Do I need travel insurance for Sweden?

Sweden is a nation of thousands of beautiful coastal islands and inland lakes, vast forests, and icy mountains. But it’s also worth visiting the cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Its nightlife may be expensive, but with medieval cities, castles, the Northern Lights, and amazing opportunities to hike, bike, do winter sports and just hang out in the wilderness, it’s a perfect place in Europe to visit. Stockholm in particular is a must-see - even if you are off to wilder climes after. It has a spectacular natural setting of hundreds of islands in a Nordic lagoon, and its Gamla Stan (Old Town) has beautiful yellow buildings and cobblestones.

Sweden is in the European Union it is part of the Schengen Area of borderless travel. AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Sweden - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Sweden and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application.

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Sweden cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$3() of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers:

● Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses

● Medical repatriation & transport

● 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency

● Up to 180 days of coverage

● All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)

● Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies

● No age limit

● Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim.

Is travel insurance required for Sweden?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Sweden. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus?

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice.

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection.

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Swedish visa application?

AXA have been leading experts in delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application - it’s that easy! Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Sweden visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Sweden your insurance must meet the following criteria:

- Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses

- It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area

- It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Sweden- can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if you’re taking on some of Sweden’s wilder pursuits!

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence

2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it

3. No age restriction, zero deductible

4. No price variation because of nationality or age

5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

● Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292

● Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Sweden?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

● The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.

● The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.

● The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Sweden?

Security: Crime levels are low although there is some petty crime in Sweden, and pickpocketing can be a problem in the major cities in tourist areas. Violent crime does occur and instances of gang-related crime, including knife crime, and shootings have been reported in Malmö, Stockholm, and Gothenburg.

Opening hours: Shopping hours in Sweden are Monday-Friday 9.30 am - 6.00 pm. Saturday 9.30 am - 2.00/4.00 pm. In larger towns, department stores remain open until 7.00 pm or later. Some shops are also open on Sundays between 12 noon and 4.00 pm but generally close early the day before a public holiday.

Expenses: Sweden can be an expensive place to travel but there are ways of keeping your costs down. One way is to travel by train or bus and book advance tickets - which are considerably cheaper, as well as using the cheap city passes for public transport when in cities. Another is not to buy bottled water as Sweden has some of the cleanest water in the world. If eating out on a budget, a big lunch is often cheaper than an evening meal. Finally, alcohol is expensive in Sweden - so it is a good idea to limit your intake or share drinks from a convenience store before going out if you do have plans.

Public transport: The public transport system in Sweden is one of Europe's most efficient thanks to the comprehensive train network in the south of the country, where most people live. In the north, traveling by train isn't quite so easy, as some lines have been closed, and although Sweden deals with its harsh weather well, its northern winters can mean delays and cancellations while traveling by train or bus. Stockholm has an extensive network of underground trains (T-bana), commuter trains, and buses. Vintage trams also operate from the city center to Djurgården island during the summer. 

Driving license: An International Driving Permit in Sweden is not necessarily required. As long as you have your local driver's license, you are good to go driving in Sweden.

Restaurants: Swedes eat their main meal of the day at lunchtime, with lunch served from 11am and dinner from 6pm. It’s always a good idea to book a table to avoid disappointment, particularly during the summer months.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Sweden and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Sweden you can find out more, here.