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Updated July 22, 2026
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Worried about getting access to healthcare after you arrive in Denmark? The Yellow Card (sygesikringskort) is the single most important document for public health services – this guide shows you exactly who gets one, how to apply, what it covers, and the steps to take if it’s lost.
- Issued via your CPR registration at Borgerservice – you must have a Danish address and a CPR number.
- Typical delivery time after registration: about two weeks (can vary by municipality).
- The card proves entitlement to public healthcare in Denmark; some treatments or medicines still incur co-payments.
- If lost or stolen, report to Borgerservice and (if stolen) the police; a replacement is issued – fees and digital options vary.
What is the Yellow Card (Sygesikringskort)?
The Yellow Card, called the sygesikringskort in Danish, proves you are registered in Denmark’s public health insurance. It contains your CPR number (your Danish personal ID) and shows that you are entitled to free or subsidised healthcare under the Danish system.
Use it at GP surgeries, hospitals and some clinics so staff can register your visit and bill the health system. The card is primarily an administrative proof of entitlement – it is not a travel insurance or a guarantee that every treatment is free.
Eligibility Criteria for the Yellow Card
To be eligible you generally must:
- Have lawful residence in Denmark and a registered Danish address.
- Be assigned a CPR number (Civil Personal Registration number) through Borgerservice.
Eligible groups include Danish citizens, EU/EEA nationals exercising free movement rights, people with a valid residence permit, asylum seekers who have been granted residence, and some foreign students or employees under specific agreements.
If your right to stay depends on work, your eligibility may also depend on whether you have the right residence or work permit – read the rules for a work permit here: work permit rules.
If you’re joining family here, see the requirements explained in our guide to family reunification in Denmark.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Yellow Card
Where to apply
You start at your local Borgerservice (Citizens Service) office – in person – to register your address and apply for a CPR number. Many practical arrival steps are bundled together, so it makes sense to book a Borgerservice appointment early; a useful starting place is our register with Borgerservice guide.
The Application Process
- Book an appointment at Borgerservice for address registration and CPR application.
- Attend the appointment with ID and proof of address; the staff will register your address and process your CPR application.
- When the CPR number is issued you are usually automatically registered with the public health insurance system; Borgerservice will log you as entitled to a Yellow Card.
- Your Yellow Card is sent to your Danish address. If you need immediate proof of entitlement, ask Borgerservice for a temporary certificate at the appointment.
Necessary Documents for the Application
- Valid passport or national ID (EU/EEA nationals)
- Residence permit or documentation of your right to reside (if required)
- Proof of Danish address (rental contract or a signed confirmation from landlord)
- Any work contract or study acceptance letter if your status depends on it
Bring originals and, if possible, a few photocopies. Some municipalities accept digital uploads – confirm on the local Borgerservice site.
Waiting Time and What to Expect After Applying
Most applicants receive the physical card within about two weeks after registration, but timelines vary by municipality and season. If you need to access healthcare before the card arrives, Borgerservice can usually issue a temporary document or confirmation to show to providers.
If your card doesn’t arrive in the expected time, contact the Borgerservice office that handled your registration – they can reissue or track it.
Using Your Yellow Card
Understanding How to Use the Yellow Card in Healthcare Settings
Present the Yellow Card at the reception when you visit your GP, hospital or clinic. The staff will use the CPR number to register the visit and to charge the public health system where applicable. Keep the card safe – if you cannot present it, you may be asked to pay and later claim reimbursement.
What Services are Covered by the Yellow Card?
| Typically covered | Typically not fully covered / requires co-payment |
|---|---|
| Visits to general practitioners and publicly referred specialists | Adult dental care (often paid privately) |
| Hospital treatments and emergency care | Most prescription medicines (partial reimbursement for many) |
| Pregnancy and prenatal care | Physiotherapy and certain private specialist services |
| Child health services (including dental care until 18) | Private mental health services or psychotherapy without referral |
Coverage can differ slightly by municipality and individual circumstances. For families with children you may also want to read about child benefits in Denmark and how registration affects other services like daycare: daycare in Denmark.
Limitations and Restrictions of the Yellow Card
- The Yellow Card covers services in Denmark only – it does not replace travel insurance or the EHIC/GHIC when abroad.
- Some treatments, medicines and dental care have co-payments.
- The card is personal and cannot be used by others.
- Keep your address updated with Borgerservice – moving without updating can disrupt the card delivery or entitlement.
If you travel or expect healthcare while outside Denmark, arrange separate travel or international health insurance – the sygesikringskort won’t cover private care abroad in most cases.
Lost or Stolen Yellow Card: What to do?
Process of Reporting a Lost or Stolen Card
- Report the loss to your local Borgerservice as soon as you realise it’s missing – they will cancel and start a replacement.
- If the card was stolen, file a police report as the CPR number on the card is sensitive personal data; keep a copy of the police report.
Identity fraud risk: if someone else tries to use your CPR number, alert Borgerservice and the police immediately.
How to Apply for a Replacement Card
Visit Borgerservice with valid ID and proof of address. The replacement process mirrors the original application; you may receive a temporary certificate if you need immediate access to services. Replacement fees and processing times vary by municipality.
FAQs
Do I need a separate Yellow Card for each family member?
Yes. The Yellow Card is tied to an individual’s CPR number, so every person – adults and children – must have their own card or digital proof of entitlement.
Can I use my Yellow Card outside Denmark?
No. The Yellow Card covers healthcare in Denmark only. If you travel in the EU/EEA, an EHIC/GHIC may offer limited coverage; otherwise arrange travel insurance before you leave.
Do I need to renew my Yellow Card?
The card itself does not need regular renewals while your CPR registration and residence status remain valid. Always notify Borgerservice if you change address, name or residence status so records and your card remain correct.
What should I do if I find an error on my Yellow Card?
Contact Borgerservice immediately to correct any errors (name, CPR number, address). Small mistakes can cause problems when accessing care, so get them fixed promptly.
Book a Borgerservice appointment to register your address and get your CPR number, keep your passport and proof of address ready, and if you have family, register each child so they can access healthcare and services like child benefit.