Denmark has a well-developed insurance market with strong consumer protections. While the public healthcare system covers most medical needs, private insurance provides faster access and broader coverage. This guide compares all major insurance types available to Danish residents.
Indboforsikring (Contents Insurance)
Contents insurance covers your personal belongings against theft, fire, water damage, and liability. It is one of the most important insurances to have — without it, you pay for everything yourself if something goes wrong.
What it covers:
- Theft from your home or car
- Fire and smoke damage
- Water damage from burst pipes or leaks
- Liability if you accidentally damage someone else’s property
- Temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable
What it does not cover:
- Wear and tear or gradual deterioration
- Damage from your own negligence
- High-value items above a certain limit (check your policy)
- Damage during renovation or construction work
Top providers: Tryg, Codan, Alm. Brand, Topdanmark
Price range: DKK 1,500–4,000 per year depending on the value of your contents and your location.
Tip: Compare quotes at findforsikring.dk or tjenestetorvet.dk. The price difference between providers can be DKK 1,000 or more for the same coverage.
Sundhedsforsikring (Health Top-Up Insurance)
Denmark has excellent public healthcare, but waiting times for specialists, dental, physiotherapy, and psychology can be long. Health top-up insurance gives you faster access to treatment and covers services the public system does not fully pay for.
What it covers:
- Dental treatment beyond the basic public subsidy
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Psychology and psychiatric treatment
- Quick access to specialists without long waiting lists
What it does not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions (in some cases)
- Cosmetic procedures
- Treatments available through the public system at no cost
Top providers: Codan, Tryg, If, PFA
Price range: DKK 1,500–4,000 per year depending on coverage level and age.
Important: Many employers include sundhedsforsikring as a workplace benefit. Check with your HR department before buying your own policy — you may already be covered.
Bilforsikring (Car Insurance)
Car insurance is mandatory in Denmark. You must have at minimum a third-party liability policy. Most drivers opt for more comprehensive coverage.
What it covers (comprehensive):
- Damage to other people’s property (liability — mandatory)
- Damage to your own car from accidents
- Theft of your car
- Fire damage
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Roadside assistance in some policies
What it does not cover:
- Routine maintenance and wear
- Damage from driving under the influence
- Using the car for unapproved purposes
Top providers: Tryg, Codan, Topdanmark, Alm. Brand
Price range: DKK 5,000–15,000 per year depending on your car, age, driving history, and coverage level.
Tip: Your no-claims bonus (skadesfrihed) reduces your premium significantly. Avoid making small claims that could reset your bonus.
Livsforsikring (Life Insurance)
Life insurance pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. It is essential if you have a partner, children, or anyone who depends on your income.
What it covers:
- Lump-sum payment on death
- Some policies include critical illness cover
- Can be used to pay off mortgage, cover living costs, or fund children’s education
What it does not cover:
- Death from pre-existing conditions (depending on policy terms)
- Suicide within the first year of the policy (standard exclusion)
Top providers: PFA, Danica, AP Pension
Price range: DKK 200–500 per month depending on age, health, coverage amount, and term length.
Tip: If you have a mortgage, your bank may require life insurance. Compare the bank’s offer with independent providers — you can usually find a cheaper policy elsewhere.
Ulykkesforsikring (Accident Insurance)
Accident insurance pays a lump sum if you suffer a serious injury or permanent disability from an accident. It provides financial support when you need it most.
What it covers:
- Lump-sum payment for serious injury or disability
- Compensation based on the severity of the injury
- Some policies cover loss of income due to accident
What it does not cover:
- Illness or disease (only accidents)
- Injuries from high-risk activities (check policy exclusions)
- Self-inflicted injuries
Top providers: Tryg, Codan, Alm. Brand
Price range: DKK 500–1,500 per year.
Tip: Accident insurance is relatively cheap and provides valuable peace of mind. It is especially worthwhile if you have an active lifestyle or a physically demanding job.
Rejseforsikring (Travel Insurance)
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage when travelling abroad. Denmark’s public healthcare card (Sundhedskortet) provides limited coverage in EU countries, but not elsewhere.
What it covers:
- Medical expenses abroad
- Trip cancellation or curtailment
- Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
- Emergency dental treatment while travelling
- Repatriation to Denmark in serious cases
What it does not cover:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (in some policies)
- Adventures or extreme sports (unless specifically added)
- Trips to countries with travel advisories
Top providers: Tryg, Codan, Europæiske
Price range:
- Per trip: DKK 300–800 depending on destination and duration
- Annual policy: DKK 1,000–3,000 for unlimited trips within a year
Tip: If you travel more than twice a year, an annual policy is almost always cheaper than buying per-trip coverage.
Comparison Table
| Insurance Type | Top Providers | Price Range | Key Coverage | Common Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indboforsikring | Tryg, Codan, Topdanmark, Alm. Brand | DKK 1,500–4,000/yr | Theft, fire, water damage, liability | Wear and tear, high-value items above limit |
| Sundhedsforsikring | Codan, Tryg, If, PFA | DKK 1,500–4,000/yr | Dental, physio, glasses, psychology | Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic |
| Bilforsikring | Tryg, Codan, Topdanmark, Alm. Brand | DKK 5,000–15,000/yr | Liability, damage, theft, fire | DUI, wear and tear |
| Livsforsikring | PFA, Danica, AP Pension | DKK 2,400–6,000/yr | Death benefit, critical illness | Pre-existing conditions, suicide (1 yr) |
| Ulykkesforsikring | Tryg, Codan, Alm. Brand | DKK 500–1,500/yr | Serious injury, disability | Illness, high-risk activities |
| Rejseforsikring | Tryg, Codan, Europæiske | DKK 300–800/trip or DKK 1,000–3,000/yr | Medical, cancellation, luggage | Pre-existing conditions, extreme sports |
How to Compare Insurance
- Use comparison websites. findforsikring.dk and tjenestetorvet.dk let you compare quotes from multiple providers side by side. This is the fastest way to find the best price.
- Compare coverage, not just price. A cheaper policy may have higher excesses or more exclusions. Read the fine print.
- Check the excess (selvrisiko). A higher excess means a lower premium, but you pay more out of pocket if you make a claim.
- Read exclusions carefully. Every policy has exclusions. Make sure you understand what is not covered before you buy.
- Check customer reviews. Look at trustpilot.dk for reviews of insurance providers. A cheap policy is not worth it if the claims process is terrible.
Tips for Saving on Insurance
- Bundle insurances with one provider. Many insurers offer a multi-insurance discount (samlerabat) if you buy contents, car, and other policies together. This can save you 10–20%.
- Check if your employer includes sundhedsforsikring. Many Danish employers provide health top-up insurance as a benefit. Do not pay for something you already have.
- Compare annually. Insurance prices change every year. Spend 30 minutes each year comparing quotes — you could save DKK 1,000 or more.
- Do not over-insure. Calculate the actual value of your contents and buy coverage that matches. Paying for DKK 500,000 of coverage when your contents are worth DKK 200,000 wastes money.
- Increase your excess. If you can afford to pay a higher excess, your premium drops significantly. This works well if you rarely make claims.
- Read the fine print on exclusions. Some policies exclude specific items like bicycles, jewellery, or electronics above a certain value. Make sure your most valuable items are covered.
- Consider annual travel insurance. If you travel more than twice a year, an annual policy is cheaper than buying per-trip coverage every time.
- Use findforsikring.dk for quick comparisons. This Danish comparison site aggregates quotes from major providers and makes it easy to find the cheapest option for your needs.