Overview

The national health system in Denmark serves around 5.9 million inhabitants. It is mainly tax-funded and organized into three administrative levels: the state, the regions and the municipalities. All registered Danish residents are entitled to publicly-financed health care services, which are largely free at the point of use. Health expenditure in Denmark is relatively high compared to the EU average, both as a share of GDP (10.8%) and per capita, reaching US$ 7140 in 2021.  While residents enjoy universal access to a comprehensive package of health services there are still some gaps in coverage.  Out-of-pocket payments accounted for approximately 13% of current health expenditures in 2021, and are concentrated on outpatient prescription medicines and dental care.

Waves of reforms have consolidated the number of municipalities and regions and have sought to optimize hospital services, bolster capital investment for new and upgraded facilities, as well as to address issues of integrated care across care levels. New funding injections have also been provided for the Mental Health Plan, particular investment in psychiatry. Co-ordination and continuity of care, as well as the recruitment and retainment of health workers, particularly nurses, are the main health system challenges going forward. Moreover, enhancing digital health tools and public health policy discussions have been ongoing since 2020, addressing the commercial determinants of health. A Structural Commission has been set up to address long term structural challenges in the health system.