Kuntoutus (Rehabilitation)

Detailed explanation

Finland's rehabilitation system serves different purposes depending on the provider. Kela provides vocational rehabilitation (ammatillinen kuntoutus) for working-age people whose work ability is threatened, as well as medical rehabilitation for people with disabilities. Healthcare services offer rehabilitation after surgeries, injuries, or illnesses. Occupational healthcare may provide rehabilitation to support employees' work ability.

Kela's rehabilitation services include individual therapy (physiotherapy, psychotherapy, speech therapy), rehabilitation courses, vocational training and retraining, neuropsychological rehabilitation, and KIILA rehabilitation for employees with reduced work ability. A doctor's statement or referral is typically required to access rehabilitation services.

Psychotherapy rehabilitation through Kela is particularly notable — Kela can fund up to three years of psychotherapy for people aged 16–67 whose mental health condition threatens their work or study ability.

How it affects expats

• •Kela coverage: If you are covered by Finnish social security, you may be eligible for Kela-funded rehabilitation

• •Psychotherapy: Kela-funded psychotherapy is a significant benefit

• •ask your doctor about eligibility if you need mental health support

• •Language: Finding therapists and rehabilitation professionals who work in English is possible in larger cities but may require searching

• •Work ability focus: Finnish rehabilitation emphasizes maintaining and restoring the ability to work or study

• •Application process: A medical professional must assess your need and provide documentation for Kela's evaluation

• •Occupational health: Your employer's työterveys may offer rehabilitation support directly

Key details

• •Kela rehabilitation: Vocational, medical, and psychotherapy rehabilitation for eligible residents

• •Psychotherapy: Up to 3 years funded by Kela for qualifying mental health conditions

• •Cost: Kela rehabilitation has a small daily copayment; occupational health rehabilitation is free for employees

• •Application: Through Kela with medical documentation

• •KIILA rehabilitation: Specifically for employees with reduced work ability

Related terms

• •Kela — Finland's social insurance institution

• •Työterveys (Occupational Healthcare) — employer healthcare

• •Sairausloma (Sick Leave) — sick leave and recovery