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

Usually Terveystalo, Mehiläinen, or Pihlajalinna

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

Maternity and child health clinics (neuvola)

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)