Do I need Travel Insurance to go to Denmark?

Name: Axel Strauss
Date: 24/02/2025

The northern European gem that is Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest places on Earth. After all, it is simultaneously the birthplace of LEGO, the world’s first and second amusement parks, and the very first Google Map. As well as both licorice and insulin. All while still being home to countless other wonderful things. In other words, it’s no wonder why Denmark welcomes an average of around 30 million international visitors each year — i.e., a staggering five times more than its total population.

However, if you too plan on visiting the land of both the Vikings and Hans Christian Andersen, you might be wondering about the proper Danish travel insurance. In which case, AXA is happy to help!

• Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Denmark?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Denmark?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Denmark
• A few more tips for your trip to Denmark

Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Denmark?

Whether or not you’re obliged to have travel insurance for Denmark will depend on a number of factors — the main one being whether you’ll need a visa or not.

That’s because back in 1996, the Scandinavian peninsula nation joined the ranks of Europe’s many Schengen countries — which means that today, most non-European Union citizens are required to have a Schengen visa to enter Denmark.

Meanwhile, one of the main requirements for being granted a Schengen visa — be it for Denmark or anywhere else in the Schengen Zone — is that you have travel insurance.

PRO-TIP: And not just any travel insurance, mind you, but a plan that meets a certain set of criteria. AXA’s plans do — but we’ll get to that in a sec!

Now, whether or not you’ll need that Schengen visa will depend on what your passport says. So here’s a general breakdown:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Denmark (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You don’t need a visa for Denmark — for stays of up to three months or less, that is — if you are:

-A national of the Schengen area and/or the European Union;

-A national of one of the non-Schengen or EU countries that don’t need a Schengen visa due to visa-exemption agreements — such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 50 more.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Denmark?

On the other hand, you will need a visa for Denmark if your passport is that of a country that has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

This generally includes travelers from China, India, Russia, most of the Middle East, any African nation, and nearly a hundred countries total worldwide.

PRO-TIP: The European Commission provides full lists of all the countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen Zone.

How do I get a visa for Denmark?

Meanwhile, if you do need that visa for Denmark — fear not. Not only does AXA have a comprehensive step-by-step guide for specifically getting your Schengen visa for Denmark, but we can also tell you all about:

-the different types of Schengen visa for Denmark you have to choose from;

-Schengen visa processing times;

-Schengen visa validity

…and much, much more. So feel free to click around!

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

Technically, no. However, even in one of the happiest places on Earth, top-quality travel insurance is probably a good idea.

Because even though Denmark doesn’t have any mountains, it does have more than 12,000km of bike paths. Plus 444 islands (and only 76 of them inhabited). And some interesting cuisine — such as a hotdog with blackberries, for example. Plus millennia-old history, vibrantly diverse culture and nightlife, and breathtaking nature galore.

All this obviously makes for a perfect vacation — however, it can also mean plenty of unexpected surprises. And in case something does go wrong, you want to make sure you and your family are in good hands.

Meanwhile, medical costs, bureaucracy, the language barrier, and generally navigating a foreign healthcare system can quickly turn even the happiest of getaways into — well, a not-so-happy one. Especially if you’re traveling with family, have a preexisting condition, are looking to embrace your more adventurous side, and so on.

In short, ensuring your and your family’s health and well-being — or “hygge,” as the Danes say — should be your number one priority at all times. And the best way to do that is with a proper travel insurance plan, regardless of your Schengen visa status.

Why choose online AXA Schengen travel insurance for Denmark?

AXA, meanwhile, has not one but three proper travel insurance plans to help guarantee that your Danish adventure is both a legal and safe one.

For instance, if you do need that Schengen visa, our plans meet all the European requirements for being granted one. These, in turn, mandate that your plan:

-is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;

-has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);

-is accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone (not only Denmark);

-is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Not only that, but AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases if your Danish visa happens to be denied. We’ll only ask that you provide an official explanation as to why your visa was refused from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

AXA’s plans also give you:

-Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;

-Medical repatriation & transport (including in case of death);

-Up to 180 days of coverage;

-Coverage in all Schengen and European Union countries + the U.K. — depending on the chosen plan;

-24/7 assistance;

-And free Video and Phone Medical Consultations in English, French, and a number of other languages;

AXA also has no age limit, zero deductibles, and requires no medical exam.

Meanwhile, purchasing an AXA plan is quick and easy — and can be done online in a matter of minutes.

And as soon as your chosen plan is purchased, we email you our AXA travel insurance certificate. It is accepted by all Danish (and other Schengen) consulates and embassies worldwide (and can be instantly downloaded and/or printed online too).

What travel insurance options does AXA offer?

As for the actual plans themselves, here are the three ways AXA can help your journey to one of the happiest places on Earth even happier:

-Our Low-Cost travel insurance plan — ideal for the more budget-conscious traveler — meets Schengen visa requirements, covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses (along with hospitalization and repatriation, including in case of death), and has you in good hands throughout Denmark, across all other Schengen Zone countries, and in the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

-Meanwhile, our Europe Travel insurance option is the way to go if you are, indeed, the more adventurous type, are traveling with family, and/or are hoping to venture beyond the land of the Vikings and explore other European countries.
It also meets all Schengen visa requirements — but covers medical expenses of up to €100,000, and also offers additional benefits such as protection for lost documents and/or valuables.
Moreover, “Europe Travel” covers you in Denmark, all other Schengen countries, the European microstates above, and all EU member states + the U.K.

-And last but not least, we have our Multi-Trip travel insurance option. This plan is your best bet if you are a frequent and/or business traveler to Denmark (and much of Europe) — and/or if you’re applying for a multi-entry Schengen visa.
And that’s because — along with providing all the benefits above — it covers you for an entire year.

In short, before you book that ticket for Denmark — or that appointment with the Danish consulate — be sure to
compare AXA’s different options and get a free AXA quote too.

That way you and your family are guaranteed to be feeling “hygge” and safe throughout your entire Danish journey — and thensome!

What to do if injured or ill while in Denmark

But in case something does go wrong, don’t worry — AXA is there for you.

Just contact our AXA call center via the number provided with your insurance policy. Our medical professionals are standing by to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or help you find the nearest Danish medical facility — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

-Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");

-The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);

-Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

PRO-TIP: Keep these — along with AXA’s phone number — on hand and in a safe/accessible place. And, of course, your phone charged.

List of Emergency Numbers in Denmark

And here are a few other essential numbers to keep on hand too:

112 – Universal European Emergency (including for Denmark)

114 – Non-Emergency Police

1813 – Non-Emergency Medical Assistance

118 – Directory Assistance

PRO-TIP: The country code for Denmark is +45.

A few more tips for your trip to Denmark

And now here are some final pointers for your Denmark well-being checklist:

Safety in Denmark

Denmark is, again, considered one of the safest countries in the world. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing do occur — so always stay diligent, aware of both your surroundings and belongings, and keep your phone nearby.
That especially goes for crowded areas of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark — such as Nyhavn or Strøget.

Public Transport in Denmark

While more Danes bike than drive or take the bus, Denmark does have an efficient and well-connected public transport system. Copenhagen, for instance, has a reliable metro, bus, and train network. Meanwhile, for intercity travel, check out Denmark’s national railway operator DSB.

Driving License for Denmark

Non-EU travelers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license, while EU/EEA licenses are valid in Denmark.

PRO-TIP: You can consult the Danish Road Safety Agency — aka Færdselsstyrelsen — to make sure you’re on the right track.

Weather in Denmark

Winters are cold and often rainy — with occasional snow, of course. Summers, meanwhile, are mild, averaging around 20–25°C. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable all year round.

PRO-TIP: And keep in mind that — since you’re never more than 52 km from the ocean — Denmark is windy year-round too. So pack accordingly (especially if you plan to cycle).

Opening hours in Denmark

Shops generally operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday-Friday) and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. Larger stores and malls in Copenhagen and other touristy areas may, of course, stay open later. Many businesses are closed on Sundays (except, again, in tourist areas).

Restaurants in Denmark

Danish cuisine is known for its open-faced sandwiches (Smørrebrød), seafood, and pastries. Lunch is typically from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, while dinner is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or later. Tipping is not expected but appreciated — i.e., rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common for good service.

MUST-DO PRO-TIP: Try a real Danish while you’re here (but don’t tell anyone that it comes from Vienna originally!).

Danish Currency

IMPORTANT: Denmark uses the Danish Krone* (DKK), not the Euro (EUR).

And while credit cards are widely accepted, having some cash is useful for smaller shops, markets, and tipping. ATMs are also easily available, and currency exchange services operate at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus throughout the country.

FINAL PRO-TIPS:

*You can consult the Danish National Bank for the latest currency exchange rates.

And Denmark’s official tourism website — aka VisitDenmark — for more tips on how to make your Danish adventure a real-life fairy tale.

For further safety guidelines? The official website of the Danish Police.

And for the best travel insurance for your Denmark trip? Well, you already know that part.

And on that note — Held og lykke and God rejse (aka “good luck and safe travels”)!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• All you need to know about the Schengen visa

FAQ

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Denmark?

Yes. However, keep in mind that your EHIC only covers medical care received through public Danish healthcare services. It does not apply to private services, doesn’t cover medical repatriation or expenses in the event of death, and may not cover all costs involved with your particular situation. Just one more reason that additional travel insurance is highly recommended.

Are there any vaccinations required before traveling to Denmark?

As of early 2025, no specific vaccinations are required for travel to Denmark. However, it is always advisable to be up to date with routine vaccinations (such as for tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis, etc.) and — depending on your personal health history and the length of your stay — consult with your doctor before your trip.

Can I take out AXA Schengen travel insurance on behalf of someone else?

Yes. With AXA, you can purchase a plan for guests and/or loved ones. You’ll just need to provide their personal info — such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary.