Maintaining your physical health is one of the first things to think about when settling in Denmark. The country is known for having a strong healthcare system that combines publicly funded services with a wide range of private options. For foreigners, understanding how these two systems work together is key to making the most of healthcare and physical health in Denmark.
The public system is primarily tax-funded and gives residents access to general practitioners (GPs), hospitals, and emergency care through the Danish national health service. Once you receive your yellow health card (sundhedskort), you are entitled to most of these services at no additional cost. However, some treatments such as adult dental care, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services are either partially covered or not included in the public system.
This is where private healthcare becomes important. Many foreigners choose private doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, or private hospitals for faster access, English-speaking staff, or treatments not covered by public health insurance. Depending on your needs, you may also consider private health insurance to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
In this guide, we provide a complete overview of physical health in Denmark, so that you have a better understanding of how healthcare works in Denmark, from navigating the public system to choosing private care.
Here are the key points in this article:
- Public Healthcare Access in Denmark: Foreigners receive a yellow health insurance card upon registering their address, granting access to publicly funded services like GPs, hospitals, and emergency care.
- Private Healthcare Options: Many foreigners opt for private doctors, dentists, and hospitals for quicker appointments, English-speaking staff, or services not fully covered by the public system.
- Key Physical Health Services: Essential health services for foreigners include access to GPs, dental care (free for under 22), physiotherapy, specialists, and hospitals, with some services requiring payment or private insurance.
- Public vs. Private Coverage: Most public coverage requires referrals and covers basic needs, while private services offer faster, more convenient options and are usually paid out of pocket or through private insurance.
- Health Outcomes and Access in Denmark: Denmark enjoys high health standards with an average life expectancy of 78-82 years, significant public health spending, high vaccination rates, and strong emphasis on physical activity, with many relying on private care for speed and convenience.
If you are looking for more in-depth guides on specific matters related to physical health in Denmark as a foreigner, you may want to read our other guides:
- Best Dentists in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Chiropractors in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Private doctors in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Physiotherapists in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Private hospitals in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Plastic surgeons in Denmark for foreigners
Accessing Public Healthcare as a Foreigner in Denmark
As a foreigner, your entry point into the Danish healthcare system is the yellow health insurance card (sundhedskort). Once you register your address with the municipality (folkeregister), you will receive this card, which gives you access to publicly funded services such as general practitioners, emergency care, maternity services, and hospital treatment.
When you receive your health card, you will also choose a GP (praktiserende læge), who becomes your primary doctor. All non-emergency healthcare typically begins here. If you need to see a specialist or go to the hospital, your GP will provide a referral. Without this referral, you may need to pay out of pocket for specialist services.
Dental care is an exception: while children and young people under 22 are covered, adults usually have to pay for dental visits themselves, with costs varying depending on treatment. Some other services, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care, may be partially subsidized if prescribed by your GP.
For emergencies, you can dial 112 for an ambulance or visit the emergency department (skadestue). For urgent but non-life-threatening cases, you can call 1813 (in the Capital Region) or the equivalent local emergency hotline elsewhere in Denmark.
Private Healthcare Options for Foreigners
While the public system is reliable, many foreigners turn to private healthcare for greater flexibility, faster appointments, or access to English-speaking doctors. Private doctors (privatlæger) can often see you without long waiting times, and private hospitals (privathospitaler) are increasingly popular for specialized treatments and elective surgeries.
Private dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and plastic surgeons are widely available across Denmark. These services are usually not fully covered by the public system, so many foreigners pay directly or use private health insurance.
Employers in Denmark often provide supplemental health insurance as part of work contracts, which may cover private treatments and reduce waiting times. If your employer does not provide this, you can purchase individual coverage through insurance companies such as Tryg, Sygeforsikring “danmark,” or Alm. Brand.
For expats and international families, private healthcare can be particularly attractive due to language support and the ability to choose practitioners with international experience. More details on dentists, chiropractors, private doctors, physiotherapists, hospitals, and plastic surgeons are available in the sub-pages connected to this guide.
Key Physical Health Services for Foreigners
Denmark has a wide range of physical health services, but it’s important to understand which are publicly covered and which you will need to pay for yourself or through private insurance. Below is an overview of the most common services foreigners use.
- General Practitioners (GPs): Always your first point of contact in the public system. Free with the health card.
- Dentists: Free until age 22, after which you pay out of pocket. Private insurance can help cover costs.
- Physiotherapists & Chiropractors: Some treatments may be partially subsidized if prescribed by your GP. Otherwise, paid privately.
- Specialists & Hospitals: Accessible through GP referrals. Covered by the public system if deemed medically necessary.
- Plastic Surgery: Only covered by the public system if related to medical necessity (e.g., reconstructive surgery). Cosmetic procedures are private and expensive.
- Private Hospitals & Doctors: Offer faster access, shorter waiting times, and often English-speaking staff, but usually require private payment or insurance.
Public vs. Private Coverage in Denmark
| Service | Public Coverage with Health Card | Private Option / Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioners (GPs) | Fully covered | Available, paid privately |
| Specialists & Hospitals | Covered with referral | Shorter waiting times, private |
| Dentists (adults) | Not covered (except under 22) | Covered by private insurance or out-of-pocket |
| Physiotherapists | Partial subsidy with referral | Full cost if private |
| Chiropractors | Partial subsidy with referral | Full cost if private |
| Plastic Surgery (cosmetic) | Not covered | 100% private, high cost |
| Private Doctors | Not covered | Paid privately or via insurance |
| Private Hospitals | Not covered | Paid privately or via insurance |
This mix of public and private care means most foreigners rely on the public system for general needs but may opt for private services when looking for speed, convenience, or more language options.
What the Numbers Say About Physical Health in Denmark
Denmark consistently ranks among the countries with strong health outcomes and high levels of access to care. For foreigners, these statistics help to understand what to expect when navigating the Danish system.
- Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy in Denmark is around 82 years for women and 78 years for men, close to the EU average but slightly below countries like Sweden or Norway.
- Public Health Spending: Denmark spends about 10% of its GDP on healthcare, with most of this allocated to public services.
- Preventive Health: Vaccination rates for children are consistently high, above 90% for most vaccines, reflecting strong preventive health efforts.
- Dental Care: While adults must pay out of pocket, surveys show that over 70% of Danes visit a dentist at least once a year, highlighting the cultural importance of oral health.
- Physical Activity: Around 60% of Danes exercise weekly, and cycling is one of the most common forms of transportation, which supports physical health outcomes.
- Waiting Times: Average waiting times for non-urgent hospital treatments in the public system range from 4 to 8 weeks, but private hospitals can significantly shorten this.
- Mental and Physical Health Link: Studies show that about 20% of Danes experience stress-related issues annually, which often leads to increased use of physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
For foreigners, these numbers show that while Denmark provides excellent access to healthcare, many still turn to private doctors, dentists, or physiotherapists for convenience and shorter wait times. Insurance coverage is therefore a key consideration.
FAQ About Physical Health in Denmark as a Foreigner
Is healthcare free in Denmark for foreigners?
If you are a resident with a CPR number, you are entitled to free access to public healthcare, including visits to your general practitioner and hospital treatment. Dental care, physiotherapy, and certain specialist services usually require out-of-pocket payment unless you have private insurance.
Do I need private health insurance in Denmark?
Not necessarily, but many foreigners choose private insurance to cover dental care, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, or to reduce waiting times at private hospitals.
Can I visit a private doctor in Denmark without insurance?
Yes, you can book an appointment with a private doctor directly, but you will have to pay out of pocket. Prices vary but are generally lower than in many other European countries.
How do I find an English-speaking doctor or dentist?
In major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense, many healthcare professionals speak English. You can also use online directories and expat networks to find English-speaking providers.
Are prescriptions expensive in Denmark?
Prescription medicine is partially subsidized by the state. The more you spend on medicine in a year, the greater the discount you receive. Foreigners with a CPR number benefit from this system.
Is physiotherapy covered by the public healthcare system?
It is partly covered if prescribed by your general practitioner, especially for chronic conditions. Otherwise, you pay privately or use health insurance.
How easy is it to get an appointment with specialists?
For public specialists, you typically need a referral from your general practitioner. Waiting times can be several weeks. Private specialists are more flexible but charge higher fees.
Is dental care covered in Denmark?
Dental care is free for children under 18 but not for adults. Adults must pay out of pocket, though some treatments may be partly subsidized.
Do chiropractors and plastic surgeons fall under public healthcare?
Generally no. Chiropractic treatments and plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons are paid for privately. Reconstructive surgery after illness or injury may be covered by public healthcare.
Can foreigners use private hospitals in Denmark?
Yes, private hospitals are open to everyone, including foreigners. Many internationals use them for faster access to specialists and elective procedures.
