Denmark Travel Insurance Guide
Denmark requires travel insurance for comprehensive protection. While the country is generally safe, non-residents must pay for medical services, and the Level 2 terrorism advisory necessitates adequate trip cancellation and medical coverage for visitors.
- What there is to do in Denmark Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Exercise increased caution in the Kingdom of Denmark due to terrorism.
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Kingdom of Denmark. Terrorists can attack with little or no warning. They could target tourist spots, transport hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of religious importance, parks, major sporting and cultural events, schools, airports, and other public areas.
The Kingdom of Denmark consists of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. For additional information, please review the country information pages for Denmark and the Faroe Islands and for Greenland.
If you decide to travel to the Kingdom of Denmark:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Denmark.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
One of the top countries globally for women’s inclusion and safety; low crime and strong welfare systems.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Early legal reforms and high acceptance; very safe LGBTQ destination.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay; 6 months recommended)
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days within 180-day period (Schengen Area)
- ETIAS authorization will be required starting 2026 for visa-exempt travelers
- Proof of sufficient funds and return ticket may be requested
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Denmark is part of the Schengen Agreement - time spent in other Schengen countries counts toward the 90-day limit
- For stays exceeding 90 days or for work purposes, a residence permit is required
- Starting in 2026, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be mandatory for visa-exempt nationals
- ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization for short stays under 90 days
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Denmark offers world-class universal healthcare, but tourists are not eligible for free treatment under the Danish National Health Service except for emergency care. Emergency hospital treatment (accidents, acute illness, childbirth, sudden chronic disease aggravation) is provided free of charge without referral. However, non-emergency medical services must be paid out-of-pocket, and hospitals only accept cash payments. EU/EEA citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive treatment on the same terms as Danish citizens. The healthcare system is excellent, with top-tier hospitals like Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen (Denmark's largest and best hospital in 2022) and Aarhus University Hospital (ranked #1 in Denmark 15 times from 2008-2023). English-speaking staff are available at most hospitals. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues in Copenhagen, call 1813 (24/7, English available). Medical costs in Denmark are high by international standards, making comprehensive travel insurance essential for non-EU visitors.
Typical medical costs
- Emergency hospital care: Free for acute illness, accidents, childbirth, or sudden chronic disease aggravation
- Non-emergency medical services: Must be paid out-of-pocket by tourists (hospitals accept cash only)
- Private medical consultation: $100-200 USD equivalent
- Hospital stay per day: $300-500 USD (Denmark is an expensive country)
- Medical evacuation to US: $50,000-$150,000
- Minimum recommended coverage: $50,000 medical, $300,000 evacuation
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Pickpocketing and petty theft at Copenhagen Central Station, airports, and tourist sites
- Trip cancellations due to winter weather disruptions and coastal flooding
- Medical emergencies (expensive without European Health Insurance Card)
- Lost or delayed baggage on international connections
- Terrorism-related trip interruptions (Level 2 advisory in effect)
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
112
US Embassy Copenhagen - 24/7 Emergency
+45 3341 7100
US Embassy Email
copenhagenACS@state.gov
Medical Advice (Copenhagen) - Non-emergency
1813