Healthcare in Denmark

Healthcare in Denmark is of an incredibly high standard, with numerous medical facilities to choose from throughout the country. 

Denmark operates under a universal healthcare scheme, which all residents have equal access to. Most use public healthcare facilities because they are of such a high standard, but private hospitals are available for those who prefer private care. 

Most of the Danish population speaks English, so expats should have no problem finding an English-speaking doctor.

Public healthcare in Denmark

There are plenty of excellent public healthcare facilities to choose from in Denmark. To access healthcare at these facilities, a public health insurance card (also known as a yellow card) must be produced.

If using public healthcare, expats will have to select a general practitioner to oversee all their non-emergency medical needs. Patients who wish to see a specialist must first get a referral from their GP. 

Each municipality across Denmark is responsible for administrating primary healthcare and social services. The public healthcare services cover a wide range of services, including physiotherapy and children's dental treatments. 

Useful links

• Visit the Danish Ministry of Interior Health to learn more about public healthcare in the country. 

Private healthcare in Denmark

Thanks to the high standard of public healthcare, there are only a few private healthcare facilities in Denmark. That said, their popularity has increased recently, and the number is growing. This growth is mostly down to an increasing number of employers offering their employees private health insurance, which enables the use of private healthcare facilities and bypasses the waiting periods often associated with public healthcare systems. Expats should enquire with their Danish employer about their health insurance policy. 

Health insurance in Denmark

Anyone working in Denmark is entitled to apply for a public health insurance card, known as a yellow card. To do so, expats will need a CPR number, which is obtained by registering at one's local International Citizen Service (ICS) centre. The CPR number and yellow card can be applied for concurrently.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare during a short-term visit. UK citizens have access to the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit.

Useful links

• International House Copenhagen has more information on registering at the ICS in the capital city. 

Pharmacies and medicines in Denmark

Throughout Denmark, known as apotek, it's easy to find pharmacies, some of which are open 24 hours a day.

Denmark’s regulations regarding medicines are strict, so expats may need a prescription for certain medication they could get over the counter at home. Some over-the-counter medication can only be sold at pharmacies in Denmark. 

Vaccines for Denmark

Expats travelling to Denmark will usually not need any mandatory vaccines to enter the country. Routine vaccinations such as mumps, tetanus, influenza and rabies are recommended. Expats who will be living or travelling regularly to smaller villages or rural areas are advised to get hepatitis A vaccinations. 

Hepatitis B vaccinations are also recommended for most travellers. Although tick bites are not common in Denmark's urban areas, expats should ensure they protect themselves thoroughly from tick bites to avoid tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. 

Emergency services in Denmark

The emergency number in Denmark is 112. This service has operators who speak English, so expats can call an ambulance without having to speak Danish.