Insurance Guide for Expats Moving to Sweden

Moving to Sweden from abroad introduces a range of insurance considerations that may differ significantly from what you're accustomed to. While Sweden's extensive social safety net covers many basic needs, private insurance remains essential for comprehensive protection. This guide will help you navigate the Swedish insurance landscape as a newly arrived expatriate.

Understanding the Swedish Insurance Framework

Before diving into specific insurance types, it's helpful to understand how the Swedish system functions compared to other countries:

Public vs. Private Coverage

Sweden operates on a dual system:

• Public safety net: Provides basic healthcare, pension, unemployment, and disability benefits for legal residents registered in the Swedish population registry (folkbokföring)
• Private insurance: Supplements the public system with additional coverage for property damage, liability, more comprehensive healthcare, and other specific needs

Registration and Eligibility

Your access to both public benefits and private insurance options depends on your residency status:

• EU/EEA citizens: Have right of residence and can access public benefits after registering with the Tax Agency (Skatteverket)
• Non-EU/EEA citizens: Typically need a residence permit before registering with the Tax Agency
• Temporary residents: May have limited access to public benefits and face restrictions with some private insurance options

Essential Insurance Types for Expatriates

1. Health Insurance

While Sweden provides public healthcare to registered residents, expats should consider their situation carefully:

If You Have a Personnummer

Once registered in the Swedish population registry, you have access to heavily subsidized public healthcare. However, you might still want:

• Private health insurance supplement: Provides faster access to specialists, private facilities, and additional services not fully covered by the public system
• Dental insurance: Adult dental care is only partially subsidized in Sweden and can be expensive

If You Don't Have a Personnummer Yet

During the waiting period before receiving your personnummer, you'll need:

• Comprehensive private health insurance: Essential for residence permit applications and to cover medical expenses before accessing the public system
• EU citizens: Can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary coverage but should consider additional private insurance

Recommended Providers for Expats

These insurers offer health policies specifically designed for expatriates in Sweden:

• Cigna Global
• Bupa Global
• Allianz Care
• For EU citizens, some local providers like Folksam and Trygg-Hansa offer transitional policies

2. Home Insurance (Hemförsäkring)

Home insurance is particularly important in Sweden and differs in several ways from other countries:

Comprehensive Coverage

Swedish home insurance typically includes:

• Property coverage (contents for renters, structure for homeowners)
• Liability insurance
• Legal protection
• Travel insurance (typically covering 45-60 days of international travel)
• Identity theft protection
• Crisis support

Expat Considerations

• Rental requirements: Many Swedish landlords and rental contracts require tenants to have home insurance
• Language barriers: Insurance documents are often only in Swedish
• Coverage for imported goods: Ensuring your belongings from abroad are properly valued and covered
• Temporary housing: Special policies for those in temporary accommodations

Expat-Friendly Providers

These companies offer more accessible options for newcomers to Sweden:

• Hedvig: Digital-first insurance with English-speaking service and app
• IF: Offers English documentation and customer service
• Länsförsäkringar: Has English-speaking staff in many urban locations

3. Car Insurance

If you plan to drive in Sweden, understanding car insurance requirements is essential:

Legal Requirements

At minimum, you must have third-party liability insurance (trafikförsäkring) for any vehicle registered in Sweden. This is legally mandatory and covers injuries to others and damage to other people's property.

Importing a Vehicle

If you're importing a vehicle to Sweden:

• You must obtain Swedish insurance before or immediately upon importing the vehicle
• The vehicle must pass a Swedish inspection (besiktning) before permanent registration
• You'll need to show proof of insurance to complete the registration process

No-Claims Bonus Transfer

Many Swedish insurers will recognize a no-claims history from abroad, potentially giving you a lower premium:

• Request a claims history letter from your previous insurer before leaving your home country
• The letter should specify how many claim-free years you've had
• Have it translated to English or Swedish if necessary

Winter Requirements

Swedish insurance policies may require winter tires during the mandated period (December 1 - March 31 or whenever winter conditions exist). Failure to use appropriate tires can affect your coverage if you have an accident.

4. Life and Income Protection Insurance

While Sweden provides basic social safety nets, expatriates should consider supplementary coverage:

Life Insurance

Swedish public benefits provide only minimal death benefits. Consider:

• Term life insurance to protect dependents
• Policies that cover repatriation of remains to your home country if desired
• Ensuring your policy is valid even if you later relocate from Sweden

Income Protection

Supplementary income protection is worthwhile because:

• Public sickness benefits cover only a portion of your income (typically around 80% up to a ceiling)
• As a newcomer, you may not have established full eligibility for public benefits
• Self-employed individuals need more comprehensive coverage

Navigating Insurance as a Non-Swedish Speaker

Language barriers can present challenges when obtaining insurance in Sweden:

English-Language Resources

• Digital-first insurers: Companies like Hedvig and Lassie offer fully English platforms
• International brokers: Marsh, Willis Towers Watson, and other global brokers have offices in Sweden with English-speaking staff
• Expat-focused agents: Some insurance agents specialize in serving the international community

Understanding Swedish Insurance Terms

Key terms to know when navigating insurance documents:

• Försäkring: Insurance
• Försäkringsbolag: Insurance company
• Försäkringsbrev: Insurance policy document
• Premie: Premium
• Självrisk: Deductible
• Skadeanmälan: Claim notification
• Ersättning: Compensation
• Villkor: Terms and conditions

Special Considerations for Different Expat Categories

EU/EEA Citizens

As an EU/EEA citizen, you benefit from:

• Right of residence without a specific residence permit
• Ability to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) initially
• Easier recognition of driving history and insurance records from your home country
• More flexible options for keeping existing insurance from your home country during transition

However, you should still register with the Tax Agency and obtain a personnummer as soon as possible to access the full range of insurance options.

Work Permit Holders

If you're in Sweden on a work permit:

• Your employer may provide certain insurance coverage (especially health insurance)
• Ask about gruppförsäkring (group insurance) options through your workplace
• Ensure you understand what's covered by your employer versus what you need to arrange personally
• Consider how insurance needs might change if you transition to permanent residency

Students

As an international student in Sweden:

• Check if your university offers insurance coverage (many do for exchange students)
• If studying for less than one year, you might need special temporary insurance
• Student unions often offer discounted insurance packages
• Ensure your coverage includes protection during internships or practical training

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

For those working remotely from Sweden:

• Standard Swedish insurance often requires a personnummer, which requires residency
• International health insurance with specific Sweden coverage is usually necessary
• Consider insurance that follows you across borders if you travel frequently
• Be aware of tax implications that might affect your insurance needs

Setting Up Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this process to establish proper insurance coverage when moving to Sweden:

Before Moving

1. Research requirements: Understand what insurance is needed for your visa/residence permit application
2. Obtain documentation: Get claims history letters, driving records, and other relevant documentation from current insurers
3. Arrange transition coverage: Ensure you have appropriate travel and health insurance for your arrival period
4. Check employer benefits: If relocating for work, clarify what insurance your employer provides

Upon Arrival

1. Register with authorities: Complete Tax Agency registration to obtain your personnummer as soon as possible
2. Prioritize critical coverage: Secure health and home insurance immediately
3. Compare options: Use comparison sites or insurance brokers to find the best deals
4. Consider package deals: Bundling multiple insurance types often provides discounts

After Settling In

1. Review and optimize: Reassess your insurance needs after 6-12 months
2. Join relevant membership organizations: Some unions and associations offer insurance benefits
3. Understand claim procedures: Familiarize yourself with how to file claims if needed
4. Plan for changes: Consider how major life events (family additions, property purchases) will affect your insurance needs

Common Challenges and Solutions

Expatriates often encounter these insurance-related difficulties when moving to Sweden:

Challenge: No Personnummer Yet

Solution: Look for insurers that offer policies specifically for newly arrived expats, such as:

• International providers with Swedish operations
• Niche insurers like Swedish Insurance Centre that specialize in expatriate coverage
• Digital insurers with more flexible identification requirements

Challenge: No Swedish Credit History

Solution:

• Be prepared to pay premiums upfront rather than monthly in some cases
• Provide additional documentation like employment contracts or bank statements
• Consider insurers that cater to international customers and have different verification processes

Challenge: Temporary Housing Situation

Solution:

• Look for flexible policies with short terms and transferability
• Consider contents-only insurance that can move with you
• Ask about policies specifically designed for people in transition

Challenge: Unclear What's Already Covered

Solution:

• Request written confirmation of any employer-provided coverage
• Contact Försäkringskassan (Swedish Social Insurance Agency) to understand your public benefits
• Consider consulting with an insurance advisor who specializes in expatriate situations

Conclusion: Securing Your Future in Sweden

Navigating insurance as an expatriate in Sweden requires understanding both the comprehensive public safety nets and the necessary private supplements. While the process may seem complex initially, establishing proper coverage provides invaluable security and peace of mind as you build your life in Sweden.

Remember these key points:

• Obtaining your personnummer opens up the full range of insurance options
• Swedish home insurance is particularly comprehensive and often required by landlords
• Transferring insurance history from your home country can save money
• Digital-first and international insurers often provide the best service for English speakers
• Regular reassessment of your coverage needs is important as your situation in Sweden evolves

By taking time to understand and properly arrange your insurance coverage, you're making an important investment in your security and well-being in your new Swedish home.