Healthcare System in Finland: everything you need to know

How does the Finnish healthcare system work?

Finland has a universal health care system, available to all residents of the country as a constitutional right. Private health insurance is also available.  

The country is divided into 450 municipalities, each of which is responsible for the financing and proper functioning of its healthcare system. Within the system there are two categories: primary and specialized health. Primary health care is conducted in municipal hospitals, while specialized health care is provided in university hospitals, mainly Helsinki University Central Hospital.

The private system, consisting of companies, foundations and independent doctors, can sell their services both to municipalities and to individual clients. In this way, everyone has access to both sectors.

Companies and employers, as well as educational institutions, are obliged to provide health coverage to their employees and students.

Through a card called Kela, all citizens and permanent residents can have access to the health system. It also offers discounts on medicines.  

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is in charge of health legislation and oversight at all levels, working in conjunction with all providers.

In general, patients must pay a sum of less than 30 Euros for medical appointments and other services. For long-term complex treatments, the price to be paid by the client is determined depending on their income and capacity to pay. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

All citizens of the EU member countries have access to the health care system in Finland using their European Health Insurance Card.

However, foreigners who are visiting the country, must have health insurance, either travel insurance or international health insurance in order to be treated in the local system. With insurance, they will have access to both the public and private systems.

The private system offers reduced waiting times as well as high quality facilities and professionals. Getting a medical appointment in the private system is easier, as you can simply call or book online, while in the public system, for less serious cases, you have to arrive in person and wait to be seen.

For whichever of the two systems you choose to use, you will have to pay a percentage of the service cost, which varies depending on the service you require. In general, the costs in the private system are about 3 times higher than in the public system.

It is very important that you travel with health insurance if you are visiting or living in Finland. If you are a student, the institution you will be attending must include health insurance in your study plan.

If you want to find the best health insurance for your trip to Finland, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can compare, quote and purchase travel insurance and international health insurance at no additional cost and 100% online. 

How do pharmacies work in Finland?

The only place where you are allowed to buy medicines without a prescription is directly from pharmacies. The hospital will give you medication only if the pharmacies are closed, and they will provide you with the necessary supply until the opening hours of the pharmacies.

If your doctor prescribes a medicine, the prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy, then you have to go to the pharmacy to pick it up.

If you are from an EU country, you can bring in up to a one-year supply of any medicine. If you come from any other country, you can only bring in a maximum of 3 months supply .

If you feel it is necessary, bring the prescription with you to show in case it is required by immigration agents. 

What do I do if I have an emergency?

There is only one emergency service in Finland which is the same as in the rest of Europe: 112.

In any emergency, regardless of whether you are a tourist, refugee or illegal, you will get medical care and then you will be charged for the services you require.

It is important to remember that the agents will only speak Finnish, Swedish or English, so if you do not speak these languages you should ask someone else to make the call. To receive reimbursement after using the service, make sure you always have health insurance. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Finland through Covid-19.

Remember that it is an EU country, therefore the restrictions are the same as in the other member countries, find out if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter.