Essential Guide to the Health System in Copenhagen

Health Care in Copenhagen: Locate providers, hospitals, and medical centers to find the best health services available for expats and nomads.
|-Essential Guide to the Health System in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called the National Health Service (Sundhed.dk) and is used by both citizens and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Copenhagen for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Copenhagen are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Denmark. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for specialized medical care and major surgeries. Private hospitals in Copenhagen are modern and offer a wide range of services. They are staffed with experienced medical professionals and provide excellent care.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Copenhagen

There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Copenhagen for expats. Rigshospitalet is a public hospital located in the city center and is the largest hospital in Denmark. It specializes in treating serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. Herlev Hospital is a public hospital located in the suburbs of Copenhagen and specializes in treating cancer and heart diseases. Private hospitals in Copenhagen include Copenhagen University Hospital, which is located in the city center and specializes in treating neurological diseases, and Herlev Private Hospital, which is located in the suburbs and specializes in treating orthopedic diseases.

Emergency Services in Copenhagen

Ambulance services are available in Copenhagen and can be called by dialing 112. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.

Health Insurance Companies in Copenhagen

The most popular private health insurers in Copenhagen are Danmark, Topdanmark, and Codan. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Copenhagen: Health Care

“I’ve been living in Copenhagen for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending habits and make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Copenhagen is quite high, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. To make it work, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in a more affordable neighborhood, like Amager or Nørrebro. These areas are still close to the city center and have a great atmosphere, but the rent is generally lower than in more upscale neighborhoods like Østerbro or Frederiksberg. You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas, depending on the size and condition of the place.Another thing to consider is transportation. Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly city, so I’d recommend getting a bike to save on public transportation costs. If you do need to use public transportation, consider getting a monthly pass, which will save you money in the long run.When it comes to groceries, I’ve found that shopping at discount supermarkets like Netto, Fakta, and Lidl can save you a lot of money compared to shopping at more expensive stores like Irma or Meny. Cooking at home as much as possible will also help you save on dining out, which can be quite pricey in Copenhagen.As for entertainment and socializing, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the city. Many museums offer free admission on certain days, and there are always events and festivals happening throughout the year. You can also enjoy the city’s many parks and green spaces, which are great for picnics and outdoor activities.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on dining out, as I mentioned earlier, and you may need to be more selective about the events and activities you attend, opting for more budget-friendly options. Additionally, you might need to be more conscious of your energy usage at home, as utilities can be quite expensive in Denmark.Overall, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Copenhagen on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation and groceries, and enjoying the many free or low-cost activities the city has to offer, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Copenhagen.

Betsy Burlingame 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.

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