Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Denmark
- CPR number + yellow card (sundhedskort) = your gateway to free public healthcare.
- Group 1 membership (default): assigned GP who refers you to specialists. Group 2: choose any GP but pay more.
- Public healthcare is excellent but SLOW—specialist wait times of 2-6 months are normal.
- Private insurance (sundhedsforsikring) increasingly popular for skipping queues—many employers provide it.
- One of world's highest tax rates funds comprehensive coverage—but dental is NOT included for adults.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Denmark?
Denmark doesn't require health insurance for visas—the tax-funded system covers all legal residents. You need a CPR number (personal registration) to access public healthcare. After registering at your local municipality (kommune), you'll receive a yellow card (sundhedskort) in 2-4 weeks. EU citizens can use EHIC initially. Private insurance is optional but increasingly common for avoiding wait times.
You likely need private insurance if:
- New arrivals before CPR number arrives (2-4 week gap)—no public access without yellow card
- Anyone wanting faster specialist access—public wait times can be months
- Adults needing dental care—not covered by public system
- Self-employed wanting comprehensive sick pay beyond public minimums
- Expats who travel frequently—public system only covers Denmark
Public vs Private Healthcare in Denmark
Public Healthcare
Regional Healthcare (5 regions)
- Access: Anyone with CPR number and yellow card (sundhedskort)
- Cost: Free (funded by ~40-55% income tax)
Excellent quality but famous for wait times. GP is your gatekeeper—must refer you to specialists. Group 1 (default): assigned GP, free visits. Group 2: choose any GP but pay difference. Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen) is top hospital. Call 1813 for emergency advice. Specialist waits 2-6 months for non-urgent. Cancer and cardiac care are fast.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: DKK 300-600/month employer plans, €200-400/month international
Private sector growing rapidly. Aleris, Hamlet Private Hospital, Privathospitalet Danmark. Many employers offer sundhedsforsikring (health insurance) as benefit—covers private hospital access. Private gets you specialist within days vs months. Useful for orthopedics, dermatology, psychology. Copenhagen has most private options.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Denmark. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Denmark
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Denmark
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Denmark
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- No yellow card = no public healthcare. You must wait 2-4 weeks after CPR registration. Budget for private/international coverage during gap.
- Dental NOT covered for adults—budget DKK 2,000-5,000/year or get separate dental insurance.
- Specialist wait times are legendary—4-6 months for non-urgent orthopedics, dermatology. Private insurance worth it if impatient.
- GP gatekeeping is strict—you can't self-refer to specialists. Your læge (GP) must refer you.
- Prescriptions have co-pays (DKK 0-4,000/year before full subsidy kicks in).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a yellow card (sundhedskort)?
After registering at your kommune (municipality) and getting your CPR number, you'll receive a yellow card by mail in 2-4 weeks. This card is your healthcare ID—show it at all medical visits. If you move addresses, update your kommune and get a new card. Lost card? Order replacement at borger.dk.
What's the difference between Group 1 and Group 2?
Group 1 (default): You're assigned a GP (praktiserende læge) near your address. GP visits are free. You can't see specialists without GP referral. Group 2: You can see any GP but pay DKK 200-500 per visit above the reimbursement. Can also self-refer to some specialists for a fee. Most people stay in Group 1.
Is private health insurance worth it in Denmark?
For skipping queues, absolutely. If your employer offers sundhedsforsikring, take it—common in corporate jobs. Self-paying DKK 300-600/month makes sense if you want guaranteed fast access to specialists. For emergencies and serious conditions, the public system is excellent. Private is mainly about convenience and wait times.
How bad are the wait times really?
Varies by condition. GP: usually within 1-2 days. Non-urgent specialists (orthopedics, dermatology): 2-6 months. Psychology/psychiatry: extremely long waits. Cancer, cardiac, emergency: fast. The udvidet frit sygehusvalg (extended free hospital choice) lets you choose private hospital if public wait exceeds 30 days for some treatments—but rules are complex.
Why isn't dental covered?
Danish public healthcare excludes most adult dental care. Children under 18 get free dental. Adults pay out-of-pocket or get private dental insurance (tandforsikring). Budget DKK 1,500-3,000 for annual checkups and cleaning. Major work (crowns, implants) can cost DKK 10,000-30,000. Many Danes travel to Poland or Germany for cheaper dental work.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.