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An important step in ensuring that you have adequate health coverage during your stay in Denmark is to apply for a health insurance card. Obtaining one not only allows you to access quality medical services, but also gives you a sense of security in case of unforeseen health problems. Having this card is a prerequisite for being able to receive public health care on an equal footing with Danish residents. The process of obtaining it is simple, and by ensuring that we have the proper documentation, we can enjoy peace of mind and the certainty that we will receive the necessary medical attention if needed.
In order to access medical services in Denmark, it is recommended that you obtain a yellow card for the duration of your employment contract. In order to apply for this document, it is necessary to have a CPR number and provide proof of settlement of at least one salary earned from work in Denmark.
If you are not a resident of Denmark, but you want to access the health care system there, a special yellow health card will be appropriate, which will be sent to your designated address in Poland. With this document, you will be able to use the health system in Denmark on identical terms as Danish citizens, if necessary, without having to be registered in the Danish population register, as is the case with a yellow card sent to a Danish address. The yellow card serves a useful purpose when visiting hospitals, doctors, other medical professionals and pharmacies.
Obtaining a Danish CPR number (equivalent to a PESEL) from the SKAT tax office is the first step in applying for an insurance card. This number is crucial because it allows you to identify yourself in the health system and allows you to continue with the paperwork. Once you have it, you can proceed to apply to Udbetaling Danmark, the institution responsible for issuing insurance cards.
There are two main ways to apply for a yellow card. The first way is to apply online. To do so, fill out an electronic form, enter the required data, and then submit it. Although the issuance of the card itself is free of charge, in case of loss or damage you will need to pay a fee of DKK 220 for the issuance of a new copy. If you meet all the requirements, you will receive your card within 2-3 weeks. If you need to provide additional information or lack eligibility, the relevant information will be mailed to you within 3 weeks of submitting the form.
Alternatively, you can handle the matter in person at the office. To do this, prepare an employment contract and go to the nearest Kommune office. The temporary card can be issued on the spot or mailed to a pre-designated address. In most cases, the card is valid until the end of the employment contract, but it is possible to renew it for a further period to be determined by the Kommune office. Note that the card is different from the standard plastic card issued to Danish citizens and those with a registered address in Denmark.
Note that the procedure for applying for a yellow card may vary depending on what changes have occurred in local regulations and your individual situation. Before you proceed with the application, it is worth checking the latest information and to be absolutely sure that you meet all the requirements set by the relevant authorities.
If you decide to deal with the issue of obtaining a yellow card in person at the office, here are the key steps to take:
I. First, make sure you have all the required documents, such as a CPR (Central Register of Persons) number, a valid ID card, and documents proving legal residence and employment in Denmark.
II. The next step is to visit the local migration office, known as Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration (SIRI), or the municipality (Kommune) to apply on the spot.
III. The application form should be filled out with all relevant information, such as personal information, CPR number, address and details of residence and employment status.
IV. Attach to the application all required documents, which should prove your identity, residence status and employment in Denmark.
V. After completing and signing the form, submit it in person to the office. You can also send it by mail if it was filled out at home.
VI. Wait for a decision from the office. The waiting time is usually several weeks. After a positive decision, you will receive a yellow card that allows you to use public health care in Denmark.
VII. Wait for notification from the office that you can pick up the yellow card in person at a previously selected facility.
After the Danish authority approves your application for a yellow card, the document is then forwarded to the National Health Fund (NFZ) in Poland. As a result, you will gain access to medical services in Poland on the same terms as Polish citizens, and the cost of treatment will be covered by Denmark. As a result, you will not have to pay additional health insurance premiums in Poland. In case your wife, husband and children do not have health insurance in Poland, the yellow card may also cover your family. In this case, you will have to provide their data and address when you make a visit to the NFZ branch in Poland.
During a medical consultation or hospital visit in Denmark, you will need to present your yellow insurance card and your personal CPR number. Lack of a yellow card may result in being charged for such a visit. For those who are covered by the Danish health insurance system, but do not have a yellow card, it is possible to recover medical expenses after completing and submitting the appropriate forms.
The yellow health card, needed to obtain a MitID or NEM ID digital signature, has a maximum validity of 2 years. In some cases, it may be valid for a shorter period, such as until the end of a contract or the end of a calendar year. If you are anxious to renew the card, it should be done at the earliest one month before its expiration. Information about the need to renew the card will be sent to you by e-mail or mail.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is an EU document that confirms the right to free health care in EU or EFTA countries other than the country of residence. For Poles staying in Denmark, it allows access to essential medical services in public health facilities. Those who are insured with the Polish National Health Insurance Fund should obtain an EHIC before leaving for Denmark. It is thanks to this card that tourists and employees coming from other EU countries have the same rights to health care as Danish citizens, and are treated on the same basis.
A person with an EHIC card has the right to receive Danish medical care in the following situations:
- The treatment must be necessary to be carried out and in no way planned in advance. Its implementation must take place under identical conditions as for citizens of the country in which it takes place.
- However, in a situation where a visit to a doctor requires a fee, the patient is obliged to pay the corresponding amount. The provision of medical services should take place within the country's public health care system.
Who is eligible to apply for an EHIC card:
- Any citizen of the European Union.
- The family of a person insured under Denmark's national health system, including a life partner, spouse and children under 18.
- Non-EU citizens who are legally resident in the European Union and covered by national health insurance.
- Stateless persons.
- Recognized refugees.
Individuals covered by the national health insurance system in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland cannot use the EHIC card. The EHIC card is mainly for people traveling to other EU or EFTA member states, where it is valid under the public health system. In order to access health care, residents of these countries must rely on another form of health insurance or another appropriate document.
The EHIC card is issued individually for each person, which means that each family member must apply for a separate copy. It is not possible to obtain one common card for the entire family, even if its members are insured in the same health system. Each card is assigned to a specific person and contains the information necessary to receive health care in other EU and EFTA countries.
The period of validity of the EHIC card depends on the insured person's status and may vary depending on the situation. The card is granted for various terms, tailored to the individual needs of the person for whom it is issued. For pensioners who have reached retirement age, the card is valid for 20 years. On the other hand, those who have not yet reached retirement age and underage Polish citizens are issued a card for 5 years. For adults who receive a pension, are studying, studying, are family members or have their own insurance entitlements, the EHIC card is valid for 18 months. Those who are employed on a contract, receiving benefits or pre-retirement benefits receive the card for three years. Uninsured persons, such as pregnant women or refugees residing in Poland and receiving NFZ benefits, can receive a card valid for 6 months. Postpartum women who are Polish citizens and reside in the country have a card valid for 42 days. Underage family members who receive pensions or have their own insurance entitlements receive a card until they turn 18. Registered unemployed or insured persons who do not fall into the above categories can apply for an EHIC card valid for 2 months.
The validity period of the EHIC card, issued by the National Health Service, depends on the insured's status. Therefore, before a planned trip, it is worth verifying whether the current card is still valid. If it turns out that the card has expired, it is necessary to apply for a new copy as soon as possible.
In order to obtain an EHIC card, you need to contact the institution responsible for health insurance, which covers the cost of treatment. The process of obtaining an EHIC card is very simple and involves filling out and submitting the appropriate application. You can do it in person at a branch of the National Health Insurance Fund or use the option of submitting an application online.
Obtaining an EHIC card is free and requires only a few formalities. There are several methods to get the card:
I. You can fill out the form via ePUAP or the Internet Patient Account (IKP), and then pick up the card in person or have it mailed to you.
II. Alternatively, it is possible to download the form from the NFZ website, fill it out and mail it to the NFZ, from where the card will be delivered by mail.
III. Another option is to visit the NFZ branch or its delegation in person, where you can fill out the application directly and receive the card right away.
IV. It is also possible to fill out an electronic application, but this option applies only to EHIC cards intended for work-related trips.
The waiting time for issuing an EHIC card varies depending on the method of application chosen. When the application is submitted in person, the card can be issued almost immediately. On the other hand, when choosing another form of application, the waiting time can extend up to 2 weeks.
In Denmark, an EHIC card held by a non-EU citizen can only be used if it meets one of the following conditions:
- If the person is a family member of an insured person in the European Union.
- If he or she has resident status in one of the Scandinavian countries, such as Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden.
- When he or she is considered stateless under the 1954 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.
- When he or she meets the conditions of a refugee under the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Tourists from European Union countries, including Poland, are entitled to free health care in Denmark on the basis of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as long as the local doctor deems the treatment necessary in the context of their condition and planned stay. It is the local doctor who decides what medical services are considered necessary, taking into account the patient's symptoms and needs.
The use of the EHIC card in Denmark carries certain limitations. Keep in mind that some medical services that are free in Poland may incur additional costs in Denmark. The National Health Service does not cover these expenses, so it is important to familiarize yourself with local regulations and health care rules. If you have any doubts, it's also a good idea to consult the NFZ to see which services are covered by the EHIC card and what differences there may be in the coverage of medical expenses.
Services not covered by the Blue Health Insurance Card include the following:
- Costs of rescue operations in EU/EFTA countries. In case of high risk, for example during extreme sports, it is advisable to find out in advance how the services provide assistance and to purchase additional insurance that can cover possible costs in case of need.
- The card also does not cover expenses for returning to the country in case of sudden illness or deterioration of health.
In Denmark, the use of the EHIC card provides free healthcare, which includes general, specialized and hospital treatment. However, certain costs must be covered on your own. Costs related to medical return transportation to Poland are not reimbursed. Dentures and crowns must be paid for at one time, without reimbursement. For preventive dental treatment, adults can expect a partial reimbursement of 40%, while it is 65% for young people under 26. As for drug reimbursement, adults can only claim reimbursement when annual drug expenses exceed 925 kroner, with reimbursement options of 50%, 75% or 85%. When annual drug expenses are less than 925 kroner, reimbursement is only available for children's drugs, at 60% of the cost.
If you have paid all your medical expenses, you have the option to apply for reimbursement through the public health service. To do so, you should contact the local municipality (kommune) where you currently reside. There you can get detailed information on the procedure for recovering these expenses and reimbursement.
You will need to provide the original receipts, prescriptions and referrals you received to start the reimbursement procedure. You should also provide your EHIC card and provide details such as your IBAN account number and SWIFT/BIC code. If you are unable to file a claim for reimbursement during your stay in Denmark, you still have the option of contacting your insurer once you have returned to your home country.
Putting the EHIC card and travel insurance together, there are several important differences:
- The EHIC card, which is issued free of charge by the National Health Service, is different from travel insurance, which requires you to pay a premium when you buy it. Nevertheless, travel insurance is relatively inexpensive, costing only a few zlotys per day.
- The insurance policy usually provides broader coverage compared to the EHIC card.
- Exclusions of liability, i.e. situations in which the insurer may refuse to cover medical expenses, can be a significant problem.
In Denmark, people who have a CPR number and a local address, but live in another country, receive a special Health Insurance Card. This card, also known as Særlige sundhedskort (formerly det gule sygesikringsbevis), allows people to receive medical services on the same basis as those registered in Denmark, even though they are not officially registered in Denmark. This document confirms that you have health insurance and provides access to medical services at no extra charge.
Having a særlige sundhedskort card is important for anyone employed in Denmark who is not registered there. Employees working in Denmark who travel to Poland at the same time should also apply for this card.
It is worth remembering that the application procedure for the Særlige Sundhedskort card may vary depending on your individual situation and local requirements, which may change over time. However, before you begin your application, it is recommended that you carefully check the latest information and make sure you meet all the required criteria.
Based on the application submitted, Udbetaling Danmark will issue a special insurance card free of charge. Applicants who have a NemID can apply electronically via Digital Post.
To obtain a Særlige Sundhedskort (Special Health Card) in Denmark, follow the steps below:
- Start by gathering all the required documents, which include, but are not limited to, proof of employment in Denmark, a valid identity document and the legal basis for residency.
- Next, you need to get an application form, which you can do through Udbetaling Danmark's website or by visiting their office in person.
- Fill out the form with the necessary details, such as personal information, your CPR (Central Person Register) number and details of your employment or residence status in Denmark.
- Attach to the application all necessary documents proving your identity, residence status and employment in Denmark.
- After completing the form and attaching the documents, submit the application in person at the Udbetaling Danmark office or submit it electronically.
- Wait for a decision after submitting your application. The application process can take up to several weeks.
- Once your application is successful, you will obtain a Danish Særlige Sundhedskort card, which will give you the opportunity to receive Danish health care under the same rules as Danish citizens.
The card is usually sent after a 2-3 week wait. Its validity is a maximum of 2 years.
The særlige sundhedskort card can also be used by seafarers employed on Danish-flagged ships and by family members of employees who are employed and resident in Denmark. In contrast, people who are residents of another EEA country, even though their families work in Denmark, are not eligible for this card.
When a person working in Denmark is registered in the local population registry, their special insurance card is exchanged for a standard yellow card, det almindelige gule sundhedskort.
It is necessary to carry this card with you at all times, both digitally on your phone and in paper form. It should be presented at health care facilities, such as family doctors, psychological offices or dental offices.
In Denmark, health care is a basic right for both permanent residents and those who are there legally, such as through work. Those who are employed in Denmark during the course of their employment contract have the right to take advantage of basic medical care, which includes assistance in the event of an emergency, such as an accident or illness.
Preparing the required documents digitally before starting the paperwork is something you should definitely do. This can be done, for example, by scanning the documents in the traditional way or taking photos of them with a cell phone and then saving them on a computer or in the cloud in the format required for the application.
There is no need to send all the documents you obtained as part of your stay and work in Denmark. You only need to send a health insurance form or an EHIC card, if you have one. If you have only one of these documents, you do not need to send the decision or the A1 social security legislation certificate. The A1 document indicates the country in which you are covered by the social security system. If you are working in Denmark on behalf of a foreign employer, you can apply for an A1 certificate in your country of residence. If you work in more than one country at the same time, you should contact Udbetaling Danmark, which handles international social security.
If you are an adult who moved to Denmark after you turned 18, you will need to provide information regarding your health insurance and your country of origin, provided you meet one of the following criteria:
1. Your place of residence before coming to Denmark was in one of the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
2. You are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Similar requirements also apply to Danish citizens who have moved to Denmark from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
When completing the “Information on country of health insurance” form, you may be asked to attach additional documents, especially in the following situations:
- If you have been posted to Denmark from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- When you are a student from abroad.
- If you plan to work in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- If you are receiving unemployment benefits that come from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- If you receive other benefits, such as sickness, maternity or pre-retirement benefits, from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- If you are a pensioner receiving a pension exclusively from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
Even if you don't have all the required documents, you should still provide information about your health insurance country. In order to determine which country is to cover the costs of using the Danish health care system, Udbetaling Danmark must receive the relevant information. In some cases, according to European Union regulations, these expenses may be financed by another European country, known as your health insurance country, instead of Denmark. If you do not have complete documentation, you can provide it later by sending it to: Kongens Vænge 8, 3400 Hillerød.
Children under the age of 15 are automatically covered by health insurance, which is shared with their parents. Once they reach age 15, children switch to separate health insurance, independent of that of their parents.
Planning to stay in Denmark and want to take care of your health? Take advantage of our services that will help you obtain the necessary health care coverage. We will help you with the process of obtaining a yellow health card, explain how to use the EHIC card, and advise you on the Danish Særlige Sundhedskort card. We'll make it easy for you to figure out your health insurance in Denmark and take care of your health and safety.