Waiting Time Guarantees
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?
Denmark has statutory waiting time guarantees to ensure timely treatment:
- 30-day treatment guarantee (udvidet frit sygehusvalg): If the public hospital cannot offer treatment within 30 days of referral, you have the right to be treated at a private hospital at public expense.
- Cancer and heart disease: Maximum waiting times are set by national clinical guidelines (pakkeforløb) — for suspected cancer, diagnostics must begin within days of referral.
- Psychiatric treatment: A separate waiting time guarantee applies — children and adolescents have a 30-day guarantee for psychiatric assessment.
- Free hospital choice (frit sygehusvalg): You can choose to be treated at any public hospital in Denmark, regardless of your region.
When does it apply?
- You have been referred for hospital treatment by your GP or specialist.
- The public hospital has waiting times exceeding 30 days.
What should you do?
- Ask the hospital about waiting times when you receive your appointment — they must inform you if the 30-day guarantee applies.
- If waiting times exceed 30 days, ask to be referred to a private hospital under the extended free choice scheme.
- Check venteinfo.dk to compare waiting times across hospitals.
- For cancer, ensure you are placed in a pakkeforløb (fast-track care pathway) immediately.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept a long wait without asking about alternatives — the hospital is obligated to inform you of your right to choose another provider.
- Don't assume the 30-day guarantee applies to all conditions — some treatments are excluded (e.g., certain non-urgent procedures during capacity crises).
- Don't confuse the waiting guarantee with emergency care — emergencies are treated immediately regardless.
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