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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Denmark | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Denmark

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By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 06, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Denmark is generally considered to be very high, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. Denmark has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens are entitled to free healthcare services. In comparison to the US, Denmark has a lower rate of infant mortality, a higher life expectancy, and a lower rate of chronic diseases. Emergency services in Denmark are well-developed and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 112 for an ambulance. The ambulance will be dispatched to your location and will provide medical care on the way to the hospital.

How are healthcare services Denmark?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Denmark, they replied:

"Denmark offers a comprehensive healthcare system that is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system in Denmark is of high quality and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. All Danish citizens and foreign residents are eligible to receive healthcare services through the public system, and expats in Denmark can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local doctor and paying a small fee. Expats can also purchase private health insurance to cover additional services not provided by the public system," mentioned one expat in Denmark.

What are medical services in Denmark like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Denmark, they replied:

"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," remarked one expat in Denmark.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Denmark?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Denmark are generally considered to be quite expensive. The cost of healthcare is covered by the Danish government, but citizens are required to pay a portion of the cost through taxes. Health insurance is also required for all citizens, and the cost of this insurance is based on income. In addition, there are additional fees for certain services, such as hospital stays and specialist visits. Despite the cost, the quality of healthcare in Denmark is generally considered to be very high," said one expat.

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What are emergency services like in Denmark?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Denmark wrote:

"Emergency services in Denmark are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the public can call 112 for an ambulance. This number is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is staffed by highly trained professionals who are able to provide medical assistance and transport to the nearest hospital. In addition, the ambulance service can also provide medical advice over the phone," wrote an expat living in Denmark.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Denmark is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selection located in the capital city of Copenhagen. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, and Esbjerg. Additionally, the North Jutland region is known for its excellent selection of medical specialists," remarked one expat in Denmark.

Are common prescription medications available in Denmark?

"Prescription medications are widely available in Denmark. Most medications are dispensed through pharmacies, and many are available over the counter. The Danish government regulates the availability of prescription medications, and the country has a national health insurance system that covers the cost of many medications. In addition, the government provides subsidies for certain medications, making them more affordable for Danish citizens," said one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Denmark?

"Denmark has a high quality of medical care and facilities. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available to citizens and visitors. The country is known for its excellent medical research and development, and its hospitals are well-equipped with modern technology and equipment. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the quality of care is generally very good. Denmark also has a strong focus on preventive health care, with a range of health promotion initiatives in place," remarked one expat in Denmark.

As a foreigner living in Denmark, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Denmark, you will have access to public healthcare. The healthcare system in Denmark is highly rated and is considered to be one of the best in the world. It is a universal system, meaning that all citizens and legal residents are entitled to free healthcare. The system is funded by taxes and is managed by the government. The healthcare system in Denmark is comprehensive and covers a wide range of services, including preventive care, hospital care, mental health services, and long-term care. The quality of care is generally high, and the wait times for appointments are usually short," commented one expat living in Denmark.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Denmark if they have access to public healthcare in Denmark. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Denmark. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand for services. These measures include increased funding for hospitals, increased staffing levels, and the introduction of new technologies to help manage the increased workload. In addition, the government has also implemented a range of measures to ensure that the public is able to access healthcare services safely, such as the introduction of telemedicine services and the expansion of online services. Overall, the healthcare system in Denmark has been able to cope with the increased demand for services during the pandemic, and the government has taken steps to ensure that the public is able to access the care they need," commented one expat who moved to Denmark.

"The local government has done a good job of controlling the outbreak and we are safe," said one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Denmark?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Denmark about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Denmark before having a baby, as it may be different from what you are used to. Make sure to register with a local doctor and hospital as soon as possible, so that you can access the necessary care during your pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the maternity leave and childcare policies in Denmark, as they may differ from those in your home country. Finally, make sure to take advantage of the many resources available to expat parents in Denmark, such as support groups and online forums," said one expat in Denmark.

Are healthcare services good in Denmark?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Denmark. They wrote:

"Denmark has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides universal access to healthcare services for all citizens. Healthcare is funded by taxes and is free at the point of delivery. The Danish healthcare system is based on a combination of public and private providers, with the public sector providing the majority of services. Primary care is provided by general practitioners, while specialist care is provided by hospitals and other specialized healthcare providers. The Danish healthcare system also provides preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings, as well as mental health services. In addition, Denmark has a well-developed system of social security, which provides financial support to those in need," remarked one expat in Denmark.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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