Emergency Care in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 available to everyone:
- Emergency number (112): Call 112 for an ambulance, fire service or police. Ambulance transport is free.
- Emergency department: Public hospitals have emergency departments open around the clock — treatment is free for all residents.
- Non-residents: Emergency help is provided regardless of insurance or residence status — the hospital treats first and settles afterwards.
- 1813 (regional out-of-hours service): In the Capital Region and other regions you can call 1813 for non-emergency medical help outside your GP's opening hours. They can refer you to an acute clinic or send an ambulance if necessary.
- Emergency dental care: Emergency dental help is available via the dental on-call service — this may involve a fee.
When does it apply?
- You have a medical emergency — serious injury, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms or a serious allergic reaction.
- You need medical help outside your GP's opening hours (evening, night or weekend).
What to do if you need emergency medical help in Denmark
- Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies — an ambulance is dispatched.
- For non-life-threatening but urgent problems outside your GP's opening hours, call 1813 (or your region's out-of-hours service).
- Bring your health card if possible, but treatment will not be refused without it.
- If you are an EU citizen, bring your blue health insurance card (EHIC).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't go to the emergency department for non-urgent problems — call 1813 first for triage. The emergency department can send you home if your problem is not urgent.
- Don't hesitate to call 112 if in doubt — the emergency dispatch centre assesses the situation and sends help if needed.
- Don't assume you are billed as a resident — tourists and non-residents can be charged for non-emergency treatment.
About Healthcare Rights in Denmark
Denmark's healthcare system is universal and tax-funded under Sundhedsloven (the Health Act) and is run by the five regions. Your health card (sygesikringsbevis / yellow card) covers GP visits, hospital treatment, referral to a specialist and emergency help with no out-of-pocket cost. You have the right to informed consent, to refuse treatment and to access your records. If the public system cannot offer treatment within 30 days, you can choose a private hospital or another region at public expense. Injuries following treatment are covered on a strict-liability basis via Patienterstatningen (the Patient Compensation Association). Psychiatric treatment is governed by Psykiatriloven (the Mental Health Act).
Common Questions
What number do I call for a medical emergency in Denmark?
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies — ambulance, fire service or police. Ambulance transport is free. For non-life-threatening but urgent problems outside your GP's opening hours, call 1813 in the Capital Region or your region's equivalent out-of-hours service. They can refer you to an acute clinic or send an ambulance if necessary. Don't hesitate to call 112 if in doubt.
Is emergency hospital treatment free in Denmark?
Yes. Public hospital emergency departments are open around the clock, and treatment is free for all residents. Emergency help is provided regardless of insurance or residence status — the hospital treats first and settles afterwards. Bring your health card 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 problems — call 1813 first for triage, otherwise the emergency department can send you home if your problem is not urgent. Tourists and non-residents can be charged for non-emergency treatment. Emergency dental help is available via the dental on-call service, which may also involve a fee — including for residents.
What is the emergency care right in Denmark?
Emergency healthcare in Denmark is free and available to everyone:Emergency number (112): Call 112 for an ambulance, fire service or police. Ambulance transport is free.Emergency department: Public hospitals have emergency departments open around the clock — treatment is free for all residents.Non-residents: Emergency help is provided regardless of insurance or residence status — the hospital treats first and settles afterwards.1813 (regional out-of-hours service): In the Capital Region and other regions you can call 1813 for non-emergency medical help outside your GP's opening hours. They...
When does it apply — emergency care?
You have a medical emergency — serious injury, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms or a serious allergic reaction.You need medical help outside your GP's opening hours (evening, night or weekend).
What should I do if I have a medical emergency or need urgent help outside my GP's hours in Denmark?
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies — an ambulance is dispatched.For non-life-threatening but urgent problems outside your GP's opening hours, call 1813 (or your region's out-of-hours service).Bring your health card if possible, but treatment will not be refused without it.If you are an EU citizen, bring your blue health insurance card (EHIC).
What should you NOT do — emergency care?
Don't go to the emergency department for non-urgent problems — call 1813 first for triage. The emergency department can send you home if your problem is not urgent.Don't hesitate to call 112 if in doubt — the emergency dispatch centre assesses the situation and sends help if needed.Don't assume you are billed as a resident — tourists and non-residents can be charged for non-emergency treatment.