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Sweden Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
No |
| Hepatitis A |
No |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
No |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
No |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
Sweden has a high standard of healthcare, with well-equipped hospitals, modern medical facilities and trained healthcare professionals. Medical services are widely available in major cities and towns, although access to specialist treatment may be more limited in remote northern regions. English is widely spoken by medical professionals.
Visitors from EU and EEA countries and Switzerland should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides access to medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay under the applicable arrangements. UK visitors can generally use a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an eligible EHIC. These cards do not cover private healthcare or medical repatriation, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for all visitors.
Pharmacies, known as apotek, are widely available, although opening hours may be shorter in smaller towns. Visitors who take prescription medication should bring an adequate supply in its original packaging, together with a copy of the prescription.
Travellers requiring non-emergency medical advice can call 1177, Sweden's national healthcare advice service. For serious emergencies, call 112.
Tap water in Sweden is safe to drink and is generally of excellent quality. Food hygiene standards are high, and eating at restaurants, cafés and food markets poses few health risks. Water from lakes, rivers and streams should not be consumed without appropriate treatment, even if it appears clean.
Sweden presents few significant health risks for most visitors. Tick bites are a concern in forests, grasslands and rural areas, particularly from spring to autumn. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and vaccination against TBE may be recommended for travellers spending extended periods outdoors in affected areas. Wearing long clothing, using insect repellent and checking for ticks after outdoor activities are sensible precautions.
In northern Sweden, extreme winter temperatures, icy conditions and limited daylight can pose risks to visitors unfamiliar with Arctic environments. Appropriate clothing and preparation are essential for winter activities, while hikers in remote mountain regions should be aware of rapidly changing weather and limited mobile coverage. During summer, mosquitoes can be troublesome in forested and wetland areas, particularly in Lapland.
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