Money, healthcare and insurance
Before moving to Denmark, it is a good idea to plan your budget and understand how healthcare, financial support and insurance work.
The cost of living can be relatively high, and the rules for financial support and healthcare depend on your individual circumstances.
Cost of living
Denmark has a relatively high cost of living. Housing will normally be your largest monthly expense, followed by food, transport, phone and internet, insurance and leisure activities.
Prices vary considerably depending on where you live and your lifestyle. We recommend preparing a monthly budget before moving to Denmark.
Denmark uses Danish kroner (DKK).
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SU – Danish student grants
SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte) is the Danish government's financial support scheme for students. SU is a monthly grant intended to help cover living expenses while you study.
Whether you are eligible for SU as an international student depends on your nationality and individual circumstances. Different rules apply to students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland and to students from outside the EU/EEA.
If you are eligible for SU, you may also be able to apply for an SU loan. Unlike the SU grant, the loan must be repaid with interest.
Can I work while receiving SU?
You can work while receiving SU, but there is a limit to how much you can earn while receiving the grant. If your income exceeds the limit, you may have to to repay part or all of the grant.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen receiving SU under EU rules based on your status as a worker in Denmark, you must also continue to meet the relevant employment requirements to remain eligible.
How is SU paid?
SU is paid monthly to your NemKonto, which is the bank account you have registered to receive payments from Danish public authorities. SU and SU loans are subject to Danish tax, which is normally deducted before payment.
The rules for SU, income limits and eligibility can change. Always check the current requirements and rates on the official SU website.
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Healthcare
Denmark has a comprehensive public healthcare system. If you are living and studying in Denmark, your access to public healthcare depends on factors such as the length of your stay and your residence and registration status.
If you are registered in the Danish Civil Registration System and have a CPR number, you will normally be covered by the public healthcare system and have access to a general practitioner (GP).
Your GP is your first point of contact
Your GP will normally be your first point of contact if you are ill or have questions about your health. Once you have a CPR number, you can choose or be assigned a GP in the area where you live.
Consultations with your GP are generally free of charge. However, you may have to pay for certain services, such as some vaccinations and medical certificates.
What is not fully covered?
Not all healthcare services are free. You will normally have to pay all or part of the cost of services such as:
- dental care
- prescription medicine
- physiotherapy
- some vaccinations and other treatments.
The amount you have to pay depends on the type of treatment and whether public subsidies are available.
If you are staying in Denmark for a shorter period and do not have a CPR number, different rules may apply to your healthcare coverage. Make sure you understand what healthcare coverage you have before arriving in Denmark.
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Insurance
If you are relocating to Denmark, it is a good idea to review your insurance coverage to ensure you are adequately protected in the event of an emergency. Insurance policies and the types of coverage available in Denmark may differ from those in your home country.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider:
- health or travel insurance
- home contents insurance
- accident insurance
- personal liability insurance
- other relevant insurance, for example for a car or pet.