Denmark – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Denmark?

As with most affluent northern European nations, Denmark’s greatest health burden is driven not by communicable disease but by non-communicable, lifestyle-linked conditions. The diseases that weigh most heavily on the country’s population are cardiovascular conditions and a broad spectrum of cancers — both of which generate a disproportionate share of illness, disability, and early death across all demographics.

Together, cancer and circulatory diseases were responsible for roughly half of all deaths recorded in Denmark in 2020. Cancer is particularly prominent: Denmark has at times been identified as having one of the world’s highest cancer rates, with lifestyle choices — including historical smoking habits — playing a significant role. More than 47,500 new cancer diagnoses were recorded in 2020 alone, with breast cancer ranking as the most prevalent type in women and genital cancers the most common in men.

Diabetes represents another growing area of concern. By 2023, over 271,000 people in Denmark were living with type 2 diabetes — a striking rise compared to the 146,000 registered in 2008. Beyond cancer and diabetes, Danish health authorities also track a range of other chronic conditions, among them depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, dementia, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, COPD, musculoskeletal disorders including neck and lower back pain, osteoarthritis, and harm attributable to alcohol.

Behavioural and environmental factors are estimated to account for over 40% of all deaths in Denmark, indicating that a substantial portion of the total disease burden could theoretically be prevented — a principle that sits at the heart of much of Denmark’s public health strategy. Denmark’s National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) conducts ongoing research and releases burden-of-disease assessments, which are updated on a regular basis and accessible through the NIPH website.

Is Denmark considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

By most measures, Denmark is a healthy country supported by strong healthcare infrastructure, and its overall health outcomes sit above the EU average. Broadly speaking, Denmark’s morbidity and mortality indicators are favourable, though population health improvements have advanced somewhat more slowly here than in certain other European nations.

In 2024, life expectancy in Denmark stood at 82.3 years — 84.2 for women and 80.4 for men. While this exceeds the EU average, it falls short of comparable Nordic nations including Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. This persistent gap with the region’s top performers has been a recurring subject in Danish health policy circles. Readers wishing to verify the most current figures should consult the WHO Denmark country profile or Statistics Denmark.

According to the OECD’s Health at a Glance 2025 report, Denmark’s life expectancy was 81.8 years — 0.7 years above the OECD average — with preventable mortality at 120 per 100,000, below the OECD average of 145, and treatable mortality at 55 per 100,000, also beneath the OECD average of 77. These figures indicate that Denmark performs well on both disease prevention and the quality of treatment it delivers relative to the global norm.

Since 1995, average life expectancy has risen meaningfully and at a rate broadly consistent with many other western European countries. Reductions in mortality from some of the most frequent causes of death have driven sustained gains in life expectancy since 2000. Denmark’s avoidable mortality rate sat below the EU average in 2020, reflecting a healthcare and public health system that is functioning well. For the most current international comparisons, consult the OECD’s Health at a Glance series.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Denmark?

For the vast majority of infectious diseases, Denmark presents a very low-risk environment. The most significant communicable illness in the country is lower respiratory infection — a category that encompasses seasonal influenza and, more recently, COVID-19. Drinking water from the tap is safe throughout Denmark, food hygiene standards are rigorous, and gastrointestinal illness stemming from contaminated food or water is uncommon in daily life.

The most notable environmental health risk for people who spend time outdoors is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In 2024, Denmark recorded 22 confirmed TBE cases — a modest decrease from the 28 registered in 2023 — though there has been a slight uptick in cases where infection was acquired within Denmark itself, along with a spread of the virus into new geographic areas. Of the 17 domestically acquired TBE cases in 2024, two were linked to Bornholm, fourteen to Zealand — predominantly North Zealand — and one to the Randers area of Jutland.

The overall probability of an individual contracting TBE and developing encephalitis remains very low, even accounting for projections of increasing case numbers and wider geographical spread in the years ahead. That said, TBE incidence in Denmark climbed from 0.03 per 100,000 in 2015 to 0.48 per 100,000 in 2023, pointing to a gradual — if still modest — upward trend. Climate change is considered a contributing factor, with health authorities noting that shifting climatic conditions may alter infection patterns in Denmark, including a heightened risk of water- and vector-borne disease transmission.

Protection against TBE involves avoiding tick bites through appropriate clothing and insect repellent, removing any attached ticks as quickly as possible, and considering vaccination for those who regularly spend time in woodland or dense vegetation between May and October. It should be noted that vaccination does not confer complete protection. No specific treatment exists for TBE once contracted, but a highly effective vaccine with a sound safety record is available; three initial doses are required to achieve full protection.

No routine vaccinations are required specifically for entry to Denmark. Nevertheless, all standard immunisations should be current before you relocate. It is advisable to consult your home country’s official travel health service — such as the NHS Fit for Travel, the US CDC, or the equivalent body in your country — and to check Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut (SSI) for up-to-date local guidance.

Is smoking common in Denmark, and what are the laws around it?

Tobacco use in Denmark has fallen considerably over recent decades. The proportion of Danish adults smoking daily dropped from roughly 30% in 2000 to 13% in 2022, with men slightly more likely to smoke (15%) than women (11%) — positioning Denmark among the EU member states with the lowest daily smoking rates. This shift reflects a genuine change in public attitudes, which have broadly tracked the downward trend in consumption.

Daily smoking is most prevalent in the 30–59 age group, where the rate reaches 15%. A clear inverse relationship exists between educational attainment and smoking: 22% of those with ten years of schooling or fewer smoke daily, compared with just 8% among those with higher educational qualifications. Tackling this socioeconomic inequality in tobacco use remains an ongoing public health objective.

Denmark has progressively tightened its anti-smoking legislation over many years. A landmark law restricting smoking in indoor workplaces, public spaces, and hospitality venues took effect in 2007, bringing Denmark broadly into step with comparable smoke-free measures introduced in Ireland in 2004 and England in 2007. Subsequent legislative amendments have extended these restrictions further. As of 2024, smoking is prohibited in virtually all indoor public environments, including restaurants, bars, and public transport.

Denmark has also moved to regulate electronic cigarettes and vaping products in line with EU tobacco directives. If you are arriving from a country with less restrictive tobacco laws, you should expect far fewer opportunities to smoke indoors and an increasingly widespread social expectation that smoking is confined to designated outdoor areas. For the most current regulatory details, visit the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen).

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Denmark?

Overweight and obesity are recognised public health challenges in Denmark, even if rates remain comparatively lower than in some other high-income countries. Data from 2021 indicate that around 60% of men and 46% of women in Denmark were classified as overweight or obese. The number of weight-loss surgeries performed in Denmark has trended upward since 2015, reflecting both a growing patient population and expanded surgical provision.

Excess body weight elevates the risk of numerous health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The more-than-doubling of type 2 diabetes cases between 2008 and 2023 is closely connected to these broader weight and lifestyle trends. Behavioural and environmental factors account for over 40% of all deaths in Denmark, and dietary risks — including insufficient fruit and vegetable intake and high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages — feature among the contributors tracked by public health researchers.

Traditional Danish food tends to be rich and filling, encompassing dishes such as smørrebrød (open-faced rye bread sandwiches), meat-centred meals, and pastries. While food culture has diversified considerably — especially in urban centres like Copenhagen, which now boasts an extensive range of nutritious and internationally influenced dining options — less healthy convenience foods remain widely available and popular. Heavy alcohol intake and low levels of physical activity among adolescents are additional risk factors that Danish health authorities continue to monitor.

Denmark has a range of national public health programmes focused on diet and physical activity, coordinated by the Danish Health Authority. The country’s strong cycling culture — particularly in cities such as Copenhagen and Aarhus — fosters relatively high levels of incidental physical activity among residents, which provides some counterbalance to dietary risk factors. Expats moving to Denmark are encouraged to adopt active commuting habits and to explore healthy eating guidance through Sundhedsstyrelsen.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Denmark?

Mental health difficulties affect a significant share of Denmark’s population, with estimates suggesting that more than one in six people experienced a mental health condition in 2019. Considerable gender and socioeconomic disparities exist in the prevalence of depression; women on lower incomes are particularly likely to report depressive symptoms. Despite Denmark’s consistent appearance near the top of global happiness rankings, mental health challenges constitute a substantial and acknowledged part of the national health picture.

In cultural terms, Denmark is generally more open about mental health than many other countries, and seeking psychological support carries less stigma than in certain other European contexts. Even so, access to timely care through the public system can be a challenge, as it is in most healthcare systems. In 2022, the Danish government launched a 10-year plan to strengthen psychiatry and mental health services, singling out children and young people and adults with serious mental health conditions as priority groups. The plan sets out 19 objectives and a corresponding set of indicators to track progress over the course of the decade.

Mental healthcare in Denmark is delivered through a combination of public and private providers. Public psychiatric services are administered through the five regions — being restructured into four under a 2024 reform — and access typically requires a referral from a GP, known in Danish as an alment praktiserende læge or family doctor. This gatekeeping model is broadly similar to those used in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, where GPs direct patients to specialist psychiatric care. Waiting times for public specialist treatment can be considerable, and many expats choose to see a private psychologist directly — an option that involves out-of-pocket costs unless supplementary private health insurance provides coverage.

For expats, the challenges of social isolation and cultural adjustment can be particular triggers for mental health difficulties (explored further in the section on expat-specific risks below). Practical support is available through organisations such as Expat Consulting Denmark and through international communities in the major cities, as well as through the Danish health system once you are registered with a GP.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Denmark?

The health risks facing expats in Denmark are largely the same as those affecting the broader population, but certain challenges fall disproportionately on people who have recently arrived from abroad. Adapting to Denmark’s climate — with its extended, dark winters and severely limited daylight — is one of the most frequently cited difficulties. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and vitamin D deficiency are both more common in Scandinavian countries than in sunnier regions, and expats relocating from lower latitudes may feel this transition more acutely than those arriving from elsewhere in northern Europe.

Social isolation poses another meaningful risk. Denmark has a reputation — acknowledged by Danes themselves — for being a country where forging new friendships as an adult is particularly difficult. A culturally reserved social atmosphere, combined with a language barrier even in a country where English is widely spoken, can foster loneliness — itself a recognised health risk. Danish public health reports formally track loneliness as a risk factor alongside smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, disrupted sleep, unhealthy diet, severe obesity, and air pollution.

From a practical standpoint, expats should take the following steps after arriving in Denmark to safeguard their health:

1. Register with a GP (family doctor): Once you have obtained your Danish CPR number — the civil registration number that unlocks access to public services — you can register with a local GP through sundhed.dk. Your GP serves as your primary point of contact for all healthcare needs, including referrals to specialists.
2. Obtain a yellow health card (sundhedskort): This card identifies your registered GP and entitles you to free access to public healthcare. It is issued automatically once you are recorded in the Civil Registration System.
3. Check your vaccination status: Make sure all standard immunisations are current before you move. Consult Statens Serum Institut for Denmark-specific guidance, and weigh up whether the TBE vaccine is appropriate if you plan to spend time in forested areas.
4. Consider supplementary private insurance: The public healthcare system is comprehensive, but private insurance can shorten waiting times for elective procedures and open access to private specialists. Many expats arrange this through their employer or independently.
5. Take a vitamin D supplement: Particularly through the autumn and winter months, vitamin D supplementation is widely recommended and aligns with Danish Health Authority guidance.
6. Build a social network early: Making contact with expat groups and local communities from the outset can substantially reduce the risk of isolation, which carries real and measurable health consequences.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Denmark?

Denmark has a well-developed public health information infrastructure, and a substantial portion of it is accessible in English — particularly for those who have recently arrived. The key official and practical resources are listed below:

• Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen): Denmark’s principal national public health authority. Publishes guidance on vaccinations, chronic disease management, mental health, diet, and numerous other topics. A portion of the content is available in English.
• Statens Serum Institut (SSI): Denmark’s national public health and research institute, responsible for monitoring infectious diseases, managing vaccination programmes, and producing epidemiological reports. The SSI publishes regular EPI-NEWS bulletins on disease activity in Denmark.
• sundhed.dk: The national patient portal, through which you can locate a GP, book appointments, view your health records, and navigate the public healthcare system. Partially available in English.
• Statistics Denmark (Danmarks Statistik): The authoritative source for official data on health, disease prevalence, and population trends.
• WHO Denmark country profile: Provides internationally comparable health statistics and indicators for Denmark.
• OECD Health at a Glance: Offers comparative healthcare system data for Denmark alongside other OECD nations, updated at regular intervals.

Health guidelines, vaccination recommendations, and specific fees or thresholds are subject to change. Always verify current information with official Danish sources — particularly Sundhedsstyrelsen and SSI — both before and after you relocate. If you are arriving from outside the EU/EEA, it is especially important to clarify your entitlement to Danish public healthcare based on your residency status and work permit before you arrive.

A 2023 survey found that 83% of Danish adults were satisfied with their access to digital health data, and approximately a quarter of Danes tracked their health using a wearable device or smartwatch, while around two-fifths used mobile applications for the same purpose. This points to a digitally engaged health culture that expats can begin to tap into from the moment they set foot in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Denmark

Is Denmark a safe country health-wise for expats?

Yes, Denmark is an excellent destination from a health and safety perspective. Its universal healthcare system is robust, infectious disease rates are low, tap water is safe, and food hygiene is strictly regulated. The predominant health risks are the same lifestyle-related, non-communicable conditions found across northern Europe — not exotic or tropical diseases.

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Denmark?

No vaccinations are legally required for entry to Denmark. That said, you should confirm that your standard immunisations are fully current. If you expect to spend time outdoors in wooded areas — particularly on Bornholm or in North Zealand — it is worth discussing the TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) vaccine with a travel health professional. For the latest recommendations, consult your home country’s official travel health authority and Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut (SSI) at ssi.dk.

How does Denmark’s cancer rate compare to other countries?

Denmark has historically ranked among the countries with the highest cancer incidence worldwide, with lifestyle factors such as historically elevated smoking rates and alcohol consumption playing a significant role. Cancer accounted for 29% of all deaths in Denmark as of 2020. Denmark does, however, maintain strong cancer screening programmes and a well-developed treatment infrastructure, and survival rates for many cancer types have improved markedly in recent decades. For current incidence data, consult the Danish Cancer Society or the WHO.

What mental health support is available in Denmark for expats?

Public mental health services are accessible through the Danish healthcare system via a referral from your registered GP, who can direct you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Waiting times for non-urgent public mental health care can be long, however. Private psychologists are available, provide faster access, and typically charge a per-session fee — check with your private insurer if you carry supplementary coverage. A number of mental health practitioners in Copenhagen and other major cities cater specifically to international residents and offer consultations in multiple languages.

Is seasonal depression a real concern in Denmark?

Yes, and it is worth taking seriously. Denmark’s winter months bring very limited daylight, with Copenhagen receiving as few as seven hours of sunshine per day in December. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and broader low mood in winter are not uncommon among residents — Danes and newcomers alike. Useful steps include using a daylight therapy lamp, keeping up an active social life, exercising regularly, and taking vitamin D supplements in line with Danish Health Authority guidance. Consult your GP if symptoms persist or become severe.

Is Denmark’s tap water safe to drink?

Yes, Denmark’s tap water is exceptionally clean and safe to drink anywhere in the country. The water supply draws primarily from groundwater and is subject to stringent, ongoing monitoring. There is no health justification for purchasing bottled water.

How do Denmark’s obesity rates compare internationally?

As of 2021, approximately 60% of men and 46% of women in Denmark were classified as overweight or obese — rates that are elevated but lower than those recorded in countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom. The Danish government has implemented a variety of public health initiatives targeting diet and physical activity, and the country’s well-embedded cycling culture helps sustain relatively higher levels of everyday movement among urban residents compared to many similar nations.

What should I do first about healthcare when I arrive in Denmark?

Your most urgent task is to obtain your CPR number — the civil registration number that provides access to all public services, healthcare included. Once registered, you can select a local GP and will receive your yellow health card (sundhedskort), which grants you free access to the public healthcare system. The process can be managed through sundhed.dk. If you are managing an existing health condition, bring detailed documentation from your current doctor to help ensure continuity of care from the outset.