The large proportion of private health insurance policies are paid via employers. Last year, it concerned 475,570 people who received insurance through their job.
However, what has primarily increased is private individuals who choose to invest in a private insurance policy on their own. In 2009, 76,786 people had such a policy – in 2023, it has increased to 304,538 people.
2023 stands out even more, and we believe it is an effect of the waiting lists starting to become so problematic for many, says Mats Fagerlund, financial advisor at Grant Thornton, who has compiled the data.
Controversial issue
According to Fagerlund, the main reason for choosing this alternative is to be able to receive care more quickly.
The demands are increasing, and the healthcare system in Sweden cannot meet them. We believe that this has driven this development.
The figures, which come from Svensk försäkring, show that nearly 400,000 people had private health insurance in Sweden in 2009. In 2023, that figure has almost doubled – over 780,000 people.
Grant Thornton has looked at private care and welfare in Sweden from a broad perspective, but it is particularly the insurance aspect that stands out – a question that is heavily debated.
"Willing to pay"
Those in favor of private health insurance policies argue, among other things, that they complement public healthcare and provide a better range of options. Critics, on the other hand, argue that the policies create a "fast track" and lead to unequal care.
The demand for private health insurance policies is expected to continue to increase, according to Grant Thornton's assessment.
It is a trend, and surveys also show that trust in healthcare is decreasing and the competition for competence is increasing among employers. Individuals are willing to pay to receive faster care, says Mats Fagerlund.
Malin Johanson/TT
Facts: Private health insurance
TT
It is becoming increasingly common to purchase private health insurance in Sweden. According to figures from Svensk försäkring, over 780,000 Swedes had private health insurance last year, either through their employer or as an individual.
For private health insurance policies, the waiting time is often shorter than in publicly funded healthcare. For most health insurance policies, the waiting time for a specialist visit is a maximum of seven working days, and for surgery, 14-21 days, according to Svensk försäkring. In publicly funded healthcare, the healthcare guarantee provides the right to care within 90 days.
For example, employers who purchase insurance for their employees often pay a premium of 300-500 kronor per month, according to Svensk försäkring. However, the cost of an insurance policy varies, depending on the number of employees, age, and the scope of the insurance.
Source: Svensk försäkring
