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Sweden's No-Fault Patient-Injury Insurance

James K. Cooper, M.D.

Abstract

Sweden has introduced a nationwide no-fault patient-injury compensation plan. The plan was not introduced because malpractice insurance costs were high, but because so few injured patients received compensation through the tort liability system. With certain exceptions, compensation is provided for loss that occurs as a result of injury related to hospitalization or medical care. The insurance plan has completed 12 months of operation. Its total cost is less than 50¢ per citizen, and it is financed from general tax revenue. Sweden's experience can be projected to a population the size of the United States, and the results compared to United States malpractice liability figures. Such a comparison indicates a total number of awards greater than that of the United States, but a lower average amount per award. (N Engl J Med 294:1268–1270, 1976)

Funding and Disclosures

This report is based on interviews in Sweden with authorities of the National Board of Health and Welfare, Swedish Medical Association, Scandia Insurance Corporation, Swedish Planning and Rationalization Institute (SPRI), and physicians and lawyers. The data pertaining to Sweden were obtained from Rune Lind, of the Federation of Swedish County Councils, and Carl Odertz, of the insurance consortium, Stockholm. Birgitta Wistrand and Sharman Stephens helped obtain material for this report.

Author Affiliations

From the Division of Health Care Systems, Office of Policy Development and Planning, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (address reprint requests to Dr. Cooper at Parklawn Bldg., Room 17–12, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852).

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