FAQ about Danish health data

Denmark has some of the world’s most comprehensive health data covering many areas of health over a long period of time. All data is linkable due to Denmark’s national unique civil registration system. This makes it possible to use Danish health data to create new knowledge and insights.

In Denmark, there has been a long tradition (back to the 1970s) of collecting data in the healthcare system covering the whole population.

Yes, healthcare challenges are often global and researchers often collaborate across borders to find causes for disease and develop new treatments.

In general, there is high willingness of citizens to share their health data for research if it is done in a secure manner and with the right privacy measures.

Both public and private researchers and companies can access Danish health data if they meet the necessary criteria. All foreign researchers and companies have to collaborate with a Danish institution that can assume data responsibility in order to get access to the Danish health data. 

It can vary and depends on for example what data you want to access. 

No, data is not for sale. Access to data is can be obtained through application, if the relevant criteria are met. There is usually a fee for service model for accessing data, that covers time spend for case handling of application, data extraction and use of data analysis infrastructures.

The richness of Danish health data makes it a reservoir of potential new knowledge and insights on health. More and better use of Danish health data - in secure ways - will contribute to new discoveries and improvements in healthcare that will benefit future patients.

The Danish national government strategy for life science 2021 prioritises promoting Danish health data internationally. Videos and slides about Danish health data on this website is part of this priority and is developed by the Danish Health Data Authority and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.