People seeking asylum often have special health centres to go to if they get sick. Others go to a district health centre where there are nurses and doctors.

Can I go to the doctor even though I don't have a residence permit?

Answer: Anybody who is seriously ill and must get help immediately has the right to receive emergency care. But for adults who don’t have a residence permit it can be quite expensive.

If you are under 18, you have the right to all the care that you need – not only emergency care. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a residence permit; you have the same right as any other child in Sweden. This certainly applies if you are seeking asylum or if you have been an asylum seeker in the past.

For a child that has never applied for asylum, it’s a bit more difficult. It doesn’t say in the rules that you have the same right to care as other children. If you are in this situation, you may need help to find a place where you can be sure to get treatment.

If I go to the district health centre or to the hospital, can they call the police?

Answer: If the medical staff calls the police or the Swedish Migration Board and talk about you, they are breaking the law. They are not allowed to do that. But if they believe that you are being treated badly, for example that you are repeatedly beaten by an adult, they must report this to the social welfare service. The social welfare service, or "Socialen", was put in place to give support to children and others in need of help or protection.

I'm not feeling well, but I’m afraid to go to the doctor. What should I do?

Answer: In Stockholm, Gothenburg and a few other places, there are special nurses and doctors you can call. They will help you without asking for papers. You shouldn’t have to do this, since all children have the right to receive care at ordinary district health centres and hospitals. But if you are very scared, perhaps this is the best solution.