Denmark’s healthcare system is a universal, tax-funded model that extends coverage to all legal residents — expats included — as soon as they register for a CPR number and receive the national health insurance card known as the sundhedskort. The overwhelming majority of primary care visits, hospital treatments, and specialist consultations (when referred) come at no direct cost. While private health insurance is not compulsory, many residents take out supplementary cover to reduce waiting times or access a wider range of services.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| System type | Universal, tax-funded public system (Sygesikring); private sector also available |
| Eligibility for public care | Legal residents with a valid CPR number; stays of 3+ months required |
| Health insurance card | Sundhedskort (yellow card) — issued automatically after CPR registration, as of 2025 |
| Card delivery time | Approximately 2–4 weeks after CPR registration, as of 2025 |
| GP visit cost | Free at the point of use for registered residents with a sundhedskort |
| Prescription reimbursement threshold | No reimbursement below DKK 1,110 annual spend on prescribed medicine, as of 2025 |
| Emergency number | 112 (ambulance, fire, police) |
| Official health portal | sundhed.dk and lifeindenmark.borger.dk |
How the Danish healthcare system works and whether it covers expats
Denmark guarantees healthcare access to all its residents through a system financed primarily by general taxation, meaning that the majority of medical services are available without any direct charge at the point of care. In this respect, it resembles other publicly funded systems such as the UK’s NHS or Australia’s Medicare — none of which link access to personal insurance premiums — yet Denmark’s approach is distinctively decentralised, with responsibility distributed across national government, regional authorities, and local municipalities.
Regional and municipal bodies each carry defined responsibilities. Regions oversee hospitals, general practitioners, and specialist physicians, while municipalities handle areas such as children’s dental care and physiotherapy subsidies. Across the country, five regions manage their own hospital networks and primary care infrastructure.
The system is structured across three tiers: primary care, which includes GPs and outpatient services; secondary care, encompassing specialist consultations and diagnostics; and tertiary care, which covers advanced hospital procedures and highly specialised medicine. For nearly all non-emergency health needs, your GP acts as the first and primary point of contact.
Expats who intend to stay in Denmark for more than three months and hold a valid residency permit are brought into the public healthcare system automatically upon obtaining a CPR number. From that point, they enjoy the same entitlements as Danish citizens, and no private insurance is needed to access public services.
Those staying for fewer than three months fall outside the public system entirely and are not automatically covered. It is strongly advisable for such visitors to arrange private or travel health insurance before arriving. Citizens of EU/EEA member states can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary treatment during short-term stays.
Most services are free of charge, though some — including dental treatment and certain specialist procedures — carry associated costs. For current eligibility information, the official government portal for newcomers, lifeindenmark.borger.dk, is the most reliable source.
How to find and register with a doctor in Denmark
The starting point is obtaining a CPR number through the Civil Registration System. This number unlocks access to the Danish public healthcare system and a range of other government services. Once registered, you will be sent a yellow health insurance card bearing your name, home address, CPR number, and the details of your assigned GP.
Anyone planning to remain in Denmark for more than three months is required by law to register for a CPR number. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do so using their EU residency documentation at a Borgerservice or International Citizen Service office. Non-EU/EEA nationals typically need to present both proof of their Danish address and a valid work or residence permit when applying.
The full registration process unfolds as follows:
- Secure your residency permit — Non-EU/EEA nationals must hold a valid Danish residence or work permit before they can apply for a CPR number. EU/EEA nationals should have their EU residency paperwork to hand.
- Register with the Civil Registration System (Folkeregistret) — Visit your nearest Citizen Service centre (Borgerservice) or, in major cities, an International House. You will need your passport, a residence permit where applicable, and evidence of your Danish address.
- Receive your CPR number — The CPR (Central Person Register) number is essential for anyone wishing to make use of healthcare entitlements in Denmark. It performs a role comparable to a National Insurance number in the UK or a Social Security number in the United States.
- Choose a GP — Your choice of GP can be based on location or personal preference. At the time of registering at Borgerservice, you will be given a list of GPs serving your area. You can also search for a suitable doctor through sundhed.dk.
- Receive your sundhedskort — Once your address has been registered and your CPR number issued, your yellow health insurance card (sundhedskort) will arrive by post, usually within two to four weeks. It carries your CPR number and your GP’s contact details.
- Download the digital card (optional) — A digital version of the health insurance card is also available. The app, called ‘Sundhedskortet’, provides the same benefits as the physical card and can be switched from Danish to English.
All Danish residents are assigned to one of two health insurance groups. Group 1 requires you to go through your registered GP for all non-emergency care. Group 2 allows direct access to certain specialists without a GP referral but may come with extra charges. Around 98% of residents belong to Group 1. You can switch between groups by contacting your municipality, and you can also change your GP at any time via your municipality’s website or the Borger.dk portal. Full and current registration guidance is available at lifeindenmark.borger.dk/healthcare.
How payment for doctor’s appointments works in Denmark
Doctors operating under contract with the public health insurance scheme provide treatment free of charge. This means that once you hold a valid sundhedskort and are enrolled in the public system, standard GP consultations involve no co-payments or out-of-pocket fees whatsoever.
The Danish public healthcare system delivers a wide-ranging, largely tax-financed set of benefits to all insured residents. While a broad spectrum of services are fully covered for those registered in the system, certain treatments do carry user charges or co-payments, and not all private healthcare falls within the publicly funded envelope.
Expats employed in Denmark contribute to the national system through payroll deductions, an obligation that applies to both employers and employees. Residents pay income tax, and roughly 8% of that revenue is directed towards funding healthcare services. Rather than functioning as a distinct insurance premium, this operates more like an embedded social contribution within the income tax structure — a mechanism broadly similar to health levies applied in countries such as France or Germany.
There are no separate consultation fees for registered patients visiting their GP. That said, certain services sit outside the fully covered tier. Dental care is not part of the public healthcare package and must be paid for directly by the patient, though adults using dentists contracted to the public scheme may be partially reimbursed. Physiotherapy and some specialist treatments may also involve co-payments. It is worth confirming the current position with your municipality or through lifeindenmark.borger.dk, as cost-sharing arrangements are subject to change.
Whether private health insurance is needed to see a doctor in Denmark
Expats residing in Denmark for more than three months who hold a valid residency permit are automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system once they obtain a CPR number, granting them exactly the same entitlements as Danish citizens. Private health insurance is not a prerequisite for accessing public care.
The private healthcare sector in Denmark is relatively modest compared with the public system. Voluntary complementary and supplementary insurance is quite common, with many residents purchasing policies to offset user charges or gain faster access to private treatment. Some employers also provide private health plans as part of remuneration packages. Private hospital providers — such as Danske Privathospitaler (DAPH) — account for fewer than 3% of total hospital beds in the country.
Private health insurance is therefore an optional supplement for those already covered by the public system, though it is frequently used for a number of practical reasons:
- Access to a wider choice of doctors and medical professionals, reduced waiting times, and enhanced facilities including private rooms and around-the-clock visiting hours.
- Coverage for dental and optical appointments and treatments, neither of which falls under the national health insurance scheme for adults.
- A broader availability of English-language services across more locations.
Short-term visitors who have not yet qualified for the public system face different requirements. Non-EU/EEA citizens in this position need to arrange their own private health insurance — either from their home country or through a Danish provider — to cover any medical costs incurred during their stay. Certain Danish residence permit categories may additionally require proof of health insurance as part of the application process; the Danish Immigration Service website (nyidanmark.dk) is the definitive source for current requirements.
How to transfer your medical records to a doctor in Denmark
Denmark’s healthcare infrastructure ranks among the most highly digitised in the world, which makes sharing medical information within the country a relatively seamless process once you are enrolled. Transferring records from abroad into Denmark, however, requires some advance preparation on your part.
Bringing records from your home country: Before relocating, contact your existing GP or healthcare provider and request a comprehensive patient summary or complete medical history. Ask for this in written form and, wherever practicable, arrange for an official translation into English or Danish. Although Danish doctors are generally at ease with English-language summaries, having a professionally translated document can prevent misunderstandings — particularly where complex conditions or extensive medication histories are involved.
Denmark’s national health portal — sundhed.dk: The Danish e-health portal Sundhed.dk is the official online platform for accessing public healthcare services throughout Denmark. It facilitates the flow of information between patients and healthcare professionals and allows citizens to view data drawn from national health registers, including medical records, laboratory results, and current medications, supporting efficient communication across healthcare providers.
Through Sundhed.dk you can book appointments, correspond with your GP or specialist, review your medical history and prescription records, and request repeat prescriptions. The MinSundhed app offers equivalent functionality on mobile devices.
Accessing your records within Denmark: Records from public hospitals are accessible via sundhed.dk. The platform and the records themselves are in Danish, and you will need a MitID account to log in. Your GP can also retrieve your hospital records through the same portal.
The Shared Medication Record: Denmark operates a national digital solution designed to improve medication reconciliation and ensure that prescribed medicines align with what patients are actually taking. Known as the Shared Medication Record (Fælles Medicinkort), this system enables healthcare providers across different sectors to access and update a patient’s medication information in real time.
If you have received treatment at a private hospital in Denmark, be aware that those records will not necessarily appear on sundhed.dk, and you will need to approach the hospital directly to obtain copies. For authoritative guidance on managing your health data in Denmark, visit lifeindenmark.borger.dk.
Language barriers and locating an English-speaking doctor in Denmark
English proficiency is high throughout Denmark, and a significant proportion of doctors — particularly those working in hospitals and private clinics in urban areas — are able to consult in English. That said, language availability can vary depending on the region and the specific provider, so it is worth confirming in advance if English-language care is a priority for you.
Given the country’s high levels of English fluency, most expats encounter little difficulty finding an English-speaking doctor, especially in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and other major cities. In smaller towns or rural settings, it may be prudent to enquire about language capacity before registering with a particular GP.
Finding English-speaking providers via sundhed.dk: The national health portal Sundhed.dk serves as a central directory for locating healthcare providers, including GPs, specialists, and hospitals. While the site is primarily in Danish, many features are accessible in English, and the platform allows you to identify doctors who speak English. Using the “Find Behandler” (Find Practitioner) tool, you can filter results by region, type of provider, and language preference.
Municipal and expat resources: Each Danish municipality maintains its own website, which frequently includes sections aimed at newcomers and international residents, covering topics such as how to locate English-speaking healthcare providers. International Houses in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and several other cities can also signpost you to relevant local services and support networks.
Private clinics: Many expats and internationally mobile professionals opt for private healthcare to benefit from shorter wait times and more specialised care. Staff at private clinics and hospitals in major cities typically speak English. If language is a significant concern and your situation is not urgent, a private clinic in an urban centre can be a practical solution while you settle into life in Denmark.
If interpretation support is required within the public system, reach out to your municipality’s Citizen Service centre (Borgerservice), as interpreter assistance can sometimes be arranged for medical appointments. Your country’s embassy and local expatriate networks are also useful sources of recommendations for multilingual healthcare providers in your area.
What expats should know about prescriptions and medication in Denmark
Pharmacies (apotek) are found throughout Denmark and are well stocked. Prescription medicines require a valid doctor’s prescription, whereas over-the-counter products can be bought without one. When a doctor within the Danish public system issues a prescription, it is transmitted electronically; you simply show your sundhedskort at any apotek to collect the medication.
Medications brought from abroad: If you arrive with a supply of medicine prescribed in another country, you will in most cases need a Danish GP to issue a new local prescription. Your new doctor may ask to see supporting documentation — such as a letter from your previous physician, a prescription printout, or a translated medical summary — before doing so. It is advisable to carry an adequate supply to cover the transition period and to raise your medication needs with your GP at your first consultation.
The prescription reimbursement system: Denmark administers a sliding-scale reimbursement scheme for prescribed medicines through the Central Reimbursement Register (CTR) at the Danish Medicines Agency (Lægemiddelstyrelsen). The first time you purchase prescribed medicine in Denmark, you will be issued a special card bearing a unique reference number. Present this card each time you buy medicine so that your reimbursement entitlement can be accurately calculated. Whether you qualify for reimbursement depends on the total value of prescribed medicines you purchase over the course of a year.
No reimbursement is granted if your annual expenditure falls below a set minimum — in 2025, that threshold stands at DKK 1,110. Once your spending exceeds this level, reimbursement rates rise progressively with each additional purchase. The CTR register tracks your cumulative spending on reimbursable medicines over a twelve-month period, and your recorded balance determines the level of reimbursement you receive. Check the Danish Medicines Agency website for the most current thresholds, as these are subject to annual review.
The Shared Medication Record (Fælles Medicinkort): Denmark’s national digital medication system is designed to improve reconciliation and continuity of care. The Shared Medication Record (Fælles Medicinkort) enables all healthcare providers involved in your care — including your GP, any specialist you see, and hospital staff — to view and update your prescription information in real time. You can also review your own prescription history at any time via sundhed.dk.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do in a medical emergency in Denmark?
Denmark’s universal emergency number is 112, which connects you to police, fire, or ambulance services depending on your needs. Emergency medical treatment is provided at no charge to all residents and visitors in life-threatening situations. For urgent but non-critical matters outside your GP’s normal hours, you should contact the regional out-of-hours doctor service (lægevagt) — your GP’s recorded answerphone message will usually give you the relevant contact number.
How long does it take to get my sundhedskort after registering?
In most cases, your national health insurance card will be posted to your Danish address within two to three weeks of completing your registration, though it can take up to four weeks in some instances. Make sure your name is clearly marked on your letterbox to ensure successful delivery. In the meantime, you can use the digital ‘Sundhedskortet’ app as a fully valid alternative.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by the Danish public system?
Yes. The Danish public healthcare system places no restrictions on coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions. Once you are enrolled and hold a valid sundhedskort, you are entitled to receive the same standard of care as any other resident, irrespective of your health history. This encompasses ongoing treatment for chronic conditions via your GP and referrals to specialists where clinically appropriate.
What happens to my healthcare access if I change jobs or become unemployed?
Entitlement to public healthcare in Denmark is connected to your residency status and active CPR registration, not to your employment. Provided you remain legally resident in Denmark and your CPR registration continues, your access to the public health system is unaffected by a change in employment. However, if your residency permit is conditional on a particular employment arrangement, a change in your work situation may have implications for your immigration status — consult the Danish Immigration Service (nyidanmark.dk) if you are in any doubt.
Can I see a specialist without going through my GP first?
For the vast majority of residents — those in Group 1 — a GP referral is required before you can see a specialist. Group 2 patients enjoy more direct access to certain specialists, though this can come with additional costs. In the event of an emergency, you may attend an Accident and Emergency department without any referral.
Is dental care covered under the Danish public system?
Children and young adults are entitled to free dental care up to the age of 22, which applies to all those born in 2004 or later. For adults, certain routine and preventive treatments are partially reimbursed when carried out by a dentist contracted with the public health insurance scheme. However, procedures such as dentures, crowns, and cosmetic work are generally excluded from public coverage. The majority of adult dental costs are met out of pocket, which is a common reason why many expats consider taking out supplementary private insurance.
Can I use a foreign prescription at a Danish pharmacy?
Prescriptions written abroad are not automatically valid at Danish pharmacies. In practice, you will need to see a Danish GP who can assess your existing prescription and issue a Danish equivalent. Bring relevant documentation — such as a letter from your former doctor or a copy of your prescription — to facilitate this process. The Danish Medicines Agency website (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) offers further guidance on cross-border prescription matters.
How do I access my health records in Denmark?
Sundhed.dk allows you to book appointments, exchange messages with your GP or specialists, view your medical history and prescription records, and request repeat prescriptions. A MitID account is required to log in. Records are held primarily in Danish, though vaccination documentation can be produced in both Danish and English. If you need records from a private hospital, you will need to make a direct request to that institution.