Sweden leads the way: the first country to offer wellness travel on prescription

As the wellness travel phenomenon gains momentum and societies increasingly acknowledge the importance of mental health, Sweden has taken a step that sets it apart from the rest of the world this Mental Health Awareness Month.

In a groundbreaking initiative known as "The Swedish Prescription", the nation now allows doctors to prescribe travel for wellness, offering a unique solution for those seeking restorative experiences.

In collaboration with medical professionals, its official marketing company, Visit Sweden, has established a framework where patients can be issued a prescription for a visit to Sweden, allowing them to benefit from the country’s myriad wellness offerings.

Patients can now easily download a medical referral through the tourism agency's site.

This document serves as a tool to initiate discussions with healthcare providers about how a healing trip to the country can positively impact their well-being.

The service is tailored for those requiring specific support in managing stress, enhancing mental health or simply seeking a rejuvenating retreat.

According to the travel site, “Patients worldwide can bring the document to their doctor and use it as a basis for having a visit to Sweden prescribed.”

This means Sweden is the first country to be prescribed as a travel destination, with select doctors ready to provide recommendations in conjunction with the identified therapeutic experiences available.

The country, in partnership with leading health experts, including Swedish senior professor Yvonne Forsell, curated a variety of activities to promote wellness across three core areas: nature, lifestyle, and culture.

The emphasis on these domains ensures a holistic approach to health, enabling individuals to reconnect with themselves through the country's abundant natural and cultural treasures.

However, it is important to note that the tourism agency does not cover any costs associated with this prescription. 

For practitioners like Dr Stacy Beller Stryer, the prospect of prescribing travel to Sweden resonates deeply, particularly for patients who inquire about stress management and overall wellness.

“If a patient asked for ways to manage stress or improve well-being, I would support a prescription for Sweden,” she states.

“Its access to nature and related cultural practices align with what works for mental and physical health.”

This reflects a broader consensus within the medical community, including Dr Sam Everington, who highlights the evidence-based benefits of engaging with nature and culture.