Citizens of EU and EEA nations are entitled to use the public medical services just like any Swedish citizen, provided they are covered by health insurance in their home country. Sweden also has reciprocal agreements on public medical benefits with Algeria, Australia and the Canadian province of Quebec. Foreign citizens of other countries who are in possession of a residence permit valid for one year and already have a national registration number are entitled to reduced costs for treatment. If you are staying for more than a year and will pay taxes in Sweden you can also have access to the benefits provided by the social insurance office, including reduced dental care costs. If you are an EU citizen don’t forget to bring your health insurance certificate (EU health insurance card).

The standard fee for a consultation with a GP working under the public social insurance scheme usually varies between SEK 120 and 300. Visiting a specialist or a doctor at an emergency clinic or hospital will cost SEK 260. These costs are in fact subsidised by the Swedish State, the actual cost for a normal visit being SEK 1,700-2,000. If you don't have a Swedish personal identity number or an EU Health Insurance Card you will have to cover the full cost yourself.

With the exception of common medicines such as aspirin a doctor's prescription is generally needed to obtain drugs at Swedish pharmacies. You can get advice on treatment for minor illnesses such as headache, cold and cough, allergic reactions, fever and stomach problems at the pharmacy, all of which belong to the "Apoteket" chain, and are generally open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. The C. W. Scheele pharmacy at Klarabergsgatan 64 (underground T-Centralen) is open 24-hrs.

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