Healthcare & Family

Specialist referrals, the path runs through your GP

Updated July 2026Reviewed July 2026
The one-line versionIn the Danish system, you reach a specialist via a GP referral - and it is free. You also get free choice of hospital, and a treatment guarantee if the wait runs long.

How referrals work

For Group 1 residents (almost everyone), specialist and hospital care is accessed through a referral (henvisning) from your GP. The GP assesses you, and if specialist input is needed, refers you - at no cost. A few specialties (like chiropractors) can be seen directly; most cannot without a referral.

Two rights worth knowing

  • Free hospital choice (frit sygehusvalg): you can pick any public hospital in Denmark for your treatment - you are not tied to your region.
  • Treatment guarantee: if a public hospital cannot treat you within a set period (commonly cited as around 30 days for many treatments) of referral, you may have the right to treatment at a private hospital or another region at public expense.
It is all covered - with the referralReferred specialist visits and hospital treatment carry no co-payment. The referral is the key that unlocks free care; going around it (Group 2, or private without referral) means paying. Keep the GP as your route in.

What to expect

After referral you are contacted with an appointment. For non-urgent care there may be a wait, which is where the treatment guarantee and free hospital choice help. For urgent needs the GP or hospital prioritises accordingly. Track referrals and appointments on sundhed.dk with MitID.

Ask about the guarantee if the wait is longIf you are quoted a long wait, ask your region or hospital about your rights under the treatment guarantee and free hospital choice - you may be able to be seen sooner elsewhere at no cost. Many people do not realise the option exists.

Common questions

Can I see a specialist without a referral?
Generally not in Group 1 - you need a GP referral, and then it is free. A few types (e.g. chiropractors) are exceptions.
Can I choose which hospital?
Yes - free hospital choice lets you pick any public hospital in the country for your treatment.
What if the wait is too long?
The treatment guarantee may entitle you to private or out-of-region treatment at public expense if the public wait exceeds the set period. Ask your region.

Verified July 2026 against official sources: lifeindenmark.borger.dk, sundhed.dk, the Danish Health Authority (sst.dk), Statens Serum Institut and municipal pages. Figures are 2026 levels and vary by region and municipality. General information, not medical advice.

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