Emergency Care
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance.
Danish National Law
What is this right?
Emergency healthcare in Denmark is free and accessible to everyone:
- Emergency number (112): Call 112 for ambulance, fire, or police. Ambulances are free.
- Akutmodtagelse (emergency department): Public hospitals have emergency departments open 24/7 — treatment is free for all residents.
- Non-residents: Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance or immigration status — the hospital will treat first and sort payment later.
- 1813 (Regional medical helpline): In the Capital Region and other regions, call 1813 for after-hours non-emergency medical advice. They can arrange an appointment at an emergency clinic or send an ambulance if needed.
- Dental emergency: Emergency dental treatment is available through tandlægevagten (dental emergency service) — this may involve a fee.
When does it apply?
- You have a medical emergency — severe injury, chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, serious allergic reaction.
- You need medical advice outside GP hours (evenings, nights, weekends).
What should you do?
- Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies — an ambulance will be dispatched.
- For non-life-threatening but urgent issues outside GP hours, call 1813 (or your region's medical helpline).
- Bring your health card (sundhedskort) if possible, but treatment will not be refused without it.
- If you are an EU citizen, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't go to the emergency department for non-urgent issues — call 1813 first for triage. The ER may send you home if your issue is not acute.
- Don't hesitate to call 112 if in doubt — the dispatcher will assess the situation and send help if needed.
- Don't assume you'll be billed as a resident — tourists and non-residents may receive a bill for non-emergency care.
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