Health Risks in Denmark

Expats entering Denmark do not need to worry about any health-related risks.

Food and water are generally safe to drink and eat. A reasonable amount of precaution is recommended, such as washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been reported in Bornholm Island so extreme precaution is advised for travelers who are considering going to the area or any forested, rural areas during summer. Use insect protection such as repellents containing 25% to 50% deet and wearing long sleeves, long pants and boots when wandering the outdoors.

The last outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza or bird flu was reported in May 2006 in Funen County. Although the risk is very low for travelers, it is best to avoid close contact with live birds. Ensure all poultry and egg dishes are all well cooked.

Although there have been few confirmed cases of swine flu in Denmark, there is no viable risk to travelers.

Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial infection which causes pneumonia that can lead to numerous complications (kidney, liver, or respiratory failure and muscle inflammation, abnormal bleeding and even death). Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, headache, muscle pain and diarrhea. There is no vaccine; however, the disease is treatable. Note that the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person. Legionnaires' disease has been reported more frequently in Denmark for the sole reason that there is an increased awareness in the country compared to other European cities.

In some cases, many expats supplement their public insurance coverage by buying private health insurance in Denmark. International Health Insurance and Danish Insurance Association are some of the private health insurance companies in Denmark. Other expats find peace of mind by securing international health insurance in Denmark that meets one's individual or family needs prior to relocation.