Living Abroad

Healthcare in Denmark for UK Nationals: CPR Number, Yellow Card and Costs

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. How do I register for healthcare in Denmark?
  3. What does healthcare cost in Denmark?
  4. How does the S1 work in Denmark?
  5. What about students and posted workers?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Do I need to pick a GP?
    2. How current is this?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Healthcare in Denmark is open to residents whether they are employed, self-employed or not working, and GOV.UK says most medical care is free once you are registered. The key steps are a residence document, a CPR registration and a GP, which produces your yellow health card.

Quick answer

  • Apply for a Residence Document, then register with the Civil Registry (CPR).
  • Choose a GP during the CPR application; you then receive a yellow health card.
  • GP visits, hospital stays and mental health care are free; some services are not.
  • UK State Pension recipients may be entitled to an S1.

How do I register for healthcare in Denmark?

  1. Apply for a Residence Document through the Danish immigration website, nyidanmark.dk.
  2. Register with the Civil Registry of Denmark (CPR), providing proof of a Danish address and proof that you will stay at least three months.
  3. Choose a GP during the CPR application. Once accepted, you receive a yellow health card showing your doctor’s name and address. Carry it to appointments.

Dependants must register separately. Children need their own yellow health card, though they do not need to register independently until age 15 if a parent is registered.

What does healthcare cost in Denmark?

Service What GOV.UK says
GP visits, hospital stays, mental health, long-term care Free
Dental check-ups Around 200 Danish kroner
Prescriptions Not free, with an annual maximum you pay

How does the S1 work in Denmark?

Phone NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to request one. Once registered as a resident, you are entitled to healthcare on the same basis as a Danish citizen, and you must also register the S1 with Udbetaling Danmark. Dependants of a State Pensioner lose cover once the pensioner starts claiming, and a new S1 is sent to the registered address. See UK State Pension abroad for the claim process.

What about students and posted workers?

Posted workers sent temporarily by a UK employer can use a GHIC, EHIC or S1. Students can apply for a Student GHIC, and those staying three months or more must register as residents.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting that dependants register separately.
  • Not registering the S1 with Udbetaling Danmark as well.
  • Expecting dental and prescriptions to be free.

FAQ

Do I need to pick a GP?

Yes. You choose one during the CPR application and it appears on your yellow card.

How current is this?

The page I checked was last updated on 19 October 2021, so confirm costs with the Danish authorities.

Key takeaways

  • Residence document, CPR, GP, yellow card.
  • Most care is free; dental and prescriptions are not.
  • S1 holders register with Udbetaling Danmark too.

This page is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules change. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals living in Denmark

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