Make sure you are fully insured throughout your entire stay in Sweden. If your spouse/cohabitant and/or children accompany you to Sweden, they too need to make sure that they have sufficient insurances. Check this before arriving in Sweden.
As an employee at a university, you are generally covered by various kinds of insurances, both at work or on the way to your workplace, but also during business travels. Check with your department when you sign the contract.
Below you find information on Personal insurance, Insurances via the employer, Unemployment insurance and Home insurance.
EU citizens
◾Staying less than one year
EU/EEA citizens staying for less than a year are strongly advised to bring their European health insurance card, EHIC card. The card gives you the right to necessary health care to reduced costs. Also, check if you need a S1 certificate or a private health insurance.
If you come from another Nordic country, you can instead show an ID card and provide your home address.
◾Staying one year or longer
If you plan to stay in Sweden for at least one year, you must generally be entered into the Swedish population register. You do this by registering with the Swedish Tax Agency. Once you are registered in Sweden, you are entitled to healthcare under the same conditions as other residents in Sweden. This means that you pay the regular Swedish patient fee for medical care in the public healthcare system. You may also be entitled to different types of compensation and allowances from the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).
Non-EU citizens
◾Staying less than one year
If you are a non-EU citizen staying for less than a year, speak to your host at the University about the Insurance for foreign visitors (FUB). This insurance provides the following coverage: personal injury protection, medical and dental coverage, home transport, personal property coverage, third party liability and legal expenses. The insurance provides 24-hour coverage in Sweden and throughout the Schengen area if you have a Schengen visa.
◾Staying one year or longer
If you plan to stay in Sweden for at least one year, you must generally be entered into the Swedish population register. You do this by registering with the Swedish Tax Agency. Once you are registered in Sweden, you are entitled to healthcare under the same conditions as other residents of Sweden. This means that you pay the regular Swedish patient fee for medical care in the public healthcare system. You may also be entitled to different types of compensation and allowances from the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).
Financed by stipend (scholarship)
Note, for scholarship holders and for those financed by a stipend, other conditions apply than for those who have an employment. To clarify, a scholarship/stipend is not a salary, but keep in mind that you might still be entitled to some national health benefits just like every individual with a Swedish personal number and a valid visa/resident status living in Sweden.
The major difference compared with a salary is that a stipend holder does not pay taxes in Sweden. However, this means that not all the benefits included with a salary are provided to stipend holders. Please check insurance and working conditions with your host department or supervisor.
The university has a group life insurance scheme that comes into effect on your first day of employment. The Occupational Injury Insurance Act also insures you during working hours as well as for travel to or from work. When travelling on business you are covered by travel insurance. For further information – contact your host department/equiv.
Payouts of unemployment insurance take two forms, a basic benefit or an income-related benefit.
Unemployment insurance is not a part of the social insurance system in Sweden. Unemployment insurance is connected closely to the trade unions but is legally independent. When you start working in Sweden, investigate which unemployment insurance fund (widely known as A-Kassa) is available. Read more
In order to receive an income-based benefit, you must have been a member of a voluntary unemployment insurance fund (A-kassa) for 12 months and have worked (been employed) for at least six months. In addition, some trade unions offer additional insurance against loss of income.
Please note that being able to stay in Sweden while unemployed depends on your immigration status.
We recommend that you purchase home insurance policy (hemförsäkring) for the duration of your stay here. Many landlords also require that you have a home insurance. If anything is stolen from your residence, or if any property is damaged or lost during your stay, you are responsible for repair or replacement costs. In addition to personal property, home insurance should also cover liability, legal expenses and travel insurance. A home insurance policy is sold by most insurance companies in Sweden.
If you are in Sweden for a shorter period of time (less than one year), you will not receive a personal identity number. However, with a coordination number, some companies might be willing to help you with a policy. If you’re employed by a state university (a public authority) you’re covered by the Swedish State Group and Personal Insurance (GIF) during your time in Sweden. This insurance is available to for example foreign visitors, course participants, guest researchers, guest lecturers and accompanying family. The GIF-insurance covers personal property, liability, and accidents. Contact your host university before arriving in Sweden for more information.