Resepti (Prescription)

Finland's electronic prescription system (e-Resepti) where all prescriptions are stored digitally in a national database.

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Detailed explanation

Since 2017, all prescriptions in Finland have been electronic. When a doctor prescribes medication, it is saved to the Kanta system (Reseptikeskus), a centralized national database. You can pick up your medication at any pharmacy (apteekki) in Finland by presenting your ID or Kela card. The pharmacist retrieves your prescription from the database.

Each prescription is valid for a set period, typically two years, and may include a specified number of refills. You can view your active prescriptions, purchase history, and remaining refills through the My Kanta Pages (OmaKanta) online service. Prescription renewals can often be requested through your health center, occupational healthcare provider, or the OmaKanta service without a separate appointment.

How it affects expats

•No paper needed: Your prescription is stored electronically

•just bring your ID or Kela card to any pharmacy

•OmaKanta: View your prescriptions online at kanta.fi

•requires strong authentication (bank ID)

•Renewal: Request prescription renewals through OmaKanta or your healthcare provider

•Pharmacy availability: Pharmacies are widespread; larger cities have pharmacies with extended hours

•Foreign prescriptions: Prescriptions from other EU/EEA countries may be accepted at Finnish pharmacies, but not all medications are available

•Kela reimbursement: Many prescription medications are partially reimbursed by Kela

•the discount is applied automatically at the pharmacy

Key details

•E-Resepti: All prescriptions are electronic, stored in the national Kanta system

•Validity: Typically valid for 2 years from the prescription date

•OmaKanta: Online portal to view prescriptions and request renewals (kanta.fi)

•Reimbursement: Kela reimburses 40%, 65%, or 100% of many medications

•applied at purchase

•Annual cap: Out-of-pocket medication costs are capped annually (approximately €636 in 2026)

•Terveyskeskus (Health Center) — primary care clinics

•Kela — social insurance and medication reimbursement

•Työterveys (Occupational Healthcare) — employer-provided healthcare

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