Can I get free dental care in Sweden?
Yes, for the young — dental care is free up to and including the year you turn 19. The free age was lowered back from 23 to 19 on 1 January 2025, and that is the figure people most often get wrong. For adults there is a general dental allowance (ATB): 600 kr a year for ages 20–23 and 300 kr a year for ages 24–64, more for older — you need not apply, it is available automatically at the dentist. From the year you turn 24 there is also a cost ceiling: you pay full price up to 3,000 kr, then the state covers 50% between 3,000 and 15,000 kr and 85% above 15,000 kr. A new cheaper-dental benefit is on the way.
📋 The rules
- Free dental care up to and including the year you turn 19
- Allowance: 600 kr/year (ages 20–23), 300 kr/year (24–64)
- Cost ceiling from the year you turn 24
- You pay full price up to 3,000 kr
- The state pays 50% (3,000–15,000 kr) and 85% above 15,000 kr
🔓 Exceptions
- A special dental allowance exists for certain diseases or disabilities
- Dental care as part of disease treatment is paid as an ordinary care fee
- The free age limit was lowered to 19 on 1 January 2025
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty — the dental support is a benefit, not a permit, and you cannot get it wrong by using it. The only unexpected bill is the missed-appointment fee, which the dentist may charge if you do not cancel in time. What actually costs most is the staircase: you pay full price up to 3,000 kr, so it is the bottom of the bill that carries no subsidy at all. Only above 3,000 kr does the state step in with 50%, and above 15,000 kr with 85%.
📎 Official sources
- 1177 · State dental support →
- Social Insurance Agency · Dental support →
- TLV · Changes to dental support →
❓ Frequently asked
Up to what age is dental care free?
Up to and including the year you turn 19. The free age limit was lowered from 23 to 19 on 1 January 2025, so anyone older now pays with the help of the allowance and the cost ceiling.
How much is the dental allowance?
600 kr a year if you are aged 20–23 and 300 kr a year for ages 24–64, and more for older people. The allowance is used directly at the dentist and does not have to be applied for.
What is the dental cost ceiling?
From the year you turn 24 you pay full price up to 3,000 kr. After that the state covers 50% of costs between 3,000 and 15,000 kr, and 85% of anything above 15,000 kr.
Must I apply for the dental allowance?
No. It is available automatically at the dentist and is deducted directly from the treatment, so you do not need to apply. You just book an appointment and the allowance comes off the bill.
Is there support for illness?
Yes. A special dental allowance exists for certain diseases and disabilities. Dental care that forms part of treating an illness is also paid for as an ordinary healthcare fee.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
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