The State System
The Swedish National Healthcare System is financed through income from taxation and patient fees. Employees and employers pay contribution into the healthcare fund. Dependant family members are covered by the contributions paid by employed family members. Unemployment has a major effect on the Swedish healthcare sector because of Sweden's use of taxation for public expenditures. The state will only provide a minimal amount of money for healthcare during periods of higher unemployment, as high unemployment means a spiral downfall of tax revenue, therefore money for public expenditure; outside high unemployment period the unemployed must find the money or go without. Foreigners immigrating to Sweden without jobs must produce proof of private health insurance in order to obtain their residence permit.

If you are self-employed, you need to get extra insurance to cover members of your family. Children who are studying at a university are covered through their parents insurance until they are nineteen or until they complete their studies if this is sooner. All other groups must register themselves with their local authority.

The state fund covers most medical services including treatment by specialists, hospitalisation, prescriptions, pregnancy and childbirth and rehabilitation.

Fees
All Swedish long term residents, regardless of nationality, are entitled to use the Swedish health services, at a low fee. There are no fees for children under the age of 16 and those from vulnerable groups pay a minimum amount from their benefits. Sweden’s county councils determine the prices for out-patient care in their region; fees for visiting a GP costs around 80 SEK to 130 SEK. Charges exist for prescription medicine.