Visiting the Doctor in Denmark

Denmark's national health care system is tax-funded, which covers examinations by general practitioners (GPs) or specialists, emergency treatment services outside normal working hours, treatment at public hospitals and subsidized prescription drugs (if eligible).

In general, only citizens and permanent residents qualify for free hospitalization and medical treatment under the Danish National Health Service. Foreign residents need to apply for a CPR (centralized persons register) number at the National Registration Office (Folkeregisteret) to access the health care system. A CPR-number is a 10-digit number that contains the date of birth (6 digits) and a random number (4 digits). Residents will have an option to choose a GP of their choice from a list of doctors in the municipality at the time of registration.

The list of doctors in the National Registration Office provides basic information such as the name of the doctor and their address, it is best to ask for recommendations from colleagues, neighbors, or friends to find a good doctor. One can change GP at any time by contacting his or her own municipality for a new card to be issued at a small fee.

Almost all the doctors who are authorized to practice in Denmark are members of the Danish Medical Association or (DMA). Expats will have no trouble in finding an English-speaking doctor in Denmark, as most Danes speak English.

Medical facilities are excellent. Most of the hospitals in Denmark are state-owned and treatment can be accessed free of charge as long as a referral from GP has been obtained.

It is common to see foreign nationals take out international health insurance to supplement the Danish public health insurance scheme. Most of the policies offered by private insurance companies cover medical costs not covered by the national health scheme.