Healthcare in Finland
What you need to know about coverage, services, and your rights.
Healthcare system overview
Finland offers a mix of public, occupational, and private healthcare. Public services are available to all residents through the municipal system, while employers are legally required to provide occupational healthcare. Understanding how to register, what's covered, and how to access services helps you avoid long delays, unnecessary costs, and missed reimbursements.
Public healthcare for all residents
Occupational healthcare from employers
Private options for faster access
How healthcare works in Finland
Finland offers public healthcare for everyone, plus occupational healthcare for employees. You'll likely use both.
Public healthcare provided by your local municipality
Covers basic medical services, specialist care, and emergency treatment
Occupational healthcare arranged by your employer
Includes preventive care, doctor visits, and mental health support
Private healthcare available for faster appointments and more options
Registering for public healthcare
To use public healthcare, register your address with the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).
Register address with <a href="https://dvv.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency)</a>
You're assigned to a municipal health center (terveysasema)
Book appointments by calling or using online system
Some centers offer service in English
Bring your <a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/kela-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kela card</a> if you have one for simplified billing
Health insurance in Finland
Once you've lived in Finland for a while, you may qualify for national health insurance via Kela.
<a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/health-insurance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kela</a> covers share of doctor's fees (especially private)
Part of your medicine costs covered
Travel costs for medical care reimbursed
Some rehabilitation and therapy covered
EU/EEA citizens should bring <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)</a>
Non-EU citizens need valid health insurance for residence permit
Occupational healthcare
If you work in Finland, your employer must provide basic occupational healthcare—free to you.
Employer must provide basic occupational healthcare
Free to employees — employer chooses provider
Usually <a href="https://www.terveystalo.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Terveystalo</a>, <a href="https://www.mehilainen.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mehiläinen</a>, or <a href="https://www.pihlajalinna.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pihlajalinna</a>
Includes basic health checkups and doctor visits
Support for burnout, mental health, and ergonomics
Follow-up care for work-related illnesses
What healthcare services can you access?
Different types of healthcare services and where to access them in Finland.
General doctor (GP): local health center or occupational care
Emergency care: Local hospital ER or <a href="https://112.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">112</a> for actual emergencies
Specialist doctors: referral needed from GP
Mental health support: health center or occupational care
Dental care: health center (limited for adults) or private clinics
Prescriptions: any pharmacy (Apteekki) with ID and prescription code
<a href="https://www.thl.fi/en/web/thlfi-en/health-information/health-promotion-and-disease-prevention/maternal-and-child-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neuvola centers</a> with excellent support
Vaccinations: health centers and schools, many are free
What does it cost?
Typical costs for healthcare services in Finland.
Public GP visit: around €20
Emergency care: €28–€41 (free if admitted)
Specialist visit: €40+ (in public system)
Prescriptions: Subsidized through <a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/medicine-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kela</a>
Occupational care: free for covered services
Private GP visit: €80–€120 (some reimbursed via Kela)
Keep receipts for partial reimbursements
Prescriptions & pharmacies
How to get and pay for prescription medicines in Finland.
Doctors issue e-prescriptions with printout or SMS code
Show ID and code at any pharmacy
<a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/medicine-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kela subsidies</a> apply automatically if covered
Bring ID when buying prescription meds
Over-the-counter meds bought at pharmacies, not grocery stores
Medicine costs vary with Kela coverage
For families
Special healthcare services and support for families with children.
Children get free health services
Vaccination programs included
Dental checkups for children
<a href="https://www.thl.fi/en/web/thlfi-en/health-information/health-promotion-and-disease-prevention/maternal-and-child-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maternity and child health clinics (neuvola)</a>
School nurses and psychologists available
Local neuvola clinic reaches out to families with young children
Comprehensive family support system
Key to-Dos after arrival
Register at <a href="https://dvv.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency)</a>
Apply for a <a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/kela-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kela card</a> if eligible
Ask your employer what your occupational healthcare includes
Save receipts from doctor visits and medications
Learn how to book appointments at your local terveysasema
Know when to call <a href="https://112.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">112</a> (for emergencies only)
Related Content
Employee rights in Finland: employment law guide for immigrants
Your rights as an employee in Finland. Employment contracts, probation periods, working hours, collective agreements, annual leave, sick leave, parental leave, and termination protections.
Social security in Finland: Kela registration and benefits guide
Guide to Finnish social security for immigrants. Kela registration, healthcare coverage, housing allowance, child benefits, EHIC, and requirements for non-EU citizens.
Taxation in Finland: complete tax guide for immigrants
Understand Finnish taxes as an immigrant. Tax residency rules, income tax rates, municipal tax, tax card, OmaVero, double tax treaties, and self-employment taxes explained.
Unemployment benefits in Finland: guide for immigrants
Understanding Finnish unemployment benefits. TE Services registration, basic allowance, earnings-related benefits, A-kassa membership, job search requirements, and support services.
FAQ: moving to Finland: your questions answered
Comprehensive FAQ about moving to and living in Finland. Find answers about visas, jobs, housing, healthcare, and daily life.
Getting started in Finland: complete newcomer's guide 2026
Your step-by-step relocation guide to Finland. Essential checklist, timeline, and practical tips for moving and settling in Finland.