Healthcare in Finland
Where to start, eligibility, and what you might pay
Healthcare Overview
Finland provides high-quality healthcare through publicly funded services run by wellbeing services counties, complemented by employer-arranged occupational care and private clinics. Coverage is primarily residency-based through Kela (the Social Insurance Institution). In emergencies, always call 112.
Residency-based coverage via Kela
Public + occupational + private options
Emergency number is 112
System & Eligibility
Who is covered and how the system is organized.
Public healthcare is organized by wellbeing services counties (health centers and hospitals).
Eligibility is mainly residency-based. If covered by Finnish social security (Kela), you can use public care with user fees.
Your Kela card proves coverage at pharmacies and clinics.
EU/EEA visitors with an EHIC receive medically necessary care during a temporary stay.
Non-EU visitors should have travel/medical insurance for private care and unexpected costs.
How to Access Care
Where to start for appointments and prescriptions.
Register with or find your local health center (terveysasema) in your wellbeing services county.
Book via online services (e.g., Omaolo.fi or your region's portal) or by phone.
View prescriptions and health records in MyKanta (Kanta.fi).
For children and students, check specific local instructions and school/student healthcare.
Occupational Healthcare (Työterveys)
Employer-arranged care and its limits.
Preventive occupational healthcare is mandatory for employers; treatment services are optional but common.
Scope varies by employer agreement; typically GP visits, basic labs, referrals.
Usually faster access for work-related and general minor issues; not a substitute for all specialist care.
Coverage applies to the employee only (not family members).
Emergencies & Urgent Care
What to do in serious or urgent situations.
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies (ambulance, police, fire).
Use emergency departments for severe symptoms (e.g., chest pain, major injury).
For urgent but non-emergency needs, contact your local health center or the regional medical helpline (common in many areas).
Follow regional guidance for after-hours care.
Costs & User Fees
What you might pay and protections.
Public services charge user fees that vary by region; minors often have free primary care.
There is an annual user fee ceiling (asiakasmaksukatto); after reaching it, many services become free or reduced. Check Kela for the current amount.
Prescription medicines may be reimbursed at the pharmacy if you have Kela coverage (bring your Kela card).
Dental care, physiotherapy and imaging may have separate fees.
Private Care & Insurance
When private providers or insurance make sense.
Private clinics offer faster access and broader scheduling; costs are higher than public.
Some employers include private care through occupational contracts; check your benefits.
Voluntary private insurance may reimburse parts of private care and diagnostics.
If not covered by Kela, private care with comprehensive travel/medical insurance is recommended.
Important Considerations
Practical tips to navigate the system smoothly.
Keep your address updated for correct local services.
Bring ID and your Kela card to appointments and pharmacies.
Use MyKanta (Kanta.fi) to track prescriptions and renewals.
Check your region's website for specific booking and after-hours instructions.