- The best travel insurance plans for Sweden
- Is it currently safe to travel to Sweden?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Sweden?
- Why take out travel insurance for Sweden?
- What should travel insurance for Sweden cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Sweden
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Sweden
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Sweden?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Sweden: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Sweden covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel-related costs.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians, but it is highly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare in Sweden is excellent but costly for foreigners, with hospital stays exceeding CAD $2,500 daily.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Sweden typically costs between CAD $30 and CAD $60.
5. Good to know: Your Canadian passport must be valid for 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Sweden.
The best travel insurance plans for Sweden
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.5M CAD | Strong choice for Sweden, covering medical emergencies and serious incidents. - high medical ceiling - repatriation - suitable for urban and rural travel |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.5M CAD | Designed for travelers seeking dependable emergency care in Sweden. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation protection - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $750k CAD | A convenient plan for Sweden, especially for tourism-focused visits. - core medical limits - emergency support - accessible pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $1.0M CAD | Offers a solid blend of health and liability coverage in Sweden. - hospital and outpatient care - repatriation - medical direct payment |
| Globe Partner | $450k CAD | A practical solution for basic travel needs in Sweden. - essential medical cover - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $750k CAD | Good for short or moderate-risk trips in Sweden with necessary guarantees. - adequate medical ceiling - easy reimbursement - straightforward coverage |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation
- suitable for urban and rural travel
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation protection
- no deductible
- core medical limits
- emergency support
- accessible pricing
- hospital and outpatient care
- repatriation
- medical direct payment
- essential medical cover
- repatriation
- civil liability
- adequate medical ceiling
- easy reimbursement
- straightforward coverage
Is it currently safe to travel to Sweden?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Sweden, mainly due to the continued threat of terrorism and rising organized crime in urban areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: organized crime-related violence, including shootings and explosions, has increased in Stockholm County. Travellers should avoid gang-affected neighbourhoods and remain alert in crowded places such as train stations and public events.
- Health risks: while health care is excellent in Swedish cities, emergency services may be limited in rural areas. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forests from April to November, and cases of measles and COVID-19 have been reported in major cities.
- Legal considerations: Sweden maintains strict rules on carrying personal identification. Police may ask for your passport or ID at any time, including during routine controls at airports and ferries.
- Environmental risks: extreme winter conditions and icy roads can make travel hazardous, especially in northern Sweden. Fatal traffic accidents are more common in rural zones during heavy snowfall.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Sweden.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Sweden?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Sweden.
Although it is not required for entry, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Canadian authorities. Coverage for medical care, hospital stays, and emergency repatriation is advised, as unexpected incidents or health emergencies can be expensive and complex to manage abroad.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Sweden. This high rate is due to the expensive health care system and increasing risks linked to urban crime and terrorism threats.
Why take out travel insurance for Sweden?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Sweden.
While public hospitals such as Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm or Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg offer high-quality care, foreigners must pay the full cost for consultations, hospital stays, or emergencies. In major cities, the absence of an EU health card means Canadians are treated as private patients, and bills can quickly become expensive if specialist care or extended hospitalization is needed.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transport, and repatriation to Canada in case of a serious event.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Sweden.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Karolinska University Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | SEK 24,000 (approx. $2,950 CAD) | up to €1,000,000 or 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | SEK 12,000 (approx. $1,475 CAD) | up to €1,000,000 or 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | SEK 330,000 (approx. $40,500 CAD) | up to €1,000,000 or 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | SEK 55,000 (approx. $6,750 CAD) | up to €1,000,000 or 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Sweden cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers fees for doctor visits, hospital stays, and surgeries in Sweden. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $1 million CAD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays transport to the nearest adequate facility or to Canada if local care is unavailable. Set a limit of at least $500,000 CAD. |
| 🇨🇦 Repatriation to Canada | Covers costs for urgent return home due to health, accident, or death. Choose a limit of $500,000 CAD or higher. |
| 💊 Medications and treatments | Reimburses prescription drugs received in Sweden due to acute medical needs. Look for plans with no sub-limits, ideally up to $50,000 CAD. |
| 🧳 Luggage protection | Covers loss, theft, or damage to luggage and valuables. We advise cover up to $2,000 CAD per trip for peace of mind. |
| 👨👩👦 Third-party liability | Handles legal or compensation claims if you injure someone or damage property abroad. Aim for a limit of $1 million CAD minimum. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds non-recoverable expenses if you must cancel or interrupt your trip. A limit of at least $5,000 CAD is a solid minimum. |
| 🚕 Ambulance expenses | Pays for local ambulance transport in Sweden, both emergency and scheduled services. Look for coverage up to $25,000 CAD per claim. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $1 million CAD.
Set a limit of at least $500,000 CAD.
Choose a limit of $500,000 CAD or higher.
Look for plans with no sub-limits, ideally up to $50,000 CAD.
We advise cover up to $2,000 CAD per trip for peace of mind.
Aim for a limit of $1 million CAD minimum.
A limit of at least $5,000 CAD is a solid minimum.
Look for coverage up to $25,000 CAD per claim.
Travel insurance provided by local banks or credit cards often comes with limited coverage, lower caps, and many exclusions. It is safer to select a reputable insurer with complete protection. For peace of mind, compare trusted plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate proof of coverage.
The cost of travel insurance for Sweden
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $36 CAD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $58 CAD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $88 CAD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $180 CAD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance is influenced by several key factors: your age, the duration of your stay, your destination, the amount of coverage you select, and any additional options like trip cancellation. Keeping these elements in mind is crucial for finding a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you're well-protected without overpaying.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Sweden
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Sweden while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🛫 Length of stay | Premiums increase with trip duration, especially for stays over 30 days. | Buy coverage only for your exact dates in Sweden and avoid open-ended policies. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Older travellers pay higher rates due to increased health risks. | Compare providers for senior rates. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Higher medical and baggage limits increase premiums, but coverage should match Sweden’s cost levels. | Avoid unnecessary add-ons and keep medical limits high, but customize non-medical coverage. |
| 👨👩👦 Number of people | Group or family policies may be cheaper per person than separate plans. | Opt for family or group packages to benefit from bulk discounts and easier management. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Disclosing conditions can raise costs, especially for chronic illnesses. | Ask for quotes with and without condition coverage if your condition is stable and low-risk. |
| 🌐 Purchase timing | Last-minute policies are often more expensive. | Book your travel insurance early to secure better rates and ensure full trip cancellation coverage. |
| 🌍 Region of coverage | Insurance that covers only Sweden and Europe is cheaper than global coverage. | Select European-only coverage unless other destinations are included on your trip. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Sweden?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder if your current coverage, such as public or private health insurance or credit card insurance, is enough for your trip to Sweden. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Sweden? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (provincial health plan) | Limited coverage | Generally covers only emergency care, usually with maximum limits under $1,000 CAD, no repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to $1 million CAD or more for medical and hospital fees and repatriation. |
| Private Health Insurance | Limited coverage | Some out-of-country medical, but max. reimbursement often $50,000–$100,000 CAD, no trip interruption cover. | Travel insurance offers $1 million+ CAD medical, plus trip cancellation and 24/7 assistance. |
| Classic Credit Card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, TD Classic) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies under $15,000 CAD, no coverage under age 65, no baggage, no trip cancellation. | Travel insurance provides $1 million CAD+ medical cover, baggage, trip interruption, and accidents. |
| Premium Credit Card (Visa Infinite, Platinum Amex, RBC Avion) | Limited coverage | Medical fees up to $2 million CAD, but strict age and trip duration limits, basic baggage/delay only. | Travel insurance includes full medical, up to $10,000 CAD cancellation, and emergency return. |
Example
While hiking near Stockholm, Chloe contracted tick-borne encephalitis, resulting in a CA$40,000 hospital bill. Her provincial health plan covered very little, and her RBC Avion card's insurance was capped at CA$15,000. She faced a shocking CA$25,000 out-of-pocket expense, a severe financial blow from a simple forest walk.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan may not cover key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print of your existing policies to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to purchase dedicated travel insurance for your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Sweden?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Sweden. You will need a valid Canadian passport for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. Always check for the latest entry requirements before travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Sweden?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare policies and prices. Next, carefully review the guarantees and exclusions, paying attention to Sweden-specific risks like winter weather or outdoor activities. Then, purchase the policy online and, finally, download or receive your insurance certificate by email to carry for your trip.
Is travel insurance recommended for Sweden even if it is not mandatory?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended for all Canadian travelers going to Sweden. It ensures coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization costs, and medical evacuation, which can become very expensive abroad. Many hospitals may require proof of insurance before treatment, especially for non-EU visitors.
What medical coverage should I look for in a policy for Sweden?
Seek a policy that includes at least $50,000-$100,000 CAD for emergency medical expenses and repatriation. Comprehensive coverage should also include hospitalization, COVID-19 treatment, and risks associated with outdoor activities or winter conditions in Sweden. Higher limits provide better protection and peace of mind during your stay.
Are adventure activities or sports covered by regular travel insurance in Sweden?
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude adventure sports or high-risk activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, or trekking. Always check if your specific activity will be covered and consider purchasing an add-on or specialty coverage if you plan to participate in these activities during your trip.
What should I do if I need to use my travel insurance while in Sweden?
If you have a medical or travel emergency in Sweden, contact your insurer’s assistance center immediately. They will guide you to approved medical facilities or provide instructions for making a claim. Always keep your policy number and emergency contact information easily accessible throughout your trip.
Do I need a visa to travel to Sweden?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Sweden. You will need a valid Canadian passport for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. Always check for the latest entry requirements before travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Sweden?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare policies and prices. Next, carefully review the guarantees and exclusions, paying attention to Sweden-specific risks like winter weather or outdoor activities. Then, purchase the policy online and, finally, download or receive your insurance certificate by email to carry for your trip.
Is travel insurance recommended for Sweden even if it is not mandatory?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended for all Canadian travelers going to Sweden. It ensures coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization costs, and medical evacuation, which can become very expensive abroad. Many hospitals may require proof of insurance before treatment, especially for non-EU visitors.
What medical coverage should I look for in a policy for Sweden?
Seek a policy that includes at least $50,000-$100,000 CAD for emergency medical expenses and repatriation. Comprehensive coverage should also include hospitalization, COVID-19 treatment, and risks associated with outdoor activities or winter conditions in Sweden. Higher limits provide better protection and peace of mind during your stay.
Are adventure activities or sports covered by regular travel insurance in Sweden?
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude adventure sports or high-risk activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, or trekking. Always check if your specific activity will be covered and consider purchasing an add-on or specialty coverage if you plan to participate in these activities during your trip.
What should I do if I need to use my travel insurance while in Sweden?
If you have a medical or travel emergency in Sweden, contact your insurer’s assistance center immediately. They will guide you to approved medical facilities or provide instructions for making a claim. Always keep your policy number and emergency contact information easily accessible throughout your trip.
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