"Chronic" Disease Medical Care in Sweden

[Suzanne]

I have had thyroid disease since age 6 and Type II diabetes for nearly a year. I take daily medication for both. Is it difficult to get appointments and refills for my medications in Sweden?

I'm almost wondering if I should keep my insurance in the states when I move next year. I'm a little nervous as my sweetie has had some difficulty getting medical attention in his community for non-emergency things.

Is there anyone with any experience on this?

Thanks!

[Carolyn]

Suzanne,

I do know of several people who came to Sweden with pre-existing conditions, some of them quite serious, and as far as I know, they are continuing to get their necessary medications.

I think what I would say is that come with your maximum supply and your medical records, and as soon as you get here, make an appointment with your local vårdcentral so that you can get down there and get your records established and your needs as well. If it's a non-emergency situation, yes, depending on where you are, it CAN take quite a while to get the appointment, especially during the summer months, but as far as I know, people who have ongoing medical needs are not turned away and very few of them die in the street for lack of help.

And I think one real pleasant surprise is going to be what your medical costs are going to be for your meds. After you pay about 1,800 SEK in a calendar year ($250 bucks at the current rate of exchange), you are going to see a dramatic decrease in your medical expenses. It may even be less at this point, but you're not going to find yourself bankrupt or going without meds because of the cost here. Just make sure that the first time you go to apoteket to fill a prescription, either you or your SO ask for your prescription card and then present it every time you get meds and once you reach the limit, you're no longer out of pocket.

[Sabeine]

I can attest to after you have reached the limit that Carolyn mentioned (in a calender year) then the meds are free after that, or next to free, maybe only a buck or two depending on the kommun you live in.

I don't think the medical care here is bad. I've had pretty good experiences in the 5 times I've been since moving here. True, non emergency conditions can take some time to get an appt, but if you have something like diabetes, they wouldn't make you wait to get help.

[Pam]

Hi Suzanne,
I'm type II Diabetic also. I was a little worried about that too and asked my doctor in America to let me have double my regular prescription, which he did. When I got here I called (had my guy call) the local doctors' office and tell them I was Diabetic and needed medication. They saw me that day. They took blood and urine tests, asked me what I took back home and filled it. If you use a glucometer they are different here and use different papers. I think I got mine with papers and finger pricking thingies for $12.
An example of the price, after you pay your yearly maximum.....I just got a three month supply of Metformin (generic Glucophage) along with a three month supply of another medication for about $15.