🇩🇰 Denmark Healthcare Guide
Denmark's healthcare system is tax-funded and high quality, with EHIC covering EU visitors, but it's built around the GP gatekeeper model — you cannot see a specialist or access hospital outpatient care without a referral. For urgent non-emergency issues, the medical helpline 1813 triages and directs you, which is worth saving in your phone before you arrive.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $80 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: Yes
- Language barrier: low
Healthcare overview
Denmark’s public healthcare is excellent but expensive for visitors without EHIC coverage: a GP consultation runs DKK 400–600 ($55–85) without it. EHIC holders access the public system free at point of care. Copenhagen’s Rigshospitalet is one of Northern Europe’s top university hospitals. GP visits work by appointment only through a designated læge, but the 1813 medical helpline (Region Hovedstaden) triages non-emergency cases around the clock.
The 1813 helpline
In the Capital Region, call 1813 for non-emergency medical guidance. They triage and can book same-day appointments at an on-call GP.
High cost without EHIC
Non-EHIC visitors pay full price at Danish GPs and hospitals. A single consultation can cost DKK 400–600.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Danish pharmacies (apotek) are well-regulated and carry all standard European medications, but prices are high. Many medications that are OTC elsewhere in Europe require a prescription in Denmark, including some antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Carry your full supply and check Danish regulations for any medication you use regularly.
Prescription requirements
Denmark’s prescription rules are stricter than much of Europe. Check whether your regular medications need a Danish prescription before travelling.
Tips for travellers
Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen and Aarhus University Hospital are Denmark’s main specialist referral centres for chronic conditions. EHIC holders access specialists through the public system, but referral wait times can extend to several weeks. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible in English or Danish helps specialists review your case before your appointment.
Specialist referral waits
Public specialist appointments can take 2–6 weeks. For faster access, private clinics like Privathospitalet Danmark offer direct bookings.