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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).

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 Kela card 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.

Kela 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 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
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
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 112 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
Neuvola centers 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 Kela
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
Kela subsidies 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
School nurses and psychologists available
Local neuvola clinic reaches out to families with young children
Comprehensive family support system

Key To-Dos After Arrival

Essential steps to take when you arrive in Finland to access healthcare services.

Apply for a Kela card 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 112 (for emergencies only)