Healthcare in Denmark

Denmark offers excellent medical care and facilities on par with other Western European countries.

Denmark boasts a high life expectancy of 78.3 years (male 75.96 and women 80.78). The infant mortality rate showed a steady decrease since the year 2000's rate of 5.11 per 1000 births to 4.4 per 1000 births for 2008. The current infant mortality rate is 4.34 per 1000 births.

Community sanitation is good and there are no major health risks reported in Denmark.

The Danish healthcare system is financed through taxes. Every resident duly registered with the National Registry (immigrants, temporary workers, international students) has full state coverage or has the right to Danish health insurance. The national health care system provides free access to treatment and examinations.

The Danish Health Card

The Danish health care system is very efficient, with little paperwork and bureaucracy; a CPR (centralized persons register) number is used to track an individual's medical history. This health card lists the name of the individual, CPR number, and the physician's contact information. You should present the card when visiting a doctor or hospital, as it acts as proof of entitlement to public health services.

A Danish health card is provided once you have registered with the Civil Registration System in any local municipality. The card also serves as a form of identification. Once registered, a list of general practitioners (GP) in your local area will be provided, along with the Danish medical card. Expats have a choice of GP and changes need to be made by contacting the local municipality.

Appointments are made by telephone, in advance or on the same day, depending on the urgency. Most GPs provide a consultation service for one hour per day.

Hospitals and Other Medical Services

State-owned hospitals provide free treatment for residents. Most doctors and nurses speak basic English. Hospital waiting lists vary depending on the type of treatment needed. Patients can freely choose a hospital on the referral of a GP; however, you may be refused if the chosen hospital is outside your municipality and there is a shortage of beds.

Choosing for a private hospital is also an option, although this can be expensive. Having a private health insurance policy will give you a subsidized rate for hospital treatment. It is advisable to check with your insurance company to fully understand your coverage.

Adults over 18 years old need to find their own private dentist. Payments for adult dental care are at a subsidized rate and the amount paid by the state will be deducted from the bill. 

Free dental treatment is provided to children under the age of 18 by the municipal pediatric dental care service. The service regularly checks the children's teeth, performs necessary treatment and provides referrals for teeth straightening if needed.

Prescribed medicines can only be bought at pharmacies. Most pharmacies are open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Mondays to Fridays and 9:30 am to 2 pm on Saturday. It is advisable to stock basic medicines.

For any immediate health concerns or emergencies, foreign nationals can dial 112 for an ambulance, police or the fire brigade.