- Non-urgent treatments
- Certain types of medical equipment (e.g. hearing aids)
- Some types of alternative medicine
For these services, patients must pay out-of-pocket or purchase private health insurance.
Applying for State Health Insurance System in Denmark (provide answer in numbered steps)
- Register with the national register of residents (CPR) at the local Citizen Service Center (Borgerservice).
- Once registered, you will receive a yellow health insurance card (sygesikringsbevis) in the mail. This card will have your name, CPR number, and address on it.
- Present your health insurance card at any doctor or hospital in Denmark to receive medical care.
Note that if you are an expat who is employed in Denmark, your employer will automatically deduct contributions from your salary for the sygesikring.
Advantages of Private Medical Insurance in Denmark
While the public health insurance system in Denmark is comprehensive, there are some services that are not covered. Expats living in Denmark may want to consider purchasing international private medical insurance to cover these services. Some advantages of international private medical insurance for expats in Denmark include:
- Coverage for dental care and non-urgent medical treatments
- Flexibility to choose your own doctor or hospital
- Coverage for medical treatment when traveling outside of Denmark
- Language assistance and cultural support
It’s important to note that private health insurance is not a replacement for public health insurance in Denmark. Expats are still required to have public health insurance and will use their private insurance as a supplement.