Sweden offers a high standard of living and is considered one of the safest and most well-organized countries in Europe. Whether you are moving to Sweden for work, studies, or permanent residence, securing a home insurance policy (hemförsäkring) is an essential step in protecting yourself, your belongings, and your liability as a tenant or homeowner.
Home insurance is not legally required in Sweden, but it is strongly recommended—and often required by landlords. It covers not only your personal possessions and the physical home but also legal liability, travel protection, and accidental damage.
Who Needs Home Insurance in Sweden?
| Type of Resident | Is Home Insurance Required? |
| Tenants (renting an apartment/room) | Strongly recommended / Usually required |
| Homeowners | Yes, highly recommended |
| Students (even in shared housing) | Yes, personal insurance is advisable |
| Asylum seekers or temporary visitors | Optional (depends on situation) |
Even if you rent a room or live in student housing, home insurance protects your belongings and covers you in case of fire, water damage, or theft.
What Is Hemförsäkring (Home Insurance)?
Hemförsäkring is the Swedish term for home insurance, and it usually includes:
- Personal property protection (furniture, electronics, clothing)
- Liability coverage (if you accidentally cause damage or injury)
- Legal protection (legal fees in case of disputes)
- Travel insurance (for trips up to 45 days, included in many policies)
- Assistance with theft, fire, or water damage
You can also add accident insurance, extra travel protection, or all-risk coverage for high-value items.
Types of Home Insurance in Sweden
| Type | Applies To | Coverage Includes |
| Renter’s Insurance | People renting an apartment or house | Belongings, personal liability, travel, legal assistance |
| Homeowner’s Insurance | Owners of a house or property | Structure of the house, belongings, liability, travel, and legal assistance |
| Student Insurance | Students in dorms or shared apartments | Belongings, travel, personal liability – at a lower premium |
| Condo Insurance (Bostadsrättsförsäkring) | Apartment owners | Add-on to cover interior of owned apartments (in addition to regular home insurance) |
What’s Typically Covered
| Coverage Area | What It Includes |
| Personal Property | Furniture, clothes, electronics, valuables |
| Personal Liability | If you damage a neighbor’s apartment or someone gets injured in your home |
| Legal Protection | Legal fees in tenant disputes, accidents, or civil matters |
| Travel Insurance | Emergency healthcare, theft, or lost baggage abroad (usually up to 45 days/trip) |
| Emergency Assistance | Help in case of home emergencies, e.g., water leaks, lockouts |
Note: Earthquake and flood protection may need to be added depending on location.
Cost of Home Insurance in Sweden
| Property Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Rented room/apartment | SEK 60 – 150 (approx. €5–13) |
| Apartment owner (condo) | SEK 100 – 250 (approx. €9–22) |
| Houseowner (villa) | SEK 250 – 600 (approx. €22–53) |
Premiums depend on the value of your belongings, location, and type of coverage.
Top Home Insurance Providers in Sweden
Some of the major and reliable home insurance companies in Sweden include:
- Folksam
- Trygg-Hansa
- IF Skadeförsäkring
- Länsförsäkringar
- ICA Försäkring
- Hedvig (popular with young people and expats)
Most insurers offer English-language customer support and online quotes.
How to Get Home Insurance
- Compare quotes online using Swedish insurance websites or aggregators
- Choose coverage based on your living situation (renter, owner, student)
- Provide:
- Swedish personal identity number (personnummer)
- Address and type of home
- Value of belongings
- Receive policy confirmation by email or post
- Set up autogiro (direct debit) or online payment
Can Immigrants and Expats Get Home Insurance?
Yes, absolutely. Even if you’ve just moved to Sweden, you can apply for home insurance. Most companies require:
- A Swedish address
- A personnummer (sometimes optional for temporary coverage)
- Basic identity documents
Some providers (like Hedvig) are particularly friendly to newcomers and students.
What If I Don’t Have Home Insurance?
Without home insurance, you may:
- Pay out of pocket for stolen or damaged belongings
- Be personally liable for accidents or damages
- Face difficulty getting legal help in disputes
- Risk eviction (some landlords make it a rental requirement)
In case of emergencies like fire or flood, lack of insurance can lead to severe financial loss.
Having home insurance in Sweden is not just about protecting your things—it’s about securing your place in a society where responsibility and safety are deeply valued. For immigrants and expats, getting insured is a practical and sometimes mandatory step that helps you integrate confidently into Swedish life.
Whether you’re a student, renter, or homeowner, choosing the right hemförsäkring gives you peace of mind, financial security, and protection for the unexpected.
FAQs
1: Is home insurance required by law in Sweden?
No, but it is strongly recommended and often required by landlords in rental agreements.
2: What happens if I don’t have home insurance and there’s a fire or theft?
You will have to pay for all losses and damages out of pocket, including liability if you are found responsible.
3: Can I get home insurance without a Swedish personal number (personnummer)?
Some companies may allow temporary coverage without a personnummer, but most will require it for full policies.
4: Does home insurance cover travel outside of Sweden?
Yes, most policies include travel insurance for short trips abroad, typically up to 45 days per trip.
