Sweden Travel Health Guide: Pharmacies, Medical Care & Insurance

Swedish Healthcare System Fundamentals

Sweden is a Nordic country with advanced medical standards, operating under a national health insurance system (Sjukvärdsförsäkringen). However, your Japanese health insurance card cannot be used, making travel insurance essential.

Characteristics of Sweden's Healthcare Structure

Swedish healthcare operates in three tiers. The first tier is primary care (basic care), provided by primary care centers (Vårdcentral). The second tier is secondary care, including general hospitals and specialist services. The third tier is tertiary care, provided by university hospitals and advanced medical facilities. Unlike Japan, referrals from a general practitioner are required unless the situation is an emergency.

Medical costs are relatively high. Consultation fees typically range from 100–200 Swedish kronor (SEK, approximately 1,200–2,400 JPY), with hospitalization and surgery costing considerably more. Travel insurance medical coverage is therefore crucial.

Pharmacist's note
Sweden places strong emphasis on patient autonomy. Healthcare providers tend to thoroughly explain treatment options and seek patient consent. If you have language concerns, prepare translation apps (such as Google Translate) in advance.

Guide to Using Swedish Pharmacies (Apotek)

Basic Information and Operating Hours

Swedish pharmacies are called "Apotek" and stock both prescription medications (Receptbelagd läkemedel) and over-the-counter medicines (Läkemedel utan recept). Major pharmacy chains include Apoteket, Pharmalogist, and Kronans Apotek.

Operating hours vary by location. Large pharmacies in city centers typically open Monday–Friday 8:00–19:00 and Saturday 9:00–17:00. Most are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. For emergencies, pharmacies like "Apotek Vården" offer night service.

Pharmacy Chain	Features	Typical Hours
Apoteket	Largest chain, nationwide	Mon–Fri 8:00–19:00
Pharmalogist	Mid-size chain	Mon–Fri 8:30–18:00
Kronans Apotek	Includes independent stores	Varies by location
Apotek Vården	Evening/night service	17:00–21:00

How to Present Prescriptions

When you receive a prescription in Sweden, follow these steps to obtain medication:

1. Verify the prescription: Check that the prescription (Recept) from your physician includes patient name, medication name, dosage instructions, and physician signature
2. Present at pharmacy: Hand the prescription to the pharmacy counter staff
3. Pharmacist verification: The pharmacist confirms your ID and checks prescription history and drug interactions in their system
4. Dispensing: Medication is prepared according to the prescription
5. Counseling and receipt: The pharmacist explains dosage and side effects; you receive your medication

Prescriptions are typically valid for one year from issuance, though physicians may set shorter validity periods.

Pharmacist's note
Swedish pharmacies follow a "generic drug priority policy" (Generikastrategi). If a prescription lists only the medication name, the pharmacist will automatically dispense the generic version (Generisk läkemedel). To receive the brand-name drug, request this instruction from your physician.

Over-the-Counter Medications Available to Travelers

For mild symptoms during travel, you can purchase medications without a prescription:

Symptom	Active Ingredient/Drug Name	Swedish Name
Headache/fever	Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)	Paracetamol
Headache/fever	Ibuprofen	Ibuprofen
Stomach pain/indigestion	Omeprazole	Omeprazol
Constipation	Senna (Sennosides)	Sennosid
Diarrhea	Loperamide	Loperamid
Cold symptoms	Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)	Dextromethorfan
Allergies/hay fever	Cetirizine	Cetirizin
Mild skin inflammation	Hydrocortisone	Hydrokortison

These "OTC medications" can be purchased after consulting with the pharmacist. However, if symptoms are severe or do not improve, medical consultation is recommended.

Medication Prices and Payment Methods

In Sweden, patients cover medication costs, though a subsidy system (Läkemedelsförmånen) caps costs for high-price drugs. Travelers are not eligible for this subsidy.

Typical medication prices (tax included):

• Paracetamol (20 tablets): 60–80 SEK (approximately 720–960 JPY)
• Ibuprofen (10 tablets): 50–70 SEK (approximately 600–840 JPY)
• Prescription medications (antibiotics, etc.): 150–400 SEK (approximately 1,800–4,800 JPY)

Accepted payment methods include credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), debit cards (Bankkort), Swedish bank cards, and Swish (Swedish mobile payment system). Cash is not accepted, so prepare for cashless payment.

How to Access Medical Care and Find Healthcare Facilities

Decision Tree for Choosing Where to Seek Care

Use this flowchart to determine where to go when experiencing health issues:

Mild symptoms (cold, mild diarrhea, etc.) → Pharmacy self-care or online consultation

Moderate symptoms (high fever, severe headache, etc.) → Primary care center (Vårdcentral) appointment

Severe/emergency symptoms (chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc.) → Medical advice line 1177 or emergency services 112

Visiting Primary Care Centers (Vårdcentral)

Sweden generally recommends seeking care through a family doctor or primary care center. Major cities like Stockholm have medical facilities designed for tourists with English-language services.

Main appointment methods:

1. Phone appointment: Call the center, describe your symptoms, and make a reservation. Typically 1–3 days' wait
2. Online booking: Many facilities have web-based appointment systems
3. Walk-in: Some facilities accept patients without appointments, though wait times may be long

What to bring for consultation:

• Passport (for identification)
• Travel insurance documents (for billing)
• Notes describing symptoms (in English or Swedish)

Using the Medical Advice Line "1177"

"1177 Vårdguiden" is Sweden's free medical consultation service where you can speak with healthcare professionals.

How to access:

• Phone: 1177 (within Sweden)
• Website: www.1177.se
• Chat/App: 1177 app for physician or nurse consultation
• Hours: 24/7

Describe your symptoms and receive advice on whether home treatment is sufficient or whether medical care is needed. Services are primarily available in Swedish and English.

Ambulance and Emergency Care

For life-threatening symptoms, do not hesitate to call an ambulance (Ambulans).

Emergency contact:

• Emergency number: 112 (universal for police, fire, ambulance)
• Language: English-speaking operators available

Symptoms requiring emergency care:

• Chest pain or chest pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe headache (possible stroke)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Serious trauma or injuries
• Unconsciousness

Pharmacist's note
Medical costs in Sweden are high, making travel insurance critical. Policies with cashless service at partner hospitals allow direct billing to the insurance company, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Using Travel Insurance and Medical Cost Claims

Why Travel Insurance Is Essential

Medical costs in Sweden are very high. Here are typical expenses:

Medical Service	Cost in SEK	Cost in JPY
Physician consultation	150–250	1,800–3,000
Ambulance use	0–500	0–6,000
Emergency room	300–500	3,600–6,000
Hospitalization (per day)	1,500–3,000	18,000–36,000
Minor surgery	5,000–10,000	60,000–120,000

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is mandatory. We recommend minimum medical coverage of ¥3 million.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance

Key features to look for:

1. Cashless service: Present your insurance number at partner hospitals and clinics; the insurance company pays directly, with no out-of-pocket patient payment
2. Medical evacuation coverage: For serious illness or injury requiring return to Japan; recommended minimum ¥5 million
3. Emergency dental coverage: For dental emergencies
4. Death benefit (illness-related): Covers death from serious illness during travel
5. 24-hour emergency hotline: Japanese-language support for assistance during emergencies

Medical Cost Claims Process

Using cashless service:

1. Select a partner medical facility: Check your insurance provider's app or website for partner hospitals
2. Make a reservation: Confirm with the facility that it partners with your insurance company
3. Present insurance information: Provide your insurance number or authorization document (voucher) at check-in
4. Payment handling: The insurance company pays the facility directly; you pay only any applicable out-of-pocket deductible

Direct billing after treatment:

1. Receive treatment at any medical facility
2. Obtain itemized receipts: Request receipts in English or Swedish, including diagnostic notes and prescriptions
3. Submit claim documents: Send receipts and claim forms to your insurance company (typically within 30 days of return)
4. Insurance company review: Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks
5. Reimbursement: Approved amounts are transferred to your designated bank account

Pharmacist's note
Medical facility receipts are crucial documents. Request an official receipt in English or Swedish at the time of your visit. Keep copies of prescriptions and diagnostic notes, as these are often required for insurance claims.

Insurance Company Contact Procedures

Before seeking medical care:

1. Call your insurance company's 24-hour emergency hotline
2. Describe your symptoms
3. Receive recommendations for appropriate care facilities
4. Confirm partner hospital availability and get reservation assistance
5. Obtain an authorization voucher (explaining patient cost responsibility)

Pre-contacting your insurer can significantly reduce medical expenses. This is especially important if hospitalization or expensive procedures are anticipated.

Preparing and Transporting Medications for Your Sweden Trip

How to Bring Regular Medications

You may bring regularly prescribed medications, but must follow these rules:

Medications you may bring:

• Prescription medications (with your prescription): up to 3 months' supply
• Over-the-counter medications: within normal personal use amounts

Requirements:

1. Obtain an English-language prescription copy: Request this from your physician
2. Label medications in English: Prepare documentation listing medication names (generic names) in English
3. Document your travel dates: Include your arrival and departure dates
4. Keep original pharmacy containers: All prescription medications must remain in their original labeled pharmacy containers

Flight Carry-on Regulations

Rules for bringing medications on flights to Sweden:

Medication Type	Carry-on	Checked Baggage	Notes
Prescription tablets/capsules	✓	✓	Original container and prescription copy required
OTC medications	✓	✓	Normal use amounts
Liquid medications (syrups)	×	✓	Some airlines allow ≤100ml in carry-on
Needles/insulin	✓	✓	Medical necessity documentation recommended
Medical devices	△	✓	Consult airline in advance

At Swedish customs, showing a copy of your prescription is typically sufficient for entry.

Pharmacist's note
Psychotropic medications (sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs) are regulated differently by each country. If you must bring these, apply for a "Permission for Overseas Transport of Narcotics/Psychotropic Drugs" through your prefecture's health and welfare department before departure (NACCS application). We also recommend confirming with the Swedish Embassy/Consulate beforehand.

Obtaining Medications While in Sweden

If you need a new prescription during your stay, your physician will issue one and you can fill it at a pharmacy. However, since the Swedish healthcare system does not cover tourists, you will pay the full cost out of pocket.

Inform your physician that you are a traveler without local insurance; doctors often prescribe more affordable options like generic medications.

Major Healthcare Facilities in Swedish Cities

Stockholm

Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset (Karolinska University Hospital)

• Address: Eugeniavägen 3, 171 76 Stockholm
• Phone: +46 8 517 700 00
• Features: Sweden's largest hospital; 24-hour emergency services
• Website: www.karolinska.se

Stockholm City Clinic

• Address: Klarabergsviadukten 70, 111 64 Stockholm
• Phone: +46 8 791 24 00
• Features: Tourist-oriented medical facility; English-speaking staff

Gothenburg

Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset

• Address: Medicingränd 1, 413 45 Göteborg
• Phone: +46 31 342 10 00
• Features: Western Sweden's largest hospital

Malmö

Skånes Universitetssjukhus (Skåne University Hospital)

• Address: Lund vägen 1, 205 02 Malmö
• Phone: +46 40 331 000
• Features: 24-hour emergency services; international patient services available

Uppsala

Uppsala University Hospital

• Address: Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14, 751 85 Uppsala
• Phone: +46 18 611 000
• Features: Academic medicine; research partnerships

Emergency Response Manual

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before traveling, verify and prepare the following:

• Travel insurance purchased; three copies of insurance documents (one for travel, one for hotel, one for family at home)
• Insurance company 24-hour hotline number and hours written down
• Regular medications: 3-month supply with English-language prescription copy
• English translation of medication list ("お薬手帳")
• Medical information card with allergies, medical history, and current medications in English
• Translation apps (Google Translate, etc.) installed on smartphone
• Swedish Embassy/Consulate contact information noted

Symptom-Based Response Guide

Cold or mild fever → Purchase medication at pharmacy or call 1177 for consultation

Severe headache or dizziness → Call 1177; physician determines if visit is necessary

High fever (38°C or above) lasting several days → Schedule appointment at primary care center or consult 1177

Stomach pain or diarrhea lasting several days → Purchase medication at pharmacy; seek care if symptoms persist

Wounds or deep cuts → Visit emergency room or primary care center

Severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing → Call 112 immediately to request ambulance

Depression or panic → Call 1177 or contact embassy for psychological support referral

Summary

With proper preparation and information, medical care in Sweden is manageable. Keep these key points in mind:

• Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is mandatory. Select a plan offering cashless service at partner hospitals to avoid out-of-pocket payment.

• Pharmacies (Apotek) dispense both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Consult the pharmacist; mild symptoms often can be treated at the pharmacy.

• For mild symptoms, use 1177 or online consultation. Progress to primary care center (Vårdcentral) appointment if needed.

• In emergencies, immediately call 112. Do not hesitate; English-speaking operators are available.

• Regular medications must include English prescription copies and original pharmacy containers. Psychotropic drugs require advance approval.

• Keep medical receipts for insurance claims. Request official receipts in English or Swedish after each visit.

• Major cities offer tourist-oriented medical facilities with English-language services.

Sweden maintains high medical standards. With thorough preparation, you can minimize health-related concerns. For specific questions, verify the latest information with the Swedish Embassy, Consulate, or your government's foreign affairs ministry.