Travel to Sweden to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Image  Sweden

Intro

Backpacking in Sweden?

  • Sweden is often combined by backpackers with study, internship or volunteer work. It is also a popular transit country for travelers by bicycle and train.
  • Characteristics: Great distances, peace and quiet, space and a wallet that is rapidly thinning.

Traveling in Sweden?

  • Although Sweden has some interesting cities, traveling through Sweden is mostly a journey through seemingly endless green and blue hill country.
  • Cities to spot: Stockholm, Uppsala and Gothenburg.
  • Activities spotting: multi-day hikes, wild camping, rafting and sled dog trekking.
  • Nature spotting: The lakes of Värmland and Dalarna, tundra around Abisko and the coast of Bohuslän.
  • Animal spotting: Swedish classics are the reindeer and the moose. A rare glimpse of a bear, wolf or wolverine is possible.

Study in Sweden?

  • Studies: because of many English-language programs, Sweden is a country where basically any field of study is possible.
  • Study cities: Erasmus hotspot for Dutch students, think Stockholm, Uppsala and Lund.
  • Learning Swedish: For longer stays in Sweden often not very difficult for Dutch people.

Internships in Sweden?

  • Internships: internships can be found in various sectors of society.
  • Internship cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö.

Volunteering in Sweden?

  • Volunteer projects: especially in agriculture and nature management.
  • Characteristics: volunteering possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months.

Working in Sweden?

  • Jobs: temporary work can be found in hospitality and tourism, such as at the many (Dutch) campsites. You can also work in Sweden as an au pair.
  • Longer-term work can mainly be found in rural areas in (paramedical) care.

Working as a digital nomad in Sweden?

  • Favorite locations: Stockholm, Malmö, Uppsale and Visby.
  • Characteristics: Good, stable internet and plenty of coffee options.

Living in Sweden?

  • Language: English is spoken by practically everyone. Learning the Swedish language is sometimes complicated by switching to English.
  • Quality of life: quality of life is high, somewhat more expensive than the Netherlands. The tranquility of the countryside attracts many people, but can sometimes be harder to get used to than previously thought.
  • Characteristics: hospitable but somewhat closed population. Affordable houses in the countryside, but rather expensive in the big cities.
  • Health care: is well taken care of in the big cities, outside the cities it quickly becomes more difficult because of the long distances. Arrange your own health insurance.

 

Sweden Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Sweden Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Content about Sweden on WorldSupporter

How does healthcare work in Sweden, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Sweden, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Sweden?

What is the quality of healthcare in Sweden?

  • Sweden is a world leader and has an extensive, universal health care system financed by public money. The quality of care is incredibly good and healthcare institutions are accessible to both Swedes and foreigners.
  • The country has both public and private services.
  • The Swedish health care system is strongly focused on prevention and health.
  • Mental health care is also of good quality.
  • Swedish hospitals have good facilities and the cost of a day in the hospital is a maximum of 10 euros.
  • Some services in Sweden are completely free! Maternity care and cancer screenings are included, for example.
  • Pharmacies (Apotek) are mainly found in cities. Most open in the morning between 8 AM and 9 AM and close again between 6 PM and 7 PM. Some remain open 24/7. For medicines you pay a small co-payment via the public system. Also note that you may need insurance.
  • If doctors do not speak English, it is possible to get an interpreter. Everyone is entitled to this and this must be indicated when making an appointment. For emergency services, call 112. In cities, the ambulance will usually arrive within ten minutes. Due to the large distances between hospitals, the driving time for an ambulance can sometimes be longer than ideal if you live in a rural area.
  • For non-urgent medical help, you can call the advice line on number 1177.

How does the public healthcare system work in Sweden?

  • For the most part, healthcare is free or cheap for residents and expats in Sweden. There are often some costs for things like medical visits, dental care, medication. The public system covers about 75-82% of all costs. The costs are often reasonable and are capped at around 120 euros.
  • Waiting times can be long for non-urgent care. Emergency care is fast.
  • In general, people can choose which doctor, clinic or hospital they want to be helped by.
  • Most healthcare is financed at a regional level, so the accessibility of certain care can vary by region. The waiting time for an appointment at a health centre may be a maximum of 7 days (you will usually be seen sooner), and for a specialist 3 months.
  • As a resident of the European Union, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to temporarily gain access to public healthcare. Please note that this only applies to essential care; repatriation, for example, is not reimbursed. The same applies to people from the United Kingdom, but then with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
  • Universal healthcare is available to all residents, including expats. After you have obtained your residence permit, you can use your personal number (personnummer) to register with the public healthcare system. You will then be assigned a local healthcare centre (vårdcentraler). You can also visit other facilities within your region.

How does the public healthcare system work in Sweden?

  • There are two types of private healthcare: healthcare offered through a contract with the government, which means that the costs are the same as in public healthcare, and healthcare without a contract, which means that it is more expensive and not reimbursed.
  • There are not many of the latter. Patients who go here have to pay the full costs themselves.
  • There is also virtually no difference in quality compared to public health care. However, waiting times are shorter.
  • If you plan to use private care, it is wise to take out good international health insurance.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Sweden?

  • The first care is provided by the family doctor and by nurses in health centres (vårdcentral).
  • There are few private practices in Sweden. You can go to a vårdcentral for medical advice. This is a medical centre where several doctors, therapists, specialists and nurses work together. In Sweden, you cannot choose a family doctor unless you have private insurance. Otherwise, you simply have to use the services of the local vårdcentral.
  • The waiting times in the medical centre are generally long.
  • To be able to visit a family doctor, Swedes pay a relatively small amount of their own. Swedes with a chronic condition can go to the hospital without payment, with a ceiling of a certain amount. They do not have to be referred by the family doctor, but can contact the specialist in question directly. To make an appointment, call your health center or a private clinic. You can see a doctor within 7 days, usually faster at a private clinic.

How is the dentist arranged in Sweden?

  • There are public and private dentists. Public dental practices are known as Folktandvarden.
  • Dental care under the public system is free up to the age of 23 years.
  • Adults receive an annual allowance for dental care and if you need special care you may be able to get it through the regional health authority.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Sweden?

  • The maternal and infant mortality rates are among the lowest in the world.
  • Giving birth is possible in public and private institutions. The difference is mainly in the cost and luxury.
  • Sweden has one of the best maternity leave schemes in the world. Women get 420 days per child, of which 390 days are paid at 80% of your salary. It can also be divided between both parents, or taken in part until the child is 8 years old.
  • Prenatal care and tests are free for Swedes and people with a personal number (personnummer).
  • From 18-20 weeks, you register with a midwifery practice (barnmorskemottagning) where you usually also get your first ultrasound scans. This may be the only scan, as long as you have a healthy baby.
  • The midwife comes about once a month as long as everything goes well.
  • When you are going to give birth, you contact a birth coordinator. This person will arrange everything for you so that you have a smooth birthing place.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Sweden?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Sweden?

  • Sweden is extremely safe. At most, you have to watch out for bears and moose in the wild.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Sweden?

  • There are few major health risks, but there are a number of things to keep in mind.
  • Due to the severe climate, winter-related health problems, such as winter depression, flu and even hypothermia, can occur more often. In forests and rural areas you may encounter ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease or TBE (tick-borne encephalitis).
  • Tap water is safe to drink and food safety standards are high.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Sweden?

  • Sweden has an excellent road network, even in rural areas.
  • Most roads are toll-free, except in Stockholm and Gothenburg, where congestion charges apply.
  • Snow and ice make winter tires mandatory between December and March. Bring snow chains when traveling to remote areas.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Speed ​​limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70-90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
  • Always drive with dipped headlights on, even during the day.
  • In rural areas, elk and deer can be dangerous, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Sweden has an excellent public transportation system with trains, buses and ferries. The country is also bicycle-friendly, with extensive cycle paths in cities.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Sweden?

  • Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Sweden if you are going to live there for a while?

  • For some visa applications, it is mandatory to show that you are insured (especially if you are from outside the EU). And although the Swedish health care system is very good, in recent years more people tend to go for private health care because of the shorter waiting times. As an expatriate, you can get by just fine with the local health care system, although private insurance provides full coverage and also coverage for things like medical repatriation to your home country.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Sweden: Updates & Travel

Sweden: Updates & Travel

Travel in Sweden?

  • Scandinavia is known for its beautiful nature, clean cities and wealth.  
  • Sweden is just the same.  
  • However, compared to Norway, Sweden is a lot flatter, with rolling landscapes with lots of forests and lakes instead of dramatic fjords.  
  • Stockholm is seen by many as a hip city, and there are more and more European tourists who go here for a (mid)week as well.

Updates Sweden

  • More about Sweden, updates and contributions, see the link below.

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Why get specific insurance when going abroad: per activity abroad
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

What is round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance?

  • Round the world travel insurance means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during all your activities abroad, and which is specifically intended for those who travel for long periods of time, such as world travelers, globetrotters, and nomads.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

  • Round the world travel insurance provides coverage for a much longer trip than regular travel insurance.
  • World travel insurance is specifically intended for longer trips, whereas regular travel insurance may offer coverage on paper, but in practice handles it differently.
  • World travel insurance is suitable for many types of activities, ranging from high-altitude trekking to more risky sports.
  • World travel insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you did not take out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance that provides coverage while abroad.
  • Long-term travel insurance continues to provide coverage when your home country's health insurance no longer does.
  • Worldwide travel insurance also covers your medical expenses up to the actual cost, and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • Worldwide travel insurance can also continue to provide coverage if negative travel advice is issued.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel around the world?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and posibly work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your full period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work or voluntary work during your world trip.

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Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

What is insurance for traveling abroad?

  • Travel insurance is insurance that provides coverage for risks during a trip or vacation abroad. This mainly concerns loss of or damage to your luggage, medical assistance, or repatriation costs if you need to be transported back home urgently. In some cases, travel insurance coverage also applies on domestic trips.
  • With annual travel insurance or multi-trip travel insurance, you are insured for all your trips throughout the year.
  • With temporary travel insurance or single-trip travel insurance, you take out insurance for each trip for the duration of the trip.
  • Cancellation insurance reimburses (all or part of) the travel sum, cancellation or accommodation costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your vacation.

Why should you take out travel insurance for a short trip, vacation, or long-distance trip?

  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of an accident or emergency while you are abroad.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage for damage and accidents during the adventurous or sporting activities you plan to do.
  • Travel insurance can continue to provide coverage if your health insurance no longer provides coverage, or if the damage is only reimbursed at cost price of your home country.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of damage, loss, or theft of your luggage.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage if you are held liable for damage you cause to other people or their property.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage if you have to return home early because something has happened to you or your immediate family.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries that you are going to visit.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your travels.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for paid work, voluntary work or an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • During work, internships, or volunteer work abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your national health insurance coverage may expire. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • During specific work abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during this type of work.
  • During your work, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your work, local employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage.

What is important to insure when you are going to work abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

What is insurance for volunteering abroad?

  • Insuring volunteer work abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage while you are working as a volunteer abroad

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for voluntary work abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when volunteering abroad.
  • During specific activities abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves extra risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • The risk of accidents is sometimes higher during your work, for example because you are doing work you have little experience with or because of the nature of the work.
  • Local projects or employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage during your work.
  • When volunteering abroad and receiving minor financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational travel without voluntary work activities. If you engage in activities other than recreational activities (such as volunteer work), this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.

What is important to insure when you are going to work as a volunteer abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and volunteer.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That when performing work in healthcare, with wild animals, and with dangerous (agricultural) machinery, you take care to choose the right coverage.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

What is insurance for an internship abroad?

  • Insuring an internship abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your internship abroad
  • Insurance for internships abroad are also referred to as internship insurance. This internship insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to work as an intern, take courses, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for an internship abroad.
  • During internship activities abroad, additional requirements may apply as soon as you start performing work that involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • During your internship, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your internship, local employers generally do not offer insurance, or offer limited insurance that does not provide sufficient coverage.
  • During an internship abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or accommodation), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational trips without work activities.

What is important to insure when you are going to be an intern abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the area where you will be traveling and doing your internship.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you will be participating in.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return in case something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost (what it actually costs), and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability and, preferably, also for liability during your internship.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless the coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • Make sure you choose the right coverage for internship work in healthcare, with wild animals, or with dangerous machinery!

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

What is insurance for studying abroad?

  • Insurance for studying abroad means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your studies, your education, and your related activities abroad.
  • Insurance for studying abroad is also referred to as study insurance. This study insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to take courses, study, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a study abroad?

  • Study insurance is specifically designed for studying abroad, whereas regular travel insurance policies may offer coverage on paper but handle this situation differently in practice.
  • Study insurance offers coverage for longer stays than regular (vacation) travel insurance.
  • Study insurance is also suitable for many types of activities, ranging from various sports to hiking at high altitudes.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you have not taken out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance abroad that provides coverage.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if your own country's health insurance no longer provides coverage.
  • Student insurance also covers your healthcare costs above the rates in your own country; with regular insurance, you have to pay the extra costs yourself.
  • Student insurance can also continue to provide coverage if (study) visa issuers impose additional requirements on how you insure yourself, for example if you are going to the US and applying for a J-1 visa.
  • Student insurance continues to provide coverage if you are staying abroad for a longer period of time and want to visit your own country in between.

What is important to insure when you are going to study abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your studies.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

What is an emigration insurance and what is an expat insurance?

  • Emigration insurance is an insurance that continues to provide coverage if you move abroad permanently or for an indefinite period of time.
  • Emigration insurance is not only intended for emigrants, but for anyone who leaves their home country for an extended period of time and does not intend to return in the foreseeable future.
  • Expat insurance is insurance that continues to provide coverage if you go to work abroad for a local or international employer for an extended period of time.
  • Expat insurance is not only intended for expats, but for anyone who has a more permanent job abroad.

Why should you take out specialized insurance for emigration or working as an expat abroad?

  • Emigration or expat insurance not only provides coverage for acute assistance in the event of illness or accident abroad, such as travel insurance, but can also provide coverage for existing conditions and ailments or non-urgent care.
  • Emigration or expat insurance does not require you to maintain valid health insurance in your home country.
  • Emigration or expat insurance provides coverage for preventive care or costs related to pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Emigration or expat insurance also provides coverage for long-term treatments and chronic conditions without you having to return to your home country.
  • Emigration or expat insurance often has no restrictions on the duration of the insurance, unlike travel insurance.
  • Emigration or expat insurance usually maintains coverage in cases such as negative travel advice or acts of war.
  • Emigration or expat insurance offers various solutions in the areas of disability, home and household insurance, goods transport, and liability.

What is important to insure when you are going to move abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to live and/or work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work with additional health risks

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

Why Insurances through JoHo

  • Specialized: in emigration, work, internships, study and travel abroad.

  • Service: JoHo offers multiple travel insurances by multiple companies. Thanks to JoHo's extensive experience, it can offer support in case of problems with insurers, as well as advice and fast and personal handling.

  • Safe: JoHo is recognized as a trustworthy intermediary for insurances.

  • Social: by purchasing an insurance through JoHo you provide a talented student in The Philippines with health insurance

Why Should You Take Out A Travel Insurance?

  • The chance of getting injured or ill is generally higher than when you would have stayed at home. The medical care you will need can be very expensive, even more so if you are treated in a private clinic.

  • If you have to fly back because of family circumstances, the flights might be more expensive than your original flight because you have to fly on short notice.

  • You might have to deal with the damage, loss or theft of your luggage.

  • In case of emergency it can be difficult to figure out what to do. A good travel insurance will have an assistance team on standby for you 24/7 and will be able to tell you what steps to take.

Why Should You Specifically Take Out A Travel Insurance For A Long Trip Abroad?

  • Often regular travel or health insurances only cover trips for a maximum number of days (for example 60, 90 or 180 days).

  • Depending on your home country, your health insurance might not offer any coverage for treatment abroad.

  • During a long trip you might consider specific activities, like paid work or volunteering. Regular travel insurances often don’t cover these kind of activities. The same goes for adventurous/ hazardous sports like skydiving, scuba-diving and bungee jumping.

More on why to use JoHo

  • JoHo is one of the few organizations where you can directly purchase a comprehensive range of foreign insurances from a variety of insurers. As with our other products and services, we believe that you should be able to choose between the best, the most cost effective and the most specialized insurance.

  • JoHo offers various possibilities from combining insurances to assisting in transferring from one insurer to another.

  • When you purchase an insurance policy through JoHo, you will not pay more than if you had purchased it directly from the insurer. Sometimes (through special collective agreements) you will even pay less.

  • JoHo offers support with problems that may arise with the insurer. Sometimes disagreement with claims, cancellation notice or insurance premiums can occur. In this situation it helps if you have the assistance of an organization who has an established relationship with the insurer.

 

Read more about JoHo and JoHo Insurances

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Safety and insurances for Sweden

How does healthcare work in Sweden, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Sweden, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Sweden?

What is the quality of healthcare in Sweden?

  • Sweden is a world leader and has an extensive, universal health care system financed by public money. The quality of care is incredibly good and healthcare institutions are accessible to both Swedes and foreigners.
  • The country has both public and private services.
  • The Swedish health care system is strongly focused on prevention and health.
  • Mental health care is also of good quality.
  • Swedish hospitals have good facilities and the cost of a day in the hospital is a maximum of 10 euros.
  • Some services in Sweden are completely free! Maternity care and cancer screenings are included, for example.
  • Pharmacies (Apotek) are mainly found in cities. Most open in the morning between 8 AM and 9 AM and close again between 6 PM and 7 PM. Some remain open 24/7. For medicines you pay a small co-payment via the public system. Also note that you may need insurance.
  • If doctors do not speak English, it is possible to get an interpreter. Everyone is entitled to this and this must be indicated when making an appointment. For emergency services, call 112. In cities, the ambulance will usually arrive within ten minutes. Due to the large distances between hospitals, the driving time for an ambulance can sometimes be longer than ideal if you live in a rural area.
  • For non-urgent medical help, you can call the advice line on number 1177.

How does the public healthcare system work in Sweden?

  • For the most part, healthcare is free or cheap for residents and expats in Sweden. There are often some costs for things like medical visits, dental care, medication. The public system covers about 75-82% of all costs. The costs are often reasonable and are capped at around 120 euros.
  • Waiting times can be long for non-urgent care. Emergency care is fast.
  • In general, people can choose which doctor, clinic or hospital they want to be helped by.
  • Most healthcare is financed at a regional level, so the accessibility of certain care can vary by region. The waiting time for an appointment at a health centre may be a maximum of 7 days (you will usually be seen sooner), and for a specialist 3 months.
  • As a resident of the European Union, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to temporarily gain access to public healthcare. Please note that this only applies to essential care; repatriation, for example, is not reimbursed. The same applies to people from the United Kingdom, but then with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
  • Universal healthcare is available to all residents, including expats. After you have obtained your residence permit, you can use your personal number (personnummer) to register with the public healthcare system. You will then be assigned a local healthcare centre (vårdcentraler). You can also visit other facilities within your region.

How does the public healthcare system work in Sweden?

  • There are two types of private healthcare: healthcare offered through a contract with the government, which means that the costs are the same as in public healthcare, and healthcare without a contract, which means that it is more expensive and not reimbursed.
  • There are not many of the latter. Patients who go here have to pay the full costs themselves.
  • There is also virtually no difference in quality compared to public health care. However, waiting times are shorter.
  • If you plan to use private care, it is wise to take out good international health insurance.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Sweden?

  • The first care is provided by the family doctor and by nurses in health centres (vårdcentral).
  • There are few private practices in Sweden. You can go to a vårdcentral for medical advice. This is a medical centre where several doctors, therapists, specialists and nurses work together. In Sweden, you cannot choose a family doctor unless you have private insurance. Otherwise, you simply have to use the services of the local vårdcentral.
  • The waiting times in the medical centre are generally long.
  • To be able to visit a family doctor, Swedes pay a relatively small amount of their own. Swedes with a chronic condition can go to the hospital without payment, with a ceiling of a certain amount. They do not have to be referred by the family doctor, but can contact the specialist in question directly. To make an appointment, call your health center or a private clinic. You can see a doctor within 7 days, usually faster at a private clinic.

How is the dentist arranged in Sweden?

  • There are public and private dentists. Public dental practices are known as Folktandvarden.
  • Dental care under the public system is free up to the age of 23 years.
  • Adults receive an annual allowance for dental care and if you need special care you may be able to get it through the regional health authority.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Sweden?

  • The maternal and infant mortality rates are among the lowest in the world.
  • Giving birth is possible in public and private institutions. The difference is mainly in the cost and luxury.
  • Sweden has one of the best maternity leave schemes in the world. Women get 420 days per child, of which 390 days are paid at 80% of your salary. It can also be divided between both parents, or taken in part until the child is 8 years old.
  • Prenatal care and tests are free for Swedes and people with a personal number (personnummer).
  • From 18-20 weeks, you register with a midwifery practice (barnmorskemottagning) where you usually also get your first ultrasound scans. This may be the only scan, as long as you have a healthy baby.
  • The midwife comes about once a month as long as everything goes well.
  • When you are going to give birth, you contact a birth coordinator. This person will arrange everything for you so that you have a smooth birthing place.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Sweden?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Sweden?

  • Sweden is extremely safe. At most, you have to watch out for bears and moose in the wild.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Sweden?

  • There are few major health risks, but there are a number of things to keep in mind.
  • Due to the severe climate, winter-related health problems, such as winter depression, flu and even hypothermia, can occur more often. In forests and rural areas you may encounter ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease or TBE (tick-borne encephalitis).
  • Tap water is safe to drink and food safety standards are high.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Sweden?

  • Sweden has an excellent road network, even in rural areas.
  • Most roads are toll-free, except in Stockholm and Gothenburg, where congestion charges apply.
  • Snow and ice make winter tires mandatory between December and March. Bring snow chains when traveling to remote areas.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Speed ​​limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70-90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
  • Always drive with dipped headlights on, even during the day.
  • In rural areas, elk and deer can be dangerous, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Sweden has an excellent public transportation system with trains, buses and ferries. The country is also bicycle-friendly, with extensive cycle paths in cities.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Sweden?

  • Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Sweden if you are going to live there for a while?

  • For some visa applications, it is mandatory to show that you are insured (especially if you are from outside the EU). And although the Swedish health care system is very good, in recent years more people tend to go for private health care because of the shorter waiting times. As an expatriate, you can get by just fine with the local health care system, although private insurance provides full coverage and also coverage for things like medical repatriation to your home country.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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Activities abroad: home page

Activities abroad: home page

From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

      Activities abroad: for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

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      Sweden: Updates & Travel
      • Travel in Sweden?
      • Updates Sweden
      • Travel in Sweden?

        • Scandinavia is known for its beautiful nature, clean cities and wealth.  
        • Sweden is just the same.  
        • However, compared to Norway, Sweden is a lot flatter, with rolling landscapes wi...

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