Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in Denmark: A Comprehensive Guide
- connectcosmic365
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 27
The Journey of Anya: Her Dream of Studying in Denmark
Anya, a talented student from India, had always been fascinated by Denmark. The country’s commitment to innovation, education, and its reputation for being one of the happiest places in the world made it her top destination for pursuing a degree in engineering. After receiving her acceptance letter from a prestigious Danish university, Anya was overjoyed. But as she started preparing for her studies, one thing puzzled her: the health insurance requirements.
Like many international students, Anya had questions. “Do I need health insurance in Denmark?” “What kind of coverage is required?” “How can I apply for it?” If you’re in the same boat, don't worry. This blog will take you through Denmark’s health insurance requirements for international students, help you understand how the system works, and show you how UniGo Education, a premier career counselling consultancy, can help you along the way.
Why is Health Insurance Important in Denmark?
Denmark’s healthcare system is known for being one of the best in the world. Healthcare is publicly funded, meaning that Danish citizens, and many international students, have access to free medical services. However, navigating this system can be tricky if you're unfamiliar with it, especially if you're coming from a country where health insurance operates differently.
For Anya, understanding the importance of healthcare while studying abroad was crucial. While she had never needed much medical care back home, she knew that in a foreign country, things could change. Getting the right health insurance in place would mean peace of mind, knowing that any potential health issues would be covered.
Health Insurance Options for International Students in Denmark
As an international student in Denmark, your health insurance requirements depend on whether you’re from an EU/EEA country or a non-EU/EEA country. Here’s how it works:
1. For EU/EEA Students
If you're a student from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you're eligible to receive healthcare through Denmark’s public healthcare system, but there’s a catch: you must bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country. This card provides access to healthcare services on the same terms as Danish residents.
For instance, if Anya had been an EU citizen, she would have been able to visit doctors, hospitals, and access emergency services without worrying about high costs, provided she carried her EHIC. This card is essential for EU students studying for less than a year in Denmark.
2. For Non-EU/EEA Students
If you’re like Anya, coming from a non-EU/EEA country, the healthcare requirements are slightly different but still manageable. International students who plan to study in Denmark for more than three months must apply for a Danish CPR number (Civil Registration Number). Once you have this number, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Denmark’s public healthcare system, granting you access to free healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency treatments.
However, it’s important to note that this coverage only begins once you’ve registered with the system and received your CPR number, which may take a few weeks. During this waiting period, it’s essential to have private health insurance that covers you for medical emergencies. For Anya, this meant arranging temporary insurance before she left India to ensure she had coverage during her initial days in Denmark.
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What Does Denmark’s Public Health Insurance Cover?
Once you’re registered in the Danish healthcare system, you’ll receive a yellow health card with your CPR number. This card is your key to healthcare in Denmark. Here’s what it covers:
General Practitioner (GP) Visits:
You can choose a GP, and visits to them are fully covered.
Hospital Treatments:
Emergency treatments, surgeries, and hospital stays are covered under the public healthcare system.
Specialist Visits:
If referred by your GP, you can visit specialists free of charge.
Emergency Services:
Ambulance rides and emergency room visits are also covered.
However, dental care and prescription medications are not fully covered by public insurance. You may need to pay for some or all of these services out of pocket, or get supplementary private insurance to cover these additional costs. Anya, for example, opted for extra coverage for dental care as it was not included in her public insurance.
How to Apply for Health Insurance in Denmark?
Anya found the process of getting health insurance in Denmark to be relatively straightforward once she knew the steps. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Apply for a Residence Permit
First, make sure you have your residence permit to stay in Denmark for more than three months. Once you have that, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Register for a CPR Number
Upon arrival in Denmark, register your address at the local Citizen Service Office (Borger service) to obtain your CPR number. This number is essential for accessing public healthcare and other services in Denmark.
3. Receive Your Yellow Health Card
After registering, you’ll receive a yellow health card with your CPR number. Carry this card with you at all times as it’s your access to the healthcare system.
4. Get Temporary Private Insurance:
Remember, public healthcare only starts after you get your CPR number. So, ensure you have private insurance to cover any emergencies during your first few weeks in Denmark.
How UniGo Education Can Help You?
Understanding Denmark’s healthcare system and ensuring you meet all the requirements can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with the complexities of moving to a new country. This is where UniGo Education, a premier career counselling consultancy, can step in to make your journey easier.
UniGo Education offers tailored guidance to international students, helping you navigate the often confusing world of health insurance and visa requirements. Whether you need assistance in understanding Danish healthcare, applying for your CPR number, or arranging temporary private insurance, UniGo Education's expert counsellors are there to provide support every step of the way.
For Anya, partnering with UniGo Education meant that her entire process, from securing her residence permit to setting up her health insurance, was seamless. UniGo Education's team ensured that she had the right documentation and made informed decisions, helping her focus on her studies rather than the technicalities of health insurance.
Are you ready to explore the exciting career paths available at Danish universities?
Contact us today at +91 - 70650 11173 for personalized guidance and support.
Let's start your journey toward a unique and rewarding career.
Book a Consultation with Certified Career Counsellors: Click Here
Final Thoughts:
Be Prepared Like Anya
Anya’s journey to Denmark ended with her feeling confident, knowing that she was well-prepared with both public and private health insurance in place. Like Anya, every international student heading to Denmark should take the time to understand the healthcare system and ensure that they are properly covered.
Remember, health insurance is not just a visa requirement—it’s your safety net while you’re abroad. With the right knowledge and guidance from trusted experts like UniGo Education, you can focus on making the most of your academic journey in Denmark, while staying protected and healthy.
