What medical services and benefits are available to persons with a residence permit in Sweden?

Once you've applied for or received a residence permit under temporary protection, you have the right to emergency medical care, emergency dental care and medical care that can't wait.

It is the health care institution that decides which help is urgent.

You also have the right to medical care for pregnancy and childbirth, abortion, contraceptive advice, maternal health care and care under the Communicable Diseases Act.

After obtaining a residence permit in accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive, you will receive an offer to undergo a free medical examination. During the health check-up, you will be given health advice, offers to take tests and information about the health care system and medical care in Sweden.

If you present a residence permit with temporary protection, you will pay less money for a visit to a medical institution or for the purchase of certain medicines and aids at a pharmacy.

Learn more about payment for medical services at the link.

Children under the age of 18 have the right to medical care and dental care under the same conditions as all other children living in Sweden. Medicaid for children is usually free, but the rules may differ depending on where you live.

Medicines for children are provided free of charge with a doctor's prescription. Your child can also get free access to assistive devices if the medical staff decides it is necessary.

If you are ill, injured, mentally unwell, or need support or care due to a disability, you should first contact a medical center. Medical centers are local medical institutions financed by the state. There you can meet, among other things, with a nurse, a general practitioner or a curator. If they decide you need more specialist care or help, they can refer you further.

Before visiting a medical center, you should usually make an appointment. When contacting medical institutions, you have the right to an interpreter. If you need an interpreter, let them know when you make an appointment.

If you need glasses, contact your hospital admissions department and apply for a special eye test and glasses grant. An employee of the Migration Department decides whether to allow you to undergo an eye test. After receiving a decision about an approved eye test, you can make an appointment with an optician within three weeks. If the optician decides that you need glasses, he will order glasses, which will be paid for by the Migration Department.

If you have a disability, it is important to inform the Swedish Migration Department. Also, contact a medical center for help.

Additional information about health care

The website https://www.1177.se/ has information in various languages about the health care system in Sweden. There you can also find phone numbers of medical centers and dental clinics located in the settlement where you live.

You can also call 1177. The nurse will give you medical advice.

The Women's Helpline offers advice and support to women who have experienced threats or physical, psychological or sexual violence. Call 020‑50 50 50. More detailed information can be found on the website kvinnofridslinjen.se.

If you need urgent medical help, call the emergency number 112.