Sjukvårdsförsäkringen

Sjukvårdsförsäkring is a private health insurance offered in Sweden. It is voluntary and is designed to complement the public healthcare system, which remains universal and tax-funded. The private insurance provides reimbursement for medical costs arising from private care and may offer faster access to certain services.

Typical features of sjukvårdsförsäkring include coverage for outpatient visits to specialists, diagnostic tests, and private inpatient care at clinics or hospitals. Many policies also cover surgery, rehabilitation, and certain hospital-related expenses. Some plans may include coverage for therapies, home care, or travel costs related to treatment. The scope of coverage, any deductible or co-payments, and annual benefit limits vary between products and providers. Some policies also offer access to private facilities abroad or within the EU/EEA, depending on the terms.

How it works in practice: insured individuals pay a regular premium, and the insurer reimburses approved medical expenses up to the policy’s limits. There may be waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and exclusions for non-medical or cosmetic procedures. Coverage areas and provider networks differ; some plans require use of network clinics to receive the full benefit. Sjukvårdsförsäkring does not replace the public system and is not guaranteed to speed up all types of care, but it can reduce wait times for certain services and provide more choice or comfort.

Regulation and context: private health insurance in Sweden is subject to general insurance regulation and the Insurance Contracts Act. Employers may offer such coverage as part of employee benefits, and individuals may purchase policies directly from insurers.