Denmark travel insurance and destination guide
May 21, 2025
This guide covers essential information about Denmark travel insurance options, top destinations, safety considerations, and practical travel tips to help your Danish adventure be memorable for all the right reasons.
Denmark, a Scandinavian gem known for its progressive society, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes, offers travelers a safe and enriching European experience. From Copenhagen's colorful waterfront districts to the rolling countryside dotted with castles, Denmark provides visitors with a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
With UnitedHealthcare Global’s SafeTrip travel insurance, you can explore this Nordic nation with greater confidence, knowing you're protected against unexpected situations that might arise during your journey.
Travel protection for Denmark
When traveling to Denmark, having appropriate travel protection can provide added confidence against unexpected situations. Denmark offers excellent health care facilities and low crime rates, but unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies can still occur. SafeTrip travel insurance plans offer tailored coverage options designed to address these potential challenges, allowing you to focus on enjoying Denmark's rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes.
Why you need travel insurance in Denmark
While Denmark is considered a safe destination with excellent health care, travel protection remains valuable for several reasons:
- Medical expenses: Denmark has high-quality health care facilities, but costs for non-residents can be substantial, and travel insurance can help cover medical expenses in case of illness or injury.
- Trip cancellations: Weather disruptions, especially during winter months, can affect travel plans, and travel protection can help reimburse non-refundable expenses.
- Lost or stolen belongings: Though crime rates are low, pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas of Copenhagen, and travel insurance can help recover costs of lost or stolen items.
- Emergency medical evacuation: For travelers exploring remote areas like the Faroe Islands, medical evacuation coverage can be crucial if specialized care is needed.
- Travel delays: Unexpected events can disrupt your itinerary, and travel protection can help cover additional accommodation or rebooking costs.
What to consider when choosing the right travel insurance plan
When selecting travel protection for your Denmark trip, prioritize plans with robust medical coverage including emergency medical evacuation services. Consider your planned activities—if you're exploring rural areas or the Faroe Islands, more comprehensive coverage may be beneficial. Look for plans offering 24/7 support services that can provide assistance in multiple languages, as this can be invaluable during emergencies.
Additionally, assess coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, particularly if traveling during winter months when weather disruptions are more common. Check coverage limits to ensure they align with Denmark's relatively high costs, and verify if your plan covers pre-existing conditions if applicable.
SafeTrip travel insurance plans
SafeTrip offers tailored travel insurance plans to meet different needs when visiting Denmark:
International Travel Medical Plus
The SafeTrip International Travel Medical Plus plan delivers coverage for travelers to Denmark. This plan includes robust emergency medical benefits, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption protection, and coverage for lost luggage. It's ideal for those planning activities throughout Denmark, from city explorations in Copenhagen to cycling adventures in the countryside. This plan provides added confidence whether you're visiting Tivoli Gardens, touring castles in North Zealand, or exploring the remote landscapes of the Faroe Islands.
International Travel Medical
The International Travel Medical plan focuses primarily on medical coverage during your Denmark trip. It offers essential medical benefits and emergency medical evacuation services, making it suitable for travelers who already have trip cancellation coverage through other means or are primarily concerned with health protection. This plan provides medical security while exploring Denmark's cities, countryside, or coastal areas, allowing you to enjoy Danish culture and landscapes with less worry about potential medical expenses.
All SafeTrip plans include 24/7 support from multilingual professionals, ensuring assistance is just a phone call away regardless of where you are in Denmark. With these protection options, you can immerse yourself in Danish experiences—from sampling New Nordic cuisine to visiting historic Viking sites—knowing you have appropriate coverage for unexpected situations.
Traveling to Denmark
Denmark offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern innovation, making it an appealing destination for travelers seeking cultural experiences in a safe, welcoming environment.
Places to go and things to do
Denmark presents diverse attractions for travelers to enjoy:
- Copenhagen: Explore the colorful Nyhavn harbor, visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue, and experience the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park dating back to 1843.
- Kronborg Castle: Visit the UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør that inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet and offers stunning views across the sound to Sweden.
- Legoland Billund: Discover the original Legoland park featuring impressive Lego sculptures and family-friendly attractions in the birthplace of the famous toy.
- Aarhus: Explore Denmark's second-largest city with its open-air Den Gamle By museum, ARoS Art Museum with its rainbow panorama walkway, and vibrant cultural scene.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Experience world-class art in a stunning seaside setting north of Copenhagen, combining culture with breathtaking views of the Øresund.
- Roskilde: Visit the impressive UNESCO-listed cathedral containing royal tombs and the Viking Ship Museum displaying preserved Norse vessels.
- Skagen: Discover Denmark's northernmost town famous for its distinctive light that attracted the Skagen Painters, and witness the meeting of two seas at Grenen.
- Bornholm Island: Explore this Baltic Sea island known for its distinctive round churches, artisan crafts, smoked fish, and beautiful coastal landscapes.
- Odense: Visit the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and explore this charming city with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and literary heritage.
- The Faroe Islands: Experience dramatic landscapes with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and traditional villages in this autonomous region of Denmark.
Best times to visit
The optimal time to visit Denmark is during the summer months from June to August when temperatures are mild (typically 60-75°F/15-24°C), days are extraordinarily long with up to 17 hours of daylight, and numerous outdoor festivals take place. This period is ideal for exploring Denmark's beaches, cycling routes, and outdoor attractions.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations with comfortable temperatures, though some attractions may have reduced hours. These shoulder seasons provide a pleasant balance of decent weather and less tourist congestion, particularly in Copenhagen.
Winter (November-March) brings short days and temperatures hovering around freezing, but offers unique experiences including Christmas markets, hygge culture in cozy cafés, and potential northern lights sightings in northern regions. Indoor attractions remain open year-round, making Denmark a viable destination regardless of season, though travel insurance becomes particularly valuable during winter when weather disruptions are more common.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Denmark
Below are answers to common questions travelers have about visiting Denmark:
Do U.S. citizens need travel insurance in Denmark?
While travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens visiting Denmark, it is strongly recommended. Denmark's high-quality medical care comes at significant cost to visitors without European Health Insurance coverage. Additionally, travel insurance can provide protection against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions that might occur when visiting Denmark.
What documents do I need to travel to Denmark as a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens need a valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond their planned departure date from the Schengen Area. No visa is required for tourist or business stays under 90 days within any 180-day period. However, travelers must have proof of sufficient funds for their stay and return or onward travel tickets. For visits exceeding 90 days, a residence permit or visa is required.
For the most up-to-date information on Denmark entry requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy of Denmark for details.
What vaccinations are required?
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Denmark from the United States. However, it's recommended that travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and yearly flu shots.
For recommended and required vaccinations as well as preventative treatment for travel to Denmark, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How much is a travel insurance plan for a trip to Denmark?
The cost of travel insurance for Denmark depends on several factors, including your age, trip duration, coverage limits, and the type of plan selected. Basic medical coverage plans are generally more affordable, while comprehensive plans that include trip cancellation and additional benefits tend to be higher in cost, especially when insuring a more expensive trip. Older travelers or those with pre-existing medical conditions may encounter higher premiums.
Is health care free in Denmark for foreigners?
Health care in Denmark is not free for visitors from non-EU countries, including the United States. While Denmark has an excellent universal health care system for its citizens and residents, tourists and temporary visitors are generally expected to pay for medical services. Visitors from EU countries with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may receive necessary treatment at reduced costs or free of charge. For non-EU visitors, medical costs can be substantial, making travel insurance with medical coverage particularly important. Emergency treatment is typically provided regardless of insurance status, but patients will be billed afterward.
Denmark travel tips and safety information
Emergency contact numbers and local assistance
In the event of an emergency in Denmark, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services. This emergency number is available 24/7 and operators typically speak English. For non-emergency police matters, call 114.
Most Danish health care professionals speak English, making communication in medical situations easier for English-speaking travelers. Denmark's health care system is of an international standard, with medical care provided mostly in the public sector. A full range of specialties is available in large regional and university hospitals.
Denmark local laws and customs
Understanding Danish customs can enhance your travel experience:
- Danes value punctuality highly; being more than 10 minutes late is considered very impolite and may result in rescheduled meetings.
- Tipping is not customary in Denmark as restaurants and hotels generally add a 15% service charge to bills.
- Danes communicate directly and informally, often omitting titles when addressing others, reflecting their egalitarian society.
- Cycling is a major part of Danish culture with extensive infrastructure; respect bike lanes and cycling rules.
- The Danish concept of "hygge" (creating cozy, comfortable environments) is central to the culture, especially during winter months.
- Business meetings may be difficult to arrange between mid-June and mid-August, as most Danes take holidays during this period.
- Same-sex marriage is legal in Denmark, which was the first country in the world to recognize registered partnerships for same-sex couples.
- Danes typically greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact, which shows respect and sincerity.
Health risks and medical facilities
Denmark has an overall healthy environment with minimal health risks for visitors. The tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Public hospitals in Denmark meet international standards, although they may be crowded. Private facilities are available in major cities like Copenhagen, offering quick access to care but requiring payment at the time of service.
Most health care professionals speak English, facilitating communication for international visitors.
EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can receive necessary treatment at reduced or no cost, while non-EU visitors, including Americans, must pay for medical services or rely on travel insurance coverage.
Diseases and health risks
Denmark presents few health risks for travelers. Food and water are generally safe for consumption, though raw or cold smoked salmon, herring, or whitefish may carry anisakiasis, a parasitic disease affecting the intestinal tract.
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some forested areas, particularly during warmer months. Consider using insect repellent when hiking or camping.
During winter months, extremely cold temperatures can pose risks such as hypothermia and frostbite, especially in remote areas. Appropriate winter clothing is essential for outdoor activities.
Staying safe in urban and rural areas
Denmark has very low crime rates, with violent crime being rare. When crime does occur, it typically involves personal disputes or conflicts between motorcycle gangs rather than targeting tourists. Nevertheless, visitors should exercise standard precautions:
In urban areas, particularly Copenhagen, be aware of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in tourist zones, near hotel lobbies, at train stations like Norreport, and at Kastrup Airport. Keep valuables secure and remain alert in crowded places.
Rural areas are generally very safe, though winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to snow and ice. If exploring remote regions, particularly in winter, inform someone of your plans and carry appropriate supplies.
Danish police are professional, well-trained, and most officers speak English. They're generally approachable and helpful to tourists requiring assistance.
Additional tips for traveling to Denmark
- Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK) as currency, not the Euro, despite being an EU member; credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being most common.
- Public transportation is efficient and extensive throughout Denmark, with trains, buses, and metros connecting major cities and rural areas.
- Bicycles can be rented in most cities and towns, offering an authentic Danish experience while navigating urban centers.
- Winter daylight hours are extremely limited (approximately 7 hours in December), while summer offers up to 17 hours of daylight.
- The Danish language is challenging for most visitors, but English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.
- Restaurants and attractions can be expensive compared to other European destinations, with Copenhagen consistently ranking among Europe's most costly cities.
- Weather in Denmark can change quickly; layered clothing is recommended year-round, with waterproof options essential for the frequent rain.
- Alcohol consumption is part of Danish social culture, with legal drinking age being 16 for beverages under 16.5% alcohol content and 18 for stronger drinks.
- Most shops close early (around 6 PM) on weekdays and are closed on Sundays except in tourist areas.
Choose SafeTrip for your Denmark travel insurance
When planning your Danish adventure, selecting appropriate travel insurance becomes an essential part of your preparation. SafeTrip offers tailored protection plans that address the specific needs of travelers visiting this Scandinavian nation.
With SafeTrip, you gain access to robust medical coverage that complements Denmark's excellent but potentially costly health care system for visitors. The 24/7 multilingual support assistance is always available, whether you're navigating a medical concern in Aarhus or experiencing travel disruptions in remote coastal regions.
Our plans are designed to provide appropriate coverage for various activities throughout Denmark, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Danish experiences with added confidence. Choose SafeTrip travel insurance for your journey to Denmark, and travel knowing you have appropriate protection backing your Scandinavian experience.
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