Waiting months for care? Sweden has a 0–3–90–90 care guarantee
The national care guarantee means same-day contact with primary care, a medical assessment within 3 days, a specialist appointment within 90 days if specialist care is needed, and treatment starting within another 90 days after the decision.
In Sweden, vårdgaranti sets maximum waiting times for several stages of planned care.
The national care guarantee means same-day contact with primary care, a medical assessment within 3 days, a specialist appointment within 90 days if specialist care is needed, and treatment starting within another 90 days after the decision.
What matters
- 0: primary-care contact the same day.
- 3: medical assessment within 3 days.
- 90: specialist appointment within 90 days when the need is accepted.
- 90: treatment starts within 90 days after the decision.
What to do
- Identify which stage is delayed.
- Contact your care provider or region and ask about vårdgaranti.
- If the region cannot meet the deadline, ask how alternative care will be arranged.
Important limitation
There are exceptions; the guarantee does not mean a right to demand a specific clinician or treatment method.
Official source
Information checked: 13 October 2026.