Healthcare facilities in Denmark: Universal healthcare coverage for residents. General Practitioner (GP) allocation system. Hospital specialization system. Electronic prescription system. Emergency services are available 24/7. Health insurance covers most medical expenses. Dental care not fully covered. Access to public and private hospitals. Focus on preventative care services. Easy online medical appointment booking.
Universal healthcare coverage for residents.
In Denmark, all registered residents, including immigrants and asylum-seekers, are automatically enrolled in a universal, publicly financed healthcare system. This system provides largely free access to primary, specialist, hospital, mental health, preventive, and long-term care services. The financing is primarily obtained through general taxes and government allocations. For more detailed information, you can visit the International Health Policy Center of the Commonwealth Fund.
General Practitioner (GP) allocation system.
In Denmark, General Practitioners (GPs) are allocated through a list system where each citizen is registered with a specific GP, who acts as the primary contact point and gatekeeper to the healthcare system. According to the Healthcare in Denmark overview, GPs manage an average number of patients, ensuring personalized care and efficient management. These practitioners are self-employed and work on contract with the public healthcare system, distributed across practice units mostly comprising one or two GPs. This system ensures that healthcare services are both accessible and well-regulated across the nation.
Hospital specialization system.
In Denmark, the hospital specialization system is managed by the Danish Health Authority (DHMA), which defines and allocates specialized hospital services among hospitals in cooperation with medical associations and regions. Specialized services are categorized into regional and Highly Specialized Services, with the latter typically located in 1-3 hospitals nationwide, ensuring quality, continuity of care, and efficient resource use.
Electronic prescription system.
In Denmark, the electronic prescription system is closely linked with the Shared Medication Record (SMR), a central database containing information on all Danish citizens' medication dispensed over the previous two years. This system allows healthcare professionals and patients to access updated medication information digitally, facilitating accurate and efficient medication management.
Emergency services are available 24/7.
In Denmark, emergency admissions are available 24/7 at hospitals such as Hvidovre, Herlev, Hillerod, and Bispebjerg, where patients can receive treatment for serious or minor injuries and sudden illnesses after calling the helpline 1813. Additionally, the Emergency Medical Dispatch Center and ambulances provide round-the-clock emergency services, ensuring timely and efficient response to emergencies.
Health insurance covers most medical expenses.
In Denmark, public healthcare covers most medical expenses, including primary care, specialist care, hospital stays, and home nursing, all of which are largely free for residents. However, some services like dentist appointments, psychologist visits, and certain medications may require partial or full payment out-of-pocket, for which private health insurance can provide additional coverage. For more detailed information on healthcare options and services, you can visit the InterNations website.
Dental care not fully covered.
In Denmark, dental care coverage varies by age group. While children under 18, and since 2022, those up to 21 years old, enjoy free dental care, adults are required to pay for dental services. These costs are partially alleviated through state subsidies and optional private insurance. For more detailed information on Denmark's healthcare system, you can visit the Commonwealth Fund's International Health Policy Center.
Access to public and private hospitals.
In Denmark, access to public hospitals requires a referral from a doctor or General Practitioner, with treatment and examination dates provided within eight weekdays. Private hospitals offer alternative options with quicker access and more flexibility, and patients can choose private hospitals if public hospitals cannot meet the 30-day treatment initiation deadline. For more detailed information about the process and options available for healthcare in Denmark, you can visit the National Contact Point for Cross-border Healthcare website. These choices ensure that patients receive timely and suitable healthcare solutions in line with their needs.
Focus on preventative care services.
In Denmark, preventative care services are a cornerstone of the healthcare system, with the Danish Health Authority promoting numerous health promotion packages focusing on areas such as alcohol, tobacco, physical activity, mental health, and more, to support local health promotion and prevention efforts. These services are integrated into the healthcare system, emphasizing proximity to citizens and collaborative efforts across society to promote public health. For more information, you can explore these initiatives further on Healthcare Denmark, where details about these comprehensive strategies are outlined.
Easy online medical appointment booking.
In Denmark, you can easily book online medical appointments through services like Doctors in Denmark, which offer video consultations with both Danish and English-speaking doctors. This service allows you to receive medical care from anywhere without the need for transportation or waiting times.