Emergency room in Copenhagen: where to go
If it is life-threatening, call 112 now. For everything else, here is how urgent care works in Copenhagen — 112, the 1813 helpline, and when an English-speaking GP can simply see you the same day. YourGP is not an emergency room, but for acute problems that are not emergencies we are often the fastest way to be seen.
Not an emergency? See a doctor today
Book a same-day consultation with an English-speaking GP. No CPR number needed — just photo ID and an email address.
Pay by card in the clinic after your visit — no prepayment.
Call 112 — a real emergency
112 is the emergency number in Denmark. It is free, works from any phone and can be used in English. Call 112 — or go straight to a hospital emergency department — for anything that could be life- or limb-threatening:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a suspected heart attack.
- Difficulty breathing or choking.
- Signs of a stroke — face drooping, arm weakness, slurred or lost speech.
- Severe bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury.
- Loss of consciousness, a fit, or someone who cannot be woken.
- A severe allergic reaction (swelling of lips or throat, sudden widespread rash, faintness).
- Major burns, or thoughts of harming yourself.
In a genuine emergency you are treated regardless of insurance, nationality or CPR number.
1813 — urgent, but not life-threatening
1813 (Akuttelefonen) is the Capital Region’s medical helpline for acute problems outside normal GP hours — evenings, nights and weekends. In Copenhagen you should call 1813 before going to a hospital emergency room: a nurse or doctor assesses you over the phone and, if you need to be seen, books you into an acute clinic (akutklinik) or emergency department.
1813 is open around the clock and can help in English. It is the right call for things like a high fever that will not settle, a possible fracture, a deep cut that may need stitches, or worsening illness at night. Be prepared for a wait, and note that the assessment and clinics run mainly in Danish.
Where should you go?
Life-threatening emergency
Chest pain, breathing trouble, stroke signs, severe bleeding, unconsciousness. Call 112 or go to a hospital emergency department now.
Acute, out of hours
Serious but not life-threatening, and it is evening, night or weekend. Call 1813 first — they advise you and book an acute clinic if needed.
Unwell — want to be seen today
An infection, a UTI, an ear or eye problem, travel illness, a prescription. See a same-day English-speaking GP at YourGP.
Book an appointment →What we can see you for today
YourGP is a private, English-speaking clinic on Strøget in central Copenhagen. We handle the acute problems that are not emergencies — usually the same or next day, without the 1813 queue and without a CPR number.
- Infections — Sore throat, tonsillitis, ear and sinus infections, coughs, fever, flu-like illness and chest infections.
- Urinary and stomach — Urinary tract infections, food poisoning, traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach pain.
- Eyes, ears and skin — Conjunctivitis, earache, rashes, allergic reactions, insect and tick bites, sunburn.
- Minor injuries — Sprains, small cuts and minor burns. We refer you on if an X-ray or hospital care is needed.
- Prescriptions — New or repeat prescriptions, sent electronically to any Danish pharmacy.
- Paperwork — Sick notes and medical reports for your insurer, employer or university.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call in a medical emergency in Denmark?
Call 112 for any life-threatening emergency — for example chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or loss of consciousness. 112 is free, works from any phone and can be used in English.
What is 1813, and when should I call it?
1813 (Akuttelefonen) is the Capital Region’s medical helpline for acute but non-life-threatening problems outside normal GP hours — evenings, nights and weekends. In Copenhagen you should call 1813 before going to a hospital emergency room; a nurse assesses you and, if needed, books you into an acute clinic.
Can tourists and visitors use the emergency room in Copenhagen?
Yes. In a genuine emergency you are treated regardless of insurance or CPR number — call 112, or 1813 for out-of-hours acute problems. For a non-emergency, public waits can be long and consultations are in Danish, so many visitors choose a private English-speaking GP to be seen the same day.
Do I need a CPR number or health card to be seen?
Not for a real emergency, and not at YourGP. We are a private clinic for visitors and internationals — you only need photo ID and an email address.
It is not an emergency, but I cannot wait several days. What should I do?
Book a same-day consultation with an English-speaking GP here. We handle acute-but-not-emergency problems — infections, urinary and ear or eye complaints, travel illness, prescriptions and sick notes — usually the same or next day.
Unwell in Copenhagen, and it is not an emergency?
Book a time with an English-speaking GP — usually the same day.
Book an appointment →