Sexual health
More than 90% of all university students in Denmark have had sex at least once in their life.
Prevention and sexual health are not taboo topics, though not exactly dinner table conversation topics either, and you’re considered to be responsible for your own health and safety.
Condoms are widely available and should always be used to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
If you need to talk to a doctor about your sexual health, and don’t want to go to your GP, several hospitals in the bigger cities have clinics specifically designated for this purpose.
However, your GP interactions are covered by professional confidentiality and the common Danish GP will never judge you for being a sexually active university student. It is after all the normal thing in Denmark.
Emercengy and Healthcare
Emergency
Should you need emergency assistance immediately dial 112.
If you need police assistance or have to report something, dial 114.
If you’re calling from a Danish network and number, you don’t need the +45 to call 112.
Emergency services
If you have an emergency situation, call 112 for ambulance, police and fire service. The emergency call centre will ask for your name, address and the phone number you are calling from. They will then make sure that the appropriate help is immediately sent.
Do not use this number unless it is an emergency and you need the aforementioned services, cluttering the line prevents a quick response to people in real need.
Police
Danish culture and everyday life is based on a high degree of mutual trust and tolerance. The crime rates in Denmark are low, but it is of course still wise to use common sense to stay safe and to look after your valuables. The Danish police are normally helpful and service minded, so don’t be afraid to contact them if you need to.
politi.dk – Find your local police station and get more info
Healthcare
The Danish healthcare system ensures universal access for all residents. When you are an international student and a resident in Denmark, you will have access to free medical treatments except for a few things like dental care and physiotherapy.
The Danish National Health Insurance Card
When you register for your CPR number, you will receive a national health insurance card – ‘Sygesikringskort’. This card is proof that you are entitled to all public healthcare services in Denmark.
Remember to bring it with you to all visits to the doctor, hospitals and at the pharmacy when collecting prescription drugs.
The card states your name, address and your Civil Personal Registration (CPR) number as well as the name and address of your general practitioner, in Denmark referred to as ‘family doctor’.
justlanded.com – More about the Danish Healthcare system and coverage
Doctors and prescriptions
If you need to see your General Practitioner you should arrange an appointment by telephone. The phone number is on your yellow health card. This can be done a few days in advance or on the same day if your illness requires more immediate attention. Most GPs also offer a consultation service by telephone, often available for about an hour every day.
Your GP will provide you with preventive and general treatment. They can also refer you to a hospital or specialist clinic for further treatment. Your GP is also the doctor you contact to get prescriptions for medication or if you need to renew your existing prescriptions.
Danish prescriptions can be done as a paper-in-hand version or (more often) as a digital registration, that the pharmacies can access through your CPR-number.
You can only buy prescription medicine at the pharmacies – ‘apotek’, not the drugstore (eg. Matas).
Off-hours medical help
The doctors on call service called ‘Lægevagten’ is free and open from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and on holidays. Call this service if you experience sudden sickness or sustain injuries, which is not life threatening, but cannot wait until your doctor opens to be treated. Remember to have your CPR number ready when you call.
The number for the Copenhagen area is: 1813
Note that if you think you need to go to the emergency room (but your condition is not serious enough to warrant an ambulance) you must call 1813 before you go. They can advice you on whether or not you need immediate medical attention and guide you to the hospital with the shortest wait. Emergency rooms will also treat walk-ins but you will most likely have to wait longer than if you call ahead.
Dentists and extra healthcare services
Dentistry in Denmark is unfortunately not covered by the free health care system, nor is physiotherapy or psychological help.
Dentists are private practitioners. Adults over the age of 18 must find their own private dentist. Dental care in Denmark comes at a subsidised rate and the amount paid by the state will be automatically deducted from your bill.
Ask your fellow students for a good dependable dentist and remember to ask about the price as well. Most dentists have websites where you can see their rates.
For physiotherapy, psychological help and specialist doctors, you can get a referral from your GP. This might lower the cost, so it is advisable to take this route.
