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Background: Global conflicts continue to force people into exile. Studies have shown a life in exile has an impact on the management of health and access to health care. Furthermore, health professionals have advocated for more cultural knowledge due to challenges in the encounter with refugees. Few studies have investigated the transition between country of origin and country of exile. Purpose: To explore perspectives of a life in exile and the encounter with the Danish health care system among Middle Eastern women. Method: A qualitative study using individual interviews with five women was performed. Data were analysed using the principles of Malterud’s systematic text condensation. Results: Three themes emerged: The transition from country of origin to Denmark, new challenges in the relation to the family and the meeting with the health care system. Conclusion: Through everyday life stories, knowledge regarding the transitional process in exile emerged, which involved a combination of culture and values from the country of origin and Denmark. Family played an essential role for the wellbeing of the women, whereas conflicts and illness made them vulnerable to the challenges related to a life in exile. It is imperative that health professionals pay attention the life story and special needs of migrant patients in managing illness.

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