The welfare state - security for all
Sweden is one of the world's most developed welfare societies. The welfare state means that the public sector (the state, the regions and the municipalities) takes responsibility for ensuring that all residents have access to basic services such as healthcare, education and financial security - financed through taxes.
Healthcare - the responsibility of the regions
Healthcare in Sweden is a regional responsibility. Sweden's 21 regions run hospitals, health centers and specialist care. Everyone who resides in Sweden has the right to healthcare at heavily subsidized prices.
- Care center (general practitioner): first contact; general practitioner (general practitioner); BVC and MVC
- Hospital care: emergency hospitals and university hospitals; referral is normally required from a health centre
- Emergency department (urgent): for urgent conditions without a referral
- Psychiatry: mental health care, addiction clinics
- Elderly care: geriatric special care
The patient fee is regulated. You normally pay SEK 100–350 per visit. The high cost protection means that if you pay more than a certain amount during 12 months, you will not have to pay more for the rest of the period. The limit is just over SEK 1,100 for healthcare visits.
Dental care
Dental care does not use the same cost protection as adult healthcare. Children and young people receive free dental care through the year they turn 19. From the year they turn 20, they generally pay for care but may receive national dental care support.
The school system – the municipalities' responsibility
Education in Sweden is free and compulsory for all children. The municipalities are responsible for preschool, primary school and upper secondary school. The state establishes curricula and national goals.
- Preschool (1–5 years): voluntary but subsidized; 15 hours/week free from 3 years (general preschool)
- Preschool class (6 years): bridge between preschool and elementary school; mandatory since 2018
- Primary school (ages 6–16): compulsory 9-year schooling; free; teaching materials, meals, school health care included
- Gymnasium (16–19 years): voluntary 3-year education; national and professional programs
- Komvux (municipal adult education): adults can complete grades and change careers
- College/university: free for Swedish and EU citizens; 35 universities in Sweden
Study support – CSN
CSN (Centrala studiestödsnämnden) administers the study support for university studies and adult education. The study aid consists of a grant part (which does not have to be repaid) and a loan (which is repaid with low interest after graduation).
The insurance fund and the social insurances
Försäkringskassan is the government authority that administers the Swedish social insurance system. It covers a large part of life - from the birth of the child to old age.
- Parental allowance: 480 days per child; can be shared between the parents; replaces 77.6% of income
- Child allowance: SEK 1,250/month per child under 16; no application requirement
- Sick pay: in case of illness that prevents work; requires medical certificate after 7 days
- Sickness allowance: for those who are permanently unable to work
- Housing allowance: financial support for families with children and young people with low income
- Assistance compensation: for people with disabilities who need personal assistance
Elderly care and home care
Elderly care in Sweden is a municipal responsibility. The municipality must offer support and care to the elderly who need it, either at home or in a nursing home.
- Home care: help in the home with personal care, cleaning, cooking
- Day activities: activities outside the home for the elderly with a need for social community
- Elderly residence (SÄBO): round-the-clock accommodation for those who cannot manage at home
- Dependent support: support and relief for relatives who take care of the elderly
LSS – disability support
LSS (The Act on support and service for certain disabled persons) guarantees the right to ten services for people with severe disabilities, including personal assistance, short-term accommodation and accommodation with special services.
The pension system
The Swedish pension system is made up of three parts which together provide security in old age:
- 1. Income pension (and premium pension): state pension based on lifetime income; approx. 18.5% of the salary is set aside each year
- 2. Occupational pension: the employer pays a pension in addition to the state pension; determined in collective agreements
- 3. Private savings: own pension savings; provides tax relief
- Guarantee pension: minimum level for those who worked little or never; replaces with approx. SEK 7,000–9,000/month
Income support – the last safety net
Maintenance support (formerly called social assistance) is the municipality's ultimate financial safety net. It is given to those who cannot make a living in any other way – when all other options (a-kassa, sickness benefit, pension, etc.) have been exhausted.