Travelling in Europe? Sweden’s free EU card can reduce healthcare costs

The European Health Insurance Card (EU card) gives access to medically necessary public healthcare during temporary stays in the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK on the same terms as people insured there.

In Sweden, the European Health Insurance Card is free, and each family member needs their own card.

The European Health Insurance Card (EU card) gives access to medically necessary public healthcare during temporary stays in the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK on the same terms as people insured there.

What matters

• The card is free and normally valid for 3 years.
• Each person, including children, needs their own card.
• Delivery can take up to 10 days.
• The card does not replace travel insurance or cover repatriation.

What to do

1. Order the card from Försäkringskassan before travelling.
2. Order one card for each family member.
3. Carry the card and keep separate travel-insurance details.

Important limitation

It covers medically necessary care under local public-system rules, not any private treatment you choose.

Official source

Försäkringskassan

Information checked: 13 October 2026.