Free Public Healthcare 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?
Denmark provides universal, tax-funded healthcare to all residents:
- GP (praktiserende læge): Every resident is assigned a GP — consultations are free of charge. You choose your GP when you register for a health card (sundhedskort).
- Hospital care: All hospital treatment — emergency, planned, inpatient, and outpatient — is free.
- Specialist referrals: Your GP refers you to specialists — specialist treatment through the public system is free.
- Partial coverage: Some services require co-payment — dental care for adults, prescription medicines (with a progressive subsidy), physiotherapy, and psychology.
- Prescription medicine subsidy (medicintilskud): The government subsidises medicines progressively — the more you spend per year, the higher the subsidy (up to 85 % for annual spending above DKK 4,055 (2025 threshold)).
When does it apply?
- You are a resident of Denmark with a CPR number and health card (sundhedskort/gult kort).
- EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are covered for necessary treatment during temporary stays.
What to Do If You Cannot Access Free Healthcare in Denmark
- Register with a GP through borger.dk — you can change GP with 2 months' notice.
- Carry your health card (or the digital version in the Sundhedskort app) to all appointments.
- For prescription medicines, the subsidy is applied automatically at the pharmacy.
- If your medicine costs are very high, apply for kronikertilskud (chronic illness subsidy) through your municipality.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't skip registering for a GP — without one, you cannot access the referral pathway for free specialist care.
- Don't assume dental care is free for all adults — it is free for children and young adults under 22, but adults 22+ must pay with a partial public subsidy.
- Don't go directly to a specialist without a GP referral — you may be charged the full cost.
Common Questions
Is healthcare free in Denmark?
Denmark provides universal, tax-funded healthcare. GP consultations, hospital treatment (emergency, planned, inpatient, outpatient), and specialist referrals are free. Some services require co-payment: adult dental care, prescription medicines (with progressive subsidy), physiotherapy, and psychology. EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are covered for necessary treatment during temporary stays.
How do I register with a GP in Denmark?
Register through borger.dk once you have a CPR number and sundhedskort (health card). You choose your GP when you register, and you can change GP with 2 months' notice. Carry your sundhedskort — or the digital version in the Sundhedskort app — to appointments. Without a GP, you cannot access the free referral pathway for specialist care.
Are prescription medicines free in Denmark?
No, but the government subsidises them progressively — the more you spend per year, the higher the subsidy, up to 85 percent for annual spending above DKK 4,055 (2025 threshold). The subsidy is applied automatically at the pharmacy. If your medicine costs are very high, apply for kronikertilskud (chronic illness subsidy) through your municipality.
When does it apply — free public healthcare?
You are a resident of Denmark with a CPR number and health card (sundhedskort/gult kort).EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are covered for necessary treatment during temporary stays.
What should I do if I am a resident in Denmark and cannot get a GP or access free healthcare?
Register with a GP through borger.dk — you can change GP with 2 months' notice.Carry your health card (or the digital version in the Sundhedskort app) to all appointments.For prescription medicines, the subsidy is applied automatically at the pharmacy.If your medicine costs are very high, apply for kronikertilskud (chronic illness subsidy) through your municipality.
What should you NOT do — free public healthcare?
Don't skip registering for a GP — without one, you cannot access the referral pathway for free specialist care.Don't assume dental care is free for all adults — it is free for children and young adults under 22, but adults 22+ must pay with a partial public subsidy.Don't go directly to a specialist without a GP referral — you may be charged the full cost.