Healthcare in Finland: complete guide for residents

Healthcare in Finland

Healthcare in Finland is a tax-funded public system run by 21 wellbeing services counties (hyvinvointialueet) and the City of Helsinki, open to everyone with a municipality of residence (kotikunta) for small, capped client fees. In 2026 a public health centre doctor visit costs at most EUR 30.20, a hospital outpatient visit EUR 71.30, and all capped fees stop once you have paid EUR 815 in a calendar year. Most employees also get occupational healthcare through their employer, and private clinics offer faster appointments at full price, with a small Kela reimbursement.

Key takeaways

• Three pathways: public, occupational (employer-provided) and private healthcare
• Entitlement follows residence: a municipality of residence gives you full access to public care; a Kela card is for reimbursements
• Annual fee cap: after EUR 815 of client fees in 2026, most public services are free for the rest of the year
• Occupational health: often the fastest route to a doctor if you are employed
• Emergency: call 112 for life-threatening situations, 116117 for urgent medical advice around the clock
• Digital health: MyKanta (OmaKanta) holds your prescriptions and health records

Understanding the Finnish healthcare system

Three pathways to care

Finland offers three main ways to receive medical care:

1. Public healthcare (julkinen terveydenhuolto)

   • Organised by 21 wellbeing services counties since 1 January 2023, plus the City of Helsinki, which runs its own services
   • In Uusimaa, specialised hospital care is provided by HUS
   • Funded mainly by central government taxation
   • Includes health centres (terveysasema), hospitals, dental care, maternity and child health clinics

2. Occupational healthcare (työterveyshuolto)

   • Arranged and paid for by your employer
   • Preventive care is mandatory by law; general medical care is voluntary and varies by employer
   • Free for employees during employment

3. Private healthcare (yksityinen terveydenhuolto)

   • Clinics such as Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Pihlajalinna and Aava
   • Fast appointments, full market prices
   • Kela reimburses a small part of some costs

Key organisations

Who can access Finnish healthcare?

Full access to public healthcare

Your right to public healthcare depends mainly on having a municipality of residence in Finland, which DVV registers when you move here to live for at least a year on the right kind of permit or EU registration. InfoFinland confirms that residents with a kotikunta use public health services on the same terms as Finns.

If you do not have a municipality of residence, you may still be entitled to public care, for example based on work in Finland. Kela covers people who move here permanently and, in many cases, people who work in Finland and earn at least EUR 800.02 a month (2026 threshold).

Temporary access

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: with a physical European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you get medically necessary care during a temporary stay and pay the same client fees as residents. UK visitors can use a GHIC. HUS notes that it needs the physical card; without it you may be billed the full cost of treatment.

Nordic citizens: covered by health insurance in another Nordic country, you get necessary care on the same terms as Finns.

Non-EU visitors and short-term residents without a kotikunta: public care is billed at actual cost. Keep private health insurance, which is also a condition of many residence permits. Our guide to health insurance for foreigners in Finland explains which cover applies to you.

Emergency care is given to everyone regardless of status.

Students and researchers

• University and university of applied sciences students: degree students use the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS/YTHS). You pay a student healthcare fee to Kela: EUR 70.70 for 2026, or EUR 35.35 per term. Exchange students and students on a temporary (B) permit should check their insurance terms, as FSHS eligibility and public care rights differ.
• Vocational and upper secondary students: student healthcare is provided by the wellbeing services county.
• Researchers: coverage depends on your contract length, permit type and whether you have a kotikunta. Ask your institution and Kela.

Getting started: registration steps

Step 1: register your residence

1. Register with DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency)
2. Get your personal identity code (henkilötunnus)
3. If you qualify, DVV records your municipality of residence (kotikunta)

Step 2: apply for Kela coverage

1. Apply in OmaKela or by post using form Y 77e ("Moving to Finland or employment in Finland"), see Kela: moving to Finland
2. You need a personal identity code and a Finnish bank account
3. If Kela decides you are covered, you receive a Kela card, which gives you reimbursements at pharmacies and private clinics

Step 3: find your health centre

1. Your health centre (terveysasema) is usually the one closest to your home address; your wellbeing services county's website lists them
2. You can switch to another public health centre once a year by notifying it in advance
3. Set up online access for booking and messages (regional portals vary)

Public healthcare services

Health centres (terveysasema)

Your first point of contact for non-emergency care. See terveysasema in our glossary.

How to book

• Phone: call your health centre's appointment line, ideally early in the morning; many use a call-back system
• Online: regional portals such as Maisa (Helsinki, Vantaa-Kerava, Keski-Uusimaa and HUS) or Omaolo symptom checks and contact forms in many counties
• Walk-in: some health centres have drop-in hours for acute issues; check before you go
• Cancel in time: an unused appointment not cancelled in advance costs EUR 60.60 in Helsinki's 2026 price list

Hospitals and specialist care

Specialist and hospital care in the public system requires a referral (lähete) from a health centre, occupational health or private doctor. Referral from a private doctor is accepted, but the hospital decides whether you meet the criteria for treatment.

Public hospitals cover all specialties, surgery, imaging, psychiatric care and rehabilitation.

Dental care (hammashoito)

Public dental care is available to all residents, but non-urgent treatment can take months (the legal maximum is six months). Each visit has a visit fee plus procedure fees. See hammashoito.

Dental care is free for under-18s. Adult dental fees count towards the EUR 815 cap (dental technician costs, such as for dentures, do not). Private dental clinics are faster; expect roughly EUR 60 to 150 for a check-up.

Maternity and child health (neuvola)

The neuvola system is free for families:

• Maternity clinic: prenatal care, screenings, birth preparation
• Child health clinic: vaccinations and development checks until school age
• School healthcare: continues through comprehensive school

Occupational healthcare (työterveyshuolto)

What employers must provide

Every employer in Finland must arrange preventive occupational healthcare:

• Workplace visits and assessment of health risks at work
• Health examinations related to the job
• Prevention of work-related illness
• First aid preparedness

Common additional services

Many employers voluntarily add general medical care:

• GP consultations for illness
• Basic laboratory tests and imaging
• Sick leave certificates
• Mental health support and short-term therapy
• Physiotherapy

Major providers

Tip: ask HR which provider you have and whether your contract includes general medical care. Occupational health does not cover family members.

Emergency and urgent care

Emergency number: 112

Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies:

• Chest pain, stroke symptoms
• Severe breathing difficulties
• Serious accidents and injuries
• Unconsciousness
• Severe allergic reactions

The emergency centre answers in Finnish and Swedish and can usually continue in English. The 112 Suomi app sends your location.

Medical helpline: 116117

Päivystysapu 116117 is free and answered by healthcare professionals around the clock across mainland Finland. Call it before going to an emergency department for urgent but not life-threatening problems: the nurse assesses your situation and tells you where to go. InfoFinland recommends calling 116117 before going to emergency services.

Emergency departments (päivystys)

For serious but not immediately life-threatening situations. See päivystys.

• Open 24/7 at larger hospitals
• Patients are treated in order of urgency, so non-critical cases wait
• HUS 2026 fees: EUR 30.20 for a GP or nurse emergency visit on weekdays 8 to 20, EUR 71.30 in the evening, at night and at weekends, and EUR 71.30 for specialist emergency care. Other counties charge similar or lower amounts.

Where to go

Useful numbers

Pharmacies and prescriptions

How prescriptions work

1. Your doctor issues an e-prescription (sähköinen resepti)
2. It is stored in the national Kanta system
3. Collect medicines at any pharmacy in Finland with your ID; Kela reimbursement is deducted at the till if you are covered
4. See and renew prescriptions in MyKanta

Pharmacy information (apteekki)

• Pharmacies are marked with a green cross; many are open evenings and weekends, and some in the largest cities are open late or 24/7
• Find one at apteekki.fi
• Some medicines sold over the counter elsewhere need a prescription in Finland

Over-the-counter medicines

Available without prescription: basic painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen in small packs), cold remedies, antihistamines and some topical treatments. Small packs of some painkillers are also sold in supermarkets.

Healthcare costs

Public healthcare client fees (2026)

Fees below are the legal maximums for 2026; each wellbeing services county sets its own fees up to these limits.

The City of Helsinki does not charge for doctor or nurse visits at its health stations in 2026, according to its client fee price list. Check your own county's price list.

Annual fee cap

Payment ceiling (maksukatto): EUR 815 in 2026.

• After reaching it, most public healthcare is free until the end of the calendar year (inpatient days drop to a reduced fee of EUR 26.80)
• Counts: health centre visits, outpatient and emergency visits, hospital days, physiotherapy, dental examination and treatment (but not dental technician costs)
• Does not count: ambulance transport, no-show fees, medical certificates
• You must track it yourself and send your receipts to the county if fees come from several providers

Medicine reimbursements

With Kela coverage, prescription medicines are reimbursed after an initial deductible:

The initial deductible does not apply to under-18s. Reimbursement is deducted at the pharmacy when you show your Kela card.

Children's healthcare

• Health centre visits, dental care and hospital outpatient visits are free for under-18s
• School healthcare and national programme vaccinations are free
• Children's fees count towards a guardian's annual cap

Private healthcare

When to consider private care

• Faster access: often same-day or next-day appointments
• Direct specialist access: no referral needed
• Second opinions
• Services your occupational health does not include
• Dental care without public waiting lists

Typical private costs

Private prices are set freely by each clinic; these ranges are indicative.

Kela reimbursement for private care

Kela reimbursement for private doctor visits was cut on 1 January 2026. Kela now pays:

• EUR 8 for a private GP or specialist visit, including video, phone and chat appointments (previously EUR 30)
• EUR 70 for a gynaecologist visit
• EUR 50 to 60 for a psychiatrist visit, depending on length
• Tests and imaging ordered by most private doctors are no longer reimbursed; exceptions include those prescribed by gynaecologists, psychiatrists and dentists
• Private dental care: reimbursement for examinations and some treatments, see Kela dental reimbursements

The reimbursement is usually deducted at the clinic when you show your Kela card. Otherwise, claim it in OmaKela within six months of paying. Private care costs have no annual cap.

Private health insurance

Consider private insurance if:

• You do not yet have a municipality of residence or Kela coverage
• Your residence permit requires it
• Your occupational health does not cover general illness
• You want faster access for yourself or your children

Major insurers: OP Pohjola, If, LähiTapiola, Fennia, Turva

Mental health services

Public mental health services

Access through your health centre:

1. Contact the health centre and describe your symptoms
2. A nurse, psychologist or GP assesses you; mild problems are often treated in primary care
3. Referral to psychiatric specialist care if needed
4. Therapy, medication or a combination

Wait times for specialist care can be long.

Occupational mental health

Many employers include psychologist consultations, short-term therapy and support for work-related stress.

Private mental health care

• Faster access to psychologists and psychiatrists
• Kela reimburses psychiatrist visits (EUR 50 to 60) and, with a doctor's statement, rehabilitative psychotherapy for eligible adults
• Private insurance may cover part of the cost

Crisis support

Digital mental health support

• Mielenterveystalo.fi: free self-help programmes, some in English
• Omaolo.fi: symptom assessments and guidance

Digital health services

MyKanta (OmaKanta)

Your national health portal at kanta.fi:

• Medical records and lab results
• Prescriptions and renewal requests
• Vaccination history
• Living will and organ donation decisions

Access: Finnish online banking credentials, mobile certificate or a Finnish ID card with a card reader.

Regional online services

Each wellbeing services county has its own booking and messaging service:

• Helsinki, Vantaa-Kerava, Keski-Uusimaa and HUS: Maisa
• Many counties: Omaolo for symptom checks and contact
• Check your county's website for its portal

Health apps

Tips for navigating Finnish healthcare

Before you need care

1. Get your personal identity code and apply to Kela early
2. Find your health centre and set up online access
3. Check what your occupational health contract includes
4. Save 112 and 116117 in your phone

When seeking care

1. Start with occupational health (if employed) for everyday illness
2. Use phone and online services: many issues are handled remotely
3. Call 116117 before going to an emergency department
4. Keep receipts so you can track the EUR 815 cap

Good to know

• Medical staff in cities usually speak English
• Bring ID to appointments
• Cancel appointments in advance to avoid no-show fees
• Prescription medicines are tightly regulated

Frequently asked questions

Is healthcare free in Finland?

Public healthcare is not free for adults, but fees are low and capped. In 2026 a health centre doctor visit costs at most EUR 30.20 (Helsinki charges nothing), a hospital outpatient visit EUR 71.30 and a hospital day EUR 71.50. After EUR 815 of fees in a calendar year most public care is free. Children's primary care, dental care, maternity and child health clinics and national vaccinations are free.

Who is entitled to public healthcare in Finland?

Anyone with a municipality of residence (kotikunta) uses public healthcare on the same terms as Finnish citizens. People without one may be entitled through work in Finland, an EHIC (EU/EEA and Swiss citizens) or Nordic health insurance. Others pay the full cost, except in emergencies, which are treated for everyone.

Do I need a Kela card to see a doctor in Finland?

No. Access to public health centres depends on your municipality of residence. The Kela card is used to get Kela reimbursements, for example at pharmacies and private clinics, and it shows you are covered by Finnish social security.

What number do I call for a doctor at night in Finland?

Call 116117 (Päivystysapu), a free 24/7 medical helpline answered by nurses who tell you whether and where to seek emergency care. Call 112 only for life-threatening emergencies.

How much does a private doctor cost in Finland?

A private GP visit typically costs EUR 80 to 150. Since 1 January 2026 Kela reimburses only EUR 8 per private doctor visit, except EUR 70 for gynaecologists and EUR 50 to 60 for psychiatrists, so most of the cost is yours unless you have occupational health or private insurance.

Does occupational healthcare replace public healthcare?

No. Occupational healthcare is an extra service paid by your employer, and you keep your right to public care. What it covers beyond mandatory preventive care depends on your employer's contract, and it does not cover family members.

Useful resources

Official resources

• Kela: reimbursements for private medical care
• Kela: moving to Finland
• MyKanta: health records and prescriptions
• InfoFinland: health services in Finland: guide for immigrants
• Päivystysapu 116117

Finding healthcare

• Palveluvaaka: compare healthcare providers
• Apteekki.fi: find pharmacies

Sources

Official government sources

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM): client fees: maximum fees and the 2026 payment ceiling
• HUS: client fees 2026: emergency, outpatient and hospital fees in Uusimaa
• City of Helsinki: client fee price list 2026 (PDF, Finnish)
• EU-Healthcare.fi: what do I pay for treatment in public healthcare
• Kela: medicine expenses: 2026 deductible, rates and annual ceiling
• Kela: lower reimbursements for private appointments from 1 January 2026
• FSHS: student healthcare fee 2026
• THL: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

Patient portals

• MyKanta: national patient portal
• EU-Healthcare Finland: healthcare rights for EU citizens

Related guides

• Healthcare rights for immigrants
• Glossary: Kela
• Glossary: Terveysasema
• Glossary: Päivystys
• Childcare in Finland
• Cost of living
• Getting started in Finland

Last updated: October 2026. Client fees and Kela reimbursement rates are reviewed regularly; the next index review of public client fees is due for 2028.