Health, vaccinations and medical care in Denmark

Getting seen

• 112 for an emergency. Ambulances are excellent and free.
• In the Capital Region and Zealand, call 1813 first for anything urgent but not life-threatening. They assess you, book you in and tell you where to go - turning up at an emergency room unannounced gets you sent away.
• Elsewhere in the country, each region has its own out-of-hours number (laegevagten), and your accommodation will have it.
• Emergency treatment is free to everyone, including visitors, in a genuine emergency.
• EU and UK visitors are covered for necessary treatment with an EHIC or GHIC card. Bring it.

Insurance anyway

• Insurance still matters for repatriation, for cancellation and for anything that is not classed as necessary treatment.
• Dental care is not free for anyone, residents included, and is expensive.
• Prescriptions cost money but are not extortionate.

Pharmacies

• Apotek is the pharmacy and pharmacists speak English and give good advice.
• Fewer things are sold over the counter than in southern Europe. Even strong painkillers are restricted, and pack sizes are small.
• Every city has a 24-hour pharmacy; in Copenhagen it is Steno Apotek by the Central Station.

Everyday health

• Tap water is among the best in the world. Drink it and refill everywhere.
• Food hygiene is excellent and inspection smileys are displayed in every food business - a frowning face in the window means what it looks like.
• The dark winter affects people. If you are here in January, get outside in the middle of the day.
• Ticks carry borreliosis in forested areas in summer; check yourself after walking in long grass.
• Nothing exotic is required and no vaccinations beyond your normal ones.