Essential Guide to the Health System in Denmark
Summary: Familiarize yourself with the health system in Denmark. Understand its usage options and constraints for those who choose to move to and reside there, including expats, digital nomads, and retirees.

Denmark has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides universal access to healthcare services for all citizens and residents. The public healthcare system in Denmark is called the National Health Service (Sundhedsstyrelsen). It is funded by taxes and provides free healthcare services to all citizens and residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Denmark, however, they may be required to pay for some services. The public healthcare system is used by both citizens and foreigners, and people generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Denmark are well-equipped and offer a wide range of services. Denmark also has a private healthcare system, which is funded by private health insurance companies. Private healthcare services are more expensive than public healthcare services, and expats typically use private hospitals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they offer more personalized care and shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Denmark are well-equipped and offer a wide range of services. The most well-known hospitals in Denmark include Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen (public), Aarhus University Hospital in Aarhus (public), Odense University Hospital in Odense (public), Herlev Hospital in Copenhagen (public), and Aalborg University Hospital in Aalborg (public). The most popular private health insurers in Denmark are Danmark, Topdanmark, Alka, and Codan. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including basic health insurance, hospital insurance, and dental insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Denmark: How to Navigate the Health System
"Denmark has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a universal healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides free access to medical care for all citizens. The healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and is divided into three levels: primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Primary care is provided by general practitioners and is the first point of contact for most medical issues. Secondary care is provided by specialists and hospitals, while tertiary care is provided by highly specialized medical centers. Denmark also has a well-developed network of pharmacies and laboratories that provide access to medications and diagnostic tests," commented one member living in Denmark.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Denmark Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Denmark
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Denmark
- Best Places to Live in Denmark
- Real Estate in Denmark
- Guide to Real Estate in Denmark
- Pros & Cons of Living in Denmark
- Cost of Living in Denmark
- Essential Guide to the Health System in Denmark
- Guide to Obtaining Residency in Denmark