Sick on holiday in Sweden: who to call

1. Life-threatening: call 112

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), heavy bleeding, a severe allergic reaction or a serious accident — call 112 or go straight to the nearest emergency department (akutmottagning). Everyone in Sweden has the right to emergency care.

2. Not sure how serious it is: call 1177

1177 is Sweden's healthcare advice line. A nurse helps you judge your symptoms and tells you where to go. It is available around the clock, in Swedish and English.

3. You need a doctor today: video or clinic

• TouristDr video consultation — 2,500 SEK, no personnummer or BankID needed, prescriptions sent to a pharmacy near you.
• Mindr clinic visit — 3,200 SEK in Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö, with rapid tests on site.
• Doctor at your hotel — from 5,000 SEK, if you are too unwell to travel.

4. Minor problems: the pharmacy (apotek)

Swedish pharmacists can advise on minor problems and sell non-prescription medicines for pain, fever, colds, allergies and stomach upsets. Mindr's pharmacy translator lists common medicines and their Swedish names.

What public care costs visitors

Fees depend on where you are insured. Visitors insured in a Nordic country, and EU/EEA or Swiss visitors with a valid EHIC, pay the same fees as residents for necessary care. Most visitors from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland have to pay the full cost of public healthcare themselves.