Sweden’s healthcare system, celebrated for its commitment to universal accessibility and high clinical standards, has also nurtured a strong private hospital sector.
Although most Swedes rely on the public system, private facilities play an increasingly significant role,
especially for individuals seeking elective treatments, quicker access, or cutting-edge procedures not widely available elsewhere.
In 2025, Sweden’s leading private hospitals deliver both clinical excellence and patient-focused comfort.
Whether you’re an expat in Stockholm craving faster diagnostics, an international patient looking for robotic surgery, or someone interested in advanced cancer therapies, Sweden offers world-class solutions.
This guide explores ten standout private and university-affiliated hospitals across Sweden, highlighting their specialties, patient care experiences, and indicative costs.
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1. Karolinska University Hospital – Solna (Stockholm)
Overview
Although primarily a public hospital, Karolinska’s university hospital in Solna offers private-access wards, international patient units, and some elective services as private care. It’s globally recognized as a top research hospital.
Key Specialties
- Advanced cancer therapies and immunotherapy
- Transplantation medicine
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Stem cell and gene therapy trials
What Makes It Exceptional
Home to the Nobel Assembly and a leading center for medical trials, Karolinska is frequently at the forefront of breakthroughs. Private-access wards provide fast-track services and VIP comforts.
Patient Experience
International coordinators help arrange private accommodations and multilingual support. Personalized consultation and expedited scheduling are available for self-paying or insured patients.
Estimated Costs
- Consultation: SEK 2,500–3,500
- Stem-cell transplant packages: SEK 400,000–700,000
- Elective neurosurgery: SEK 200,000–350,000
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2. Danderyd Hospital – Stockholm
Overview
Danderyd Hospital combines academic-level care with private patient services. Its affiliation with Stockholm University’s Karolinska Institute makes it a strong choice for advanced treatments.
Key Specialties
- Cardiovascular surgery and interventional cardiology
- Orthopedics and sports medicine
- Robotic-assisted procedures
- Obstetrics and women’s health
What Makes It Exceptional
Its cardiovascular department is known for rapid emergency response and rehabilitation services. The orthopedic unit uses innovative robotic-assisted joint replacement systems.
Patient Experience
Private rooms, swift appointment booking, and Canadian-trained nursing staff ensure comfortable and responsive care. Many international patients use travel-friendly surgical programs.
Estimated Costs
- Angioplasty with stent: SEK 120,000–180,000
- Knee replacement (robotic-assisted): SEK 150,000–220,000
- Private maternity package: SEK 50,000–80,000
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3. Sophiahemmet – Stockholm
Overview
Sophiahemmet is a private hospital founded in 1884 and led by Sweden’s royal family. It provides a blend of elective and specialized services, with emphasis on patient experience.
Key Specialties
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Ophthalmology
- General surgery
- ENT and oral-maxillofacial surgery
What Makes It Exceptional
Its cosmetic surgery program is popular for high-skill work and natural results. The ophthalmology unit offers advanced cataract and refractive laser eye surgery.
Patient Experience
Located near central Stockholm, Sophiahemmet features luxurious accommodation, hotel-like amenities, bilingual staff, and fast access to top consultants.
Estimated Costs
- Facelift or breast surgery: SEK 70,000–120,000
- LASIK/ReLEx SMILE: SEK 25,000–40,000 per eye
- Hernia or gallbladder surgery: SEK 70,000–100,000
4. Capio S:t Göran – Stockholm
Overview
Part of the Capio Group, S:t Göran Hospital is one of Stockholm’s largest private providers, offering comprehensive outpatient and elective services.
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Key Specialties
- Orthopedics and spinal surgery
- Urology and prostate care
- Cardiovascular diagnostics
- Pain management
What Makes It Exceptional
Known for minimally invasive methods, fast-track operations, and high patient satisfaction, it’s a leading center for chronic pain relief and joint repair.
Patient Experience
Effective care coordination, Swedish and English support, family waiting areas, and follow-up physiotherapy packages all enhance the patient journey.
Estimated Costs
- Herniated disc surgery: SEK 120,000–180,000
- Prostate-related procedures: SEK 60,000–90,000
- Joint pain management consultation: SEK 2,000–3,500
5. Akademiska Sjukhuset – Uppsala
Overview
Akademiska, the teaching hospital of Uppsala University, blends public hospital care with elective private services for international and domestic patients.
Key Specialties
- Rare neurology and metabolic disorders
- Pediatric surgery
- Immunology
- High-risk obstetrics
What Makes It Exceptional
As one of Sweden’s oldest teaching hospitals, it offers deep specialization in rare diseases and high-risk births. Private services include VIP maternity care.
Patient Experience
International case managers, private birthing suites, and family accommodation support a smooth, supportive experience.
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Estimated Costs
- Rare-disease evaluation: SEK 60,000–90,000
- Prenatal high-risk package: SEK 80,000–150,000
- Pediatric surgery: SEK 100,000–200,000
6. Sahlgrenska University Hospital – Gothenburg
Overview
Another major teaching and research hospital, Sahlgrenska provides publicly funded healthcare alongside private patient arrangements and high-tech services.
Key Specialties
- Oncology and radiotherapy
- Neonatal and perinatal medicine
- Transplant medicine
- Advanced imaging diagnostics
What Makes It Exceptional
One of Europe’s foremost transplant centers, it performs liver, kidney, and bone marrow transplants. It’sa Private Patient Unit in central Gothenburg supports fast elective care.
Patient Experience
Private-patient coordination, interpreter services, and concierge support ensure a streamlined, secure, and dignified experience.
Estimated Costs
- MRI/CT + consultation: SEK 10,000–15,000
- Organ transplant care: SEK 300,000–600,000
- Specialized oncology packages: SEK 200,000–400,000
7. Skåne University Hospital – Malmö/Lund
Overview
South Sweden’s largest hospital, Skåne University Hospital, combines specialist care with private service options, serving both locals and medical tourists.
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Key Specialties
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Pediatrics
- Advanced oncology
What Makes It Exceptional
As a EU cross-border referral center, it manages complex neurosurgical and cardiac cases, with elective access via its private patient stream.
Patient Experience
Private hospital rooms, international patient liaisons, and connections with travel accommodations make it welcoming for international patients.
Estimated Costs
- Heart valve surgery: SEK 250,000–400,000
- Pediatric neurosurgery: SEK 200,000+
- Cancer treatment plans: SEK 150,000–300,000
8. St. Erik Eye Hospital – Stockholm
Overview
A public hospital focusing exclusively on ophthalmology, St. Erik’s private track offers rapid access to surgeries and specialist diagnostics.
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Key Specialties
- Cataract operations
- Retinal procedures
- Glaucoma management
- Corneal transplants
What Makes It Exceptional
State-of-the-art laser platforms and a strong research focus ensure quality and reliability in eye care.
Patient Experience
Private booking bypasses lengthy public queues, with fast surgeon access, day surgery, and concise post-operative follow-up.
Estimated Costs
- Cataract surgery (per eye): SEK 20,000–30,000
- Laser retinal repair: SEK 25,000–40,000
- Glaucoma surgery: SEK 30,000–50,000
9. Privathälsan Sigtuna (Acvisgruppen) – near Stockholm
Overview
A smaller private hospital focused on diagnostics, wellness packages, and niche medical services for corporate and international patients.
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Key Specialties
- Executive health assessments
- Diagnostic imaging packages
- Personalized wellness programs
What Makes It Exceptional
Ideal for health-conscious travelers and professionals, it offers comprehensive health screenings, lifestyle coaching, and fast diagnostics.
Patient Experience
Flexible scheduling, private imaging suites, multi-language support, and tailored health plans emphasize confidentiality and convenience.
Estimated Costs
- Executive health check-up: SEK 15,000–25,000
- Diagnostic imaging + labs: SEK 3,000–8,000
- Lifestyle coaching package: SEK 5,000–12,000
10. Capio St. Elizabeth Hospital – Malmö
Overview
Capio’s St. Elizabeth Hospital is known for rehabilitation and elective surgical care in southern Sweden, with growing international patient services.
Key Specialties
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pain relief interventions
- Women’s health
What Makes It Exceptional
Post-operative rehabilitation is seamlessly combined with surgical interventions, enhancing outcomes for joint and back surgeries.
Patient Experience
Long-stay rehab suites, coordinated care pathways, and team-based recovery plans ensure effective post-operative healing.
Estimated Costs
- Hip/knee replacement + rehab: SEK 200,000–300,000
- Back surgery and recovery: SEK 150,000–250,000
- Rehabilitation-only stay: SEK 5,000–10,000 per day
Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
Q1. Are private hospitals better than public hospitals in Sweden?
Private hospitals typically offer shorter wait times, private rooms, and personalized services. However, the public system excels in emergency and chronic care—especially for complex specialties.
Q2. Can I access treatment without Swedish insurance?
Yes. Many hospitals allow self-pay or accept international insurance; verifying coverage in advance is recommended.
Q3. Do doctors speak English?
Absolutely. Sweden consistently ranks high in English proficiency, and private hospitals routinely provide translators and multilingual staff.
Q4. How fast can I get care?
Private wards and elective services often mean appointments and surgery within weeks, compared to months in the public system.
Q5. Does traveling to expat-friendly Sweden impact my care?
Sweden is very expat-friendly: English is widely spoken, digital health records support teleconsultations, and international coordinators facilitate care planning.
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Final Thoughts
Sweden’s healthcare landscape blends the best of both worlds: high-quality public care enhanced by private options that offer speed, privacy, and advanced treatments. From Nobel-prize-associated research at Karolinska to Olympic-level orthopedics in Stockholm and Malmö, there’s a facility to match every need.
If you’re seeking a premium healthcare experience with advanced diagnostics, tailored treatments, and minimal wait times, Sweden’s private and university-affiliated hospitals deliver with empathy, innovation, and Scandinavian efficiency.