Health Risks in Sweden

There are no major health risks in Sweden. Even though there are few reported health concerns related to food and beverage, travelers are still advised to practice precaution when eating out and to observe personal hygiene. Fresh fruits or vegetables should be washed before consumption and avoid eating undercooked fish or roe.

In most European countries, tick bites are the most common insect bites. Ticks are the primary source of insect-borne disease in Sweden that causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease. Precaution to tick bites is highly recommended. If visiting forested or rural areas, one should use topical insect repellent containing 25% to 35% deet to clothing and exposed skin.

Private health insurance in Sweden is not common. Approximately 3% of Swedish nationals have private insurance. Thus, expats are strongly recommended to get international health insurance prior to moving to Sweden, particularly those who are not legal residents, those without EHIC coverage and those coming from countries without reciprocal agreements with Sweden.

There are no viable health risks for swine flu. Although there are a few suspected cases of swine flu in Sweden, there is no confirmed case to date.

See the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control website for any updates or recent outbreaks in Sweden.