University/Insurance/Future

[Cutie99]

Hey guys, I'm back once again!
Today I was thinking about my future: I wondered how I wanted to start my transition and what was possible to do.
So I looked for free universities in Europe and found out that it's totally free in Sweden. I've never had problems with languages and travelling, so moving there shouldn't be a problem. I also heard Sweden is one of the most friendly countries of the world. The fact is that I've heard it needs a loooong time to start.

I'm gonna probably be alone, with no economical support from my family(I know, so sad.) and that I'll need to do everything by my own. I would like to start my HRT at 19 (after one year of therapy). I just don't know how could I simply afford it. Does insurance cover people without a job? I would like to study and become a Nurse, but I don't have the money to either study and transition.

Can you tell me more about health insurance? Does insurance pay for HRT and SRS at all? Do I need to obtain insurance or everybody already has it? Any suggestions?

Thank you,
Julie

[Nattiedoll]

Hi cutie,

It's great that you are planning for the future, as long as you continue everything will fall into place. That is great that your university is free, therefore every dollar you get should go towards your transition, priorities are everything! As far as insurance goes, I would look into United healthcare and Aetna, they cover majorly everything transgender related. You can get your own plan over 18 but will have to pay a monthly fee. Although you may have to pay this monthly fee yourself, it is worth it because they cover HRT SRS and some other secondary surgeries.
I can help you answer any questions you like

Natalia

[Cindy]

I think, I am not sure, that health care and gender care is free for Swedish citizens, not sure about none citizens. The Scandinavian countries generally now have 'good' processes, as does the UK NHS, but it can take a LONG time to get on to the system and there are very limited resources.

If you are doing a degree in 3 years, I would have thought your chance as an American citizen(?) to be on their system as difficult to accomplish in that time frame.

[xenolith]

Hey there! I'm thinking about studying in Sweden, too. I don't know what country you hold citizenship in, so I might not be of much help. If you go to study in Sweden, you will be going there on a residence permit. This allows you access the same healthcare citizens can get while you study IF your program is longer than one year--however, if it is less than one year, your university may offer a healthcare program. Side note, dental is free until you're 19 or 20, and it can get expensive. I recommend flossing.
If you're from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you'll get an EHIC card.
In terms of health care for transgender people, I found a paper for the University of Gothenburg that states that services for transgender people (referring to treatment in terms of hormones and surgeries) are indeed covered by Sweden's health insurance.
Some things about university: depending on what university you go to and what nation and region you are from, university in Sweden might not be free. If you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA/Nordic countries or Switzerland, you will have to pay tuition for degrees at a bachelor's or master's level. Also, Sweden requires you to have 8,010 SEK per month for 10 months, along with proof of that. Keep in mind fees for textbooks and Sweden's student union fees. Tuition tends to start around 80,000 and often ends around 120-150,000 SEK.
I don't say this to discourage you or anything, just figured it would be good to let you know. Don't forget about scholarships and loans, either. And keep in mind that classes in the Swedish language are cheaper and more plentiful than classes in English.
No matter where you study, I hope it all works out!