Emergency Care in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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 to Do If You Need Emergency Medical Care in Denmark
- 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.
Common Questions
What number do I call in a medical emergency in Denmark?
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies — ambulance, fire, or police. Ambulances are free. For non-life-threatening but urgent issues outside GP hours, call 1813 in the Capital Region or your region's equivalent medical helpline. They can arrange an appointment at an emergency clinic or dispatch an ambulance if needed. Don't hesitate to call 112 if in doubt.
Is emergency hospital treatment free in Denmark?
Yes. Public hospital akutmodtagelse (emergency departments) are open 24/7, and treatment is free for all residents. Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance or immigration status — the hospital treats first and sorts payment later. Bring your sundhedskort if possible, but treatment will not be refused without it. EU citizens should bring their EHIC.
Should I go straight to the emergency department in Denmark?
Not for non-urgent issues — call 1813 first for triage, or the ER may send you home if your issue isn't acute. Tourists and non-residents may receive a bill for non-emergency care. Emergency dental treatment is available through tandlægevagten (dental emergency service), which may involve a fee even for residents.
When does it apply — emergency care?
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 I do if I have a medical emergency or need urgent care outside GP hours in Denmark?
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 — emergency care?
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.