Changing your GP in Denmark — how to switch doctor

Updated By exploringdenmark

Not happy with your GP? Moving to a new neighbourhood? Need an English-speaking doctor? Changing your GP in Denmark is straightforward — you can do it online in minutes via sundhed.dk. But there are rules about how often you can switch, and finding an English-speaking GP with open capacity can take some effort. Here is everything you need to know.

How the GP system works in Denmark

In Denmark, every resident with a yellow health card (sundhedskort) is assigned to a GP practice. Your GP is your first point of contact for all non-emergency health issues — they diagnose, treat, prescribe, refer to specialists, and manage your overall health. GP visits are free under the public system (Group 1 insurance, which almost everyone has).

When you first register for a CPR number and health card, you are assigned a GP — usually the closest practice with available capacity. If you did not choose carefully at that stage, you may have ended up with a GP who does not speak English, is far from your home, or is simply not a good fit.

How to change your GP — step by step

  1. Log in to sundhed.dk using your MitID
  2. Navigate to “Min læge” (My doctor) → “Skift læge” (Change doctor)
  3. Search for available GPs in your area. The system shows practices with open capacity near your registered address.
  4. Select your new GP and confirm the change.
  5. The change takes effect from the 1st of the following month. You will receive a new health card by post within 1–2 weeks.
The first free switch

Your first GP change is free. After that, each change costs DKK 235 (2026 rate) unless you are moving to a new address — address-related changes are always free. The fee is charged automatically.

How often can you switch?

You can change your GP as often as you like, but each change (after the first free one) costs DKK 235. There is no mandatory waiting period between changes. Changes triggered by moving to a new address are always free, regardless of how many times you have switched before.

Finding an English-speaking GP

This is the tricky part. The sundhed.dk system does not filter by language, and not all GPs speak English comfortably. Here is how to find one:

  • Ask in expat groups — Facebook groups (Copenhagen Expats, Expats in Denmark) regularly share English-speaking GP recommendations. This is the most reliable source.
  • Call the practice before switching — ask the receptionist whether the GP is comfortable consulting in English. Most younger Danish GPs speak excellent English.
  • International House Copenhagen — can recommend English-friendly practices.
  • Lægevagten.dk — while primarily for doctor search, it can help identify practices near you.
  • Group practices (lægehuse) — larger practices with multiple doctors are more likely to have at least one English-speaking GP.

English-Speaking Doctors in Denmark →
Finding GPs who speak English — a practical guide.

When should you consider switching?

  • Your GP does not speak English (or your preferred language) well enough for medical conversations
  • You moved and your GP is now far from your home or workplace
  • You feel dismissed or unheard during consultations — trust matters in healthcare
  • The practice has poor availability (long waits for appointments, difficulty reaching by phone)
  • You need a GP who specialises in an area relevant to you (e.g. women’s health, mental health referrals)
You do not need to give your current GP a reason

Changing your GP is entirely your right. You do not need to explain why you are switching, and you do not need to notify your current GP. The change is processed through sundhed.dk, and your medical records transfer automatically to your new GP.

Group practices vs solo GPs

Denmark has both solo GP practices (where you always see the same doctor) and group practices (lægehuse, where you may see different doctors within the same practice). Group practices often offer better availability and more flexible appointment times. If you choose a group practice, you will have a named GP but can usually see any doctor in the practice when your GP is unavailable.