HEALTH AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS

In case of illness, childbirth, childcare, pension and unemployment, coverage is extensive and the level of security is high.

Social security is mainly financed through taxes rather than through private insurance schemes as in many other European countries.

Foreign citizens with residence in Denmark usually enjoy the same social benefits as Danish citizens. Check out specific rules for foreign citizens on http://www.workindenmark.dk/.

Health care and insurance
The public health insurance in Denmark covers general practitioners (GP) consultations and hospital aid.

The health insurance grants reimbursement to a range of treatments at dentists, and with reference from GP at physiotherapists, psychologists and chiropractors.
All residents are covered by the public health insurance and have free and equal access to the services of the health insurance and to hospital aid.

You must be aware of a certain waiting period before you are covered by the public health insurance. Nationals of another EU/EEA country will be covered by the Danish public health insurance as soon as they arrive.

Check out specific rules for foreign citizens on http://www.workindenmark.dk/.

Childcare
Day care is offered to children from the age of six months to three years in nursery, from the age of three to the age of six in kindergartens, and at preschool from the age of 6 until they start school.

The local municipality lays down the overall aims and framework for care of children. Local municipalities may also offer alternative day care programmes where children are cared for in private homes either by childminders for a small group of children or in private childcare. Many local municipalities offer subsidies for private childcare.

Childcare is not fully paid by the local municipality. Parents contribute with up to 30 % of the costs. The fee may vary from DKK 1.300-3.000 per month depending on the age of the child and the municipality concerned.

In Copenhagen, a number of international childcare facilities are offered. At many international schools preschool is also offered. We advise you to contact the local municipality for information about the various childcare options. You must also register at the local municipality if you want to enrol your child in a nursery or kindergarten.

Family support
All tax liable parents with children residing in Denmark receive a quarterly tax-exempt family support per child less than 18 years of age. As 2008, the basic annual amount is DKK 11,628

The support arrives automatically when child and parents have registered at the national register. If the child is resident in another country, you should apply for the support to the local authority.

The support is tax-exempt and independent of the parents’ income and fortune. The amount is usually transferred to the recipient’s bank account, but you may choose to receive it in the form of a cheque instead.