X-Ray Cost in Sweden: Röntgen Pricing Guide 2025

X-Ray (Röntgen) Costs in Sweden: Public vs Private Healthcare

Sweden's healthcare system offers a unique model where x-rays through the public system cost only 200-400 SEK (approximately $19-38 USD), with annual cost protection limiting total healthcare expenses to 1,450 SEK. However, private x-ray services, while expensive at 4,600-6,200 SEK, offer immediate access without referrals. This guide will help you navigate both systems and understand when each option makes sense.

Sweden's Healthcare System Overview

Sweden provides universal healthcare funded through taxes, with a dual system:

1. Public Healthcare (Landsting/Region)

The tax-funded public system covers all residents:

• Funded through regional taxes (approximately 11% of income)
• Small patient fees for services
• Annual cost protection (högkostnadsskydd)
• Free for children and young adults
• Covers all medically necessary care

2. Private Healthcare

Growing private sector offers faster access:

• No referral required
• Appointments within 10 working days
• English-speaking staff available
• Higher costs but immediate access
• Popular with expats and those seeking convenience

Public Healthcare X-Ray Costs

Understanding Patient Fees (Patientavgifter)

In Sweden's public system, x-rays are included in the standard visit fee:

Högkostnadsskydd (High-Cost Protection)

Sweden's cost protection system ensures healthcare remains affordable:

• Annual cap: 1,450 SEK (2025) in all regions except Jämtland Härjedalen (1,300 SEK)
• Period: 12 months from first visit
• Free card (frikort): Issued when cap reached
• Covers: All public healthcare visits including x-rays
• Separate cap: Medications have their own högkostnadsskydd

Who Gets Free X-Rays?

• Children under 18 (most regions)
• Young adults 18-23 (some regions)
• Anyone who has reached högkostnadsskydd limit
• Certain preventive screenings (mammography)
• Some chronic disease monitoring

Private X-Ray Costs in Sweden

Private Clinic Pricing

Additional Private Imaging Services

• Ultrasound (Ultraljud): 6,200-8,200 SEK
• CT Scan: 9,700-11,700 SEK
• MRI (Magnetröntgen): 7,200-22,700 SEK
• Full Body MRI: ~24,900 SEK

Major Healthcare Providers

Public Healthcare Regions

• Region Stockholm: Largest healthcare region
• Västra Götalandsregionen: Gothenburg area
• Region Skåne: Malmö and southern Sweden
• Region Uppsala: University hospital

Private Imaging Centers

• Aleris: Nationwide private healthcare chain
• Capio: Multiple locations, comprehensive services
• Praktikertjänst: Large private provider network
• City Dental: Dental x-rays and imaging
• Magnetlabbet: Specialized imaging centers
• Läkarlabbet: X-ray without referral

How to Get an X-Ray in Sweden

Through Public Healthcare

1. Visit vårdcentral: See GP at local health center
2. Get referral (remiss): Doctor assesses need for x-ray
3. Book appointment: Hospital contacts you or use 1177.se
4. Attend x-ray: Bring ID and referral
5. Pay fee: 300-400 SEK unless exempt
6. Results: Sent to referring doctor in 1-2 weeks

Through Private Clinics

1. Book directly: No referral needed
2. Choose time: Often same week availability
3. Payment: Full amount upfront or insurance
4. Immediate results: Often same day digital access
5. Report language: Swedish standard, English available

Waiting Times Comparison

Insurance Coverage

Private Health Insurance in Sweden

Many Swedes have private insurance through employers:

• Coverage: Often 80-100% of private x-ray costs
• Providers: Folksam, Länsförsäkringar, If, Trygg-Hansa
• Employer-provided: Common benefit in private sector
• Tax implications: Förmånsbeskattning may apply
• Direct billing: Many clinics bill insurance directly

For EU/EEA Citizens

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) accepted
• Pay Swedish patient fees only
• Same rights as Swedish residents for necessary care
• Private care not covered by EHIC

Guide for Different Groups

Swedish Residents

• Use public system for routine x-rays - very affordable
• Consider private only for urgent non-emergency needs
• Keep track of fees for högkostnadsskydd
• Children get free x-rays in public system

Expats and New Residents

• Register for personnummer to access public healthcare
• EU citizens can use EHIC while waiting
• Consider private insurance for faster access
• Private clinics offer English-language services

Tourists and Visitors

• EU/EEA: Use EHIC for public healthcare rates
• Non-EU: Expect to pay full costs
• Travel insurance essential for private care
• Emergency care available to all

Quality and Technology

Swedish healthcare maintains high standards across both systems:

• Equipment: Modern digital radiography standard
• Radiologists: Highly trained specialists
• Safety: Strict radiation protection protocols
• Digital access: Results via 1177.se or private portals
• Quality assurance: Regular equipment calibration

Cost Comparison: Sweden vs Other Countries

Tips for Saving Money

In the Public System

1. Always get referral from vårdcentral first
2. Track your fees - you might be close to frikort
3. Ask if follow-up x-rays can be bundled
4. Check if you qualify for free care (age, condition)
5. Use 1177.se to find shortest queues

For Private Care

1. Check if employer provides health insurance
2. Compare prices between private providers
3. Ask about package deals for multiple x-rays
4. Consider traveling to smaller cities for lower prices
5. Verify insurance coverage before booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are private x-rays so expensive in Sweden?

Private clinics operate without tax subsidies and must cover full operational costs. The public system is heavily subsidized through taxes, making the patient fee a tiny fraction of actual costs. Private clinics also offer premium services like immediate appointments and no referral requirements.

Can I go directly to the hospital for an x-ray?

In the public system, you need a referral from a doctor unless it's an emergency. Private clinics accept direct bookings without referrals, which is one reason for their higher costs.

How long are x-ray referrals valid?

Referrals in Sweden are typically valid for 3-6 months, depending on the medical condition and urgency. Check with your healthcare provider for specific validity.

Do I need to pay if I've reached högkostnadsskydd?

No, once you've paid 1,450 SEK in patient fees within 12 months, you receive a frikort (free card) and all further public healthcare visits, including x-rays, are free for the remainder of the 12-month period.

Are x-rays covered by dental insurance?

Dental x-rays are part of dental care and covered by dental insurance or the dental care subsidy (tandvårdsstöd), not medical högkostnadsskydd. Basic dental x-rays are often included in examination fees.