Moving to Denmark as a student or professional comes with many practical steps, and health insurance is one of the most important. While Denmark has a well-functioning public healthcare system, understanding when and how you’re covered can be confusing at first. Many newcomers assume that healthcare is automatically free for everyone, but that’s only true after you’ve registered in the national system with a CPR number and received your yellow health card. Even with public coverage, a health insurance for foreigners may come in handy.
Many residents in Denmark choose to have a private or supplementary health insurance in order to access services that the state system either doesn’t cover fully (like dental care, physiotherapy, or mental health support) or where wait times can be long. As a newcomer in Denmark, the right health insurance for foreigners can give you peace of mind while navigating a new system.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best private and supplementary health insurance for foreigners, what to look for, and how to make a smart choice that suits your situation.
If you are looking for a more detailed guides on different types of health insurances in Denmark, you may want to check out my other guides, where I cover these topics in detail:
- Best Private Health Insurance in Denmark
- Best Dental Insurance in Denmark
- Best Critical Illness Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
- Best Life Insurance in Denmark
- Best Travel Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
Do Foreigners in Denmark Need a Health Insurance?
Denmark’s public healthcare system covers all registered residents, but there are important gaps and exceptions that apply for newcomers. Whether you need private insurance depends on your residence status, length of stay, and healthcare expectations.
I would suggest that those falling into the following categories should consider private or supplementary health insurance:
Newcomers waiting for CPR registration
If you’re still waiting to receive your CPR number and yellow health card, you won’t have access to the public healthcare system. During this time, private health insurance would be smart to have as it would cover potential medical needs. It may also be required for your residence application if you’re a non-EU student or worker.
International students
While students from EU/EEA countries can often use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), non-EU students need to register with the public system after arrival. Furthermore, they may need to show proof of private insurance for visa purposes. Even after registration, many students choose private plans to get better access to mental health services or reimbursements for dental and eye care.
Foreign professionals and expats
Once registered, foreign workers are generally covered by the public system. However, many professionals decide add supplementary insurance to reduce wait times and access private clinics, or to cover services the public system only partially supports.
Freelancers and self-employed individuals
If you’re freelancing or running your own business in Denmark, public healthcare still applies once you’re registered, but you might find it useful to have private insurance for faster care or coverage during travel. Some insurers offer tailored packages for self-employed foreigners.
Families relocating to Denmark
Parents often take out supplementary insurance to ensure quicker access to pediatric care, dental checkups for children, and better maternity support services. Plans that cover both adults and children are widely available.
Types of Health Insurance for Foreigners in Denmark
When looking for health insurance for foreigners it’s good to know that not all private insurances are the same. In Denmark, there are three main types of private health insurance for foreigners that can be considered relevant to you, depending on your situation and needs:
Supplementary Insurance
This is the most common option for people who are already part of the public system. Supplementary insurance is designed to complement public healthcare and covers:
- Dental care
- Physiotherapy
- Mental health services
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Alternative treatments (e.g. acupuncture)
One of the most well-known providers in this category is Sygeforsikring “danmark”, a non-profit insurer that offers partial reimbursements for a wide range of services. Many Danes use this as their only private plan, especially because premiums are relatively low.
Full Private Health Insurance for Foreigners
This type of plan gives access to private hospitals and clinics, often with:
- Shorter wait times for treatment
- More choice in specialists
- English-speaking doctors
- Direct access to care without GP referral
- Better access to mental health support
These plans of health insurance for foreigners are usually more expensive and are often offered as employee benefits by large companies. They are useful if you want flexibility, speed, and broader coverage, especially for ongoing or specialist care.
International or Expat Health Insurance
If you want a health insurance plan that covers you in multiple countries (including Denmark), several international insurers offer tailored policies. These are often used by highly mobile professionals or non-EU residents in Denmark who want:
- English-language support
- Easy claims process from abroad
- Comprehensive expat coverage
While these plans may be pricier than local options, they offer flexibility across borders and may be ideal for those who split time between countries or frequently travel.
What to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance for Foreigners in Denmark
When you’re choosing a private or supplementary health insurance plan as a foreigner in Denmark you should ideally consider more than just the cost. Your personal situation, healthcare expectations, and even your language preferences can influence what makes the most sense for you. Below, I’ve outlined the key factors I would suggest you consider before committing to a policy.
Your Legal Status and CPR Registration
As stated previously, your eligibility for public healthcare through the yellow health card depends on having a CPR number. If you’re not yet registered:
- You’ll need a comprehensive private insurance plan that covers you during the gap period.
- Some visa types require proof of insurance before granting a residence permit.
Once registered, you can shift your focus to supplementary insurance to fill the gaps in public coverage.
What the Plan Actually Covers
Coverage varies widely across providers. Ask yourself:
- Does the plan include dental, vision, or mental health support?
- Does it cover specialist care or hospital stays in private clinics?
- Are prescription medications included?
- Are preventive services (like check-ups or vaccinations) reimbursed?
For example, basic supplementary plans often reimburse part of the cost for dental cleanings, glasses, and physiotherapy, but not major surgeries or specialist consultations.
Waiting Periods and Limitations
Some providers impose waiting periods (e.g. 6–12 months) before certain benefits become available, especially for dental work, pre-existing conditions, or maternity care. Others limit how much you can claim per year or per treatment.
In other words, it’s important to:
- Read the policy’s fine print.
- Check for exclusions, especially if you already have ongoing health issues.
Ease of Access and Language Support
As a foreigner, being able to:
- Speak with English-speaking support staff
- File claims through a user-friendly app or website
- Receive clear communication about reimbursements
…can make a big difference. Local Danish insurers may be more affordable, but not all offer extensive English-language support.
Direct Billing vs. Reimbursement
Some private insurance providers work directly with clinics and hospitals, so you don’t have to pay upfront (this is called direct billing). Others require you to:
- Pay out of pocket
- Submit documentation
- Wait for partial reimbursement
Depending on your financial flexibility and comfort level, this can be a major factor.
Your Budget and Health Priorities
Premiums vary depending on age, coverage level, and the provider. Ask yourself:
- How often do you see a doctor or dentist?
- Do you want faster access to specialists?
- Would you benefit from mental health support or physiotherapy?
If you’re healthy and rarely visit clinics, a low-cost supplementary plan might be enough. But if you prefer short wait times, private rooms, and broader access, a full private plan may offer better long-term value.
If you’re looking for the right health insurance in Denmark, my advice is to use this insurance comparison platform to explore your options. You can get up to three free, non-binding offers from different insurers, which can help you compare both price and coverage. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re not overpaying, and that you’re getting a plan that fits your needs as a foreigner in Denmark.
FAQ About Health Insurance for Foreigners in Denmark
Do I need private health insurance if I live in Denmark?
If you have a CPR number and are registered with the Danish National Register, you’re covered by the public healthcare system. However, many residents still choose supplementary private insurance to cover dental care, physiotherapy, faster access to specialists, and more.
Can I use Danish public healthcare without a CPR number?
No, you must be registered and have a CPR number to access public healthcare. Until then, you need a private insurance policy, which is often required for residence permit approval.
What’s the difference between public and private health insurance in Denmark?
Public health insurance covers most basic treatments, doctor visits, and hospital care. Private or supplementary insurance covers services the public system doesn’t fully pay for, like dental, vision, or mental health support, and can provide faster access to private clinics.
Is private health insurance expensive in Denmark?
It depends on your age, the provider, and the coverage level. Supplementary plans can be relatively affordable, while full private insurance covering private hospitals or specialists can be more costly.
Can I get insurance through my employer?
Yes. Many Danish companies offer private health insurance as a workplace benefit. It’s worth asking about during your contract negotiations, as it often covers services like specialist access, mental health, or physiotherapy.
What happens if I travel outside Denmark? Am I still covered?
The public system does not cover routine or emergency healthcare outside Denmark. If you plan to travel, consider private insurance with international coverage or a separate travel insurance policy.
Should international students in Denmark get private insurance?
Yes, especially if you’re not yet registered with a CPR number. Once you have it, you’ll be covered by the public system, but supplementary insurance may still be worth considering for better dental, vision, and mental health coverage.
