World Country Guide

Other risks
Lyme disease is relatively common in the south of the country, especially during the summer months. Diphyllobothriasis occurs rarely along the Baltic coast.

Health care
European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland:
If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to an EEA country or Switzerland, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available – in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Each country has different rules about state medical provision. In some, treatment is free. In many countries you will have to pay part or all of the cost, and then claim a full or partial refund. The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Note that the EHIC replaces the Form E111, which will no longer be valid after 31 December 2005. Some restrictions apply, depending on your nationality.
Health care standards in Sweden are good. Hospital services are provided at county and regional levels; the latter have a greater range of specialist fields. Make sure the doctor you see is affiliated to the public insurance scheme. You must show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or you will be charged the full cost of the treatment. With an EHIC, you will still have to pay part of the cost, which is not refundable. You will also have to pay the full cost of dental treatment up to a fixed limit, and most of the cost above this limit. Any reductions will be made before you get your bill. Dental surgeries or clinics are indicated by Tandläkare or Folktandvården signs and emergency service is available in major cities out of hours. You will have to pay the full cost of any prescription drugs up to a limit, and part of any costs above this limit. If you are taking prescribed medicines, make sure you have an adequate supply before leaving for Sweden. You can go to any public hospital. In-patient care is free, but you will have to pay part of the cost of any outpatient care. There is a fixed, non-refundable daily charge. Health insurance is recommended to cover emergency evacuation. More information can be obtained in Sweden from the Lokala Försäkringskassan (local Social Insurance Office).