Learn about the Healthcare System & Insurance Options for Expats in Finland
Finland is celebrated as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’, with an official figure of 187,888 lakes as per the Finnish national facts service, making it among the countries with the maximum number of lakes under the sun (totals differ according to the minimum size measured). Saunas are the essence of Finnish culture, with more than 3 million saunas spread all across the country for its 5.5 million residents. UNESCO has designated Finnish sauna culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, while saunas are used extensively and valued for well-being, life span in Finland (about 81 years) is basically the result of sturdy public healthcare, comprehensive free school meals, effective preventive health care, and a significant degree of social support, not just sauna practice. Here’s what you need to know about the Finland healthcare system and health insurance for expats in Finland.
A large number of Finland for expats communities have established themselves and make use of the public health system. Finland’s public health services have to contend with a heavy demand in a number of areas. Effective 1st September 2023, Finland’s statutory care guarantee necessitates that non-emergency primary-care appointments be available in under 14 days; regions have witnessed different levels of success in hitting this mark. Finland’s legal system pledges statutory care.
For non-critical basic healthcare services, access must be within 14 days (this has been put into practice after 1 Sept 2023). Talks in 2024–2025 adjusted further amendments; however, the 14-day maximum threshold is applicable; regions have experienced difficulties in fulfilling this continuously. Private medical services providers usually provide quicker access for non-compulsory treatment, although availability and processing time are different for every service and area; private care, as a rule, comes at a higher cost, as compared to public care. Expats can consider buying international health insurance Finland plans that can cover all overhead costs. Review the pre-travel inoculation advisory with your home provider or the CDC / Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) before travel.
Overview of Healthcare
Finland’s healthcare is basically financed by the taxes paid by the public; the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) governs national insurance benefits (like reimbursements for medicines and travel to medical services) within the framework of the overall financing system. The system covers medical costs, dental treatment costs, and even the cost of traveling to obtain medical care. The typical definition of care includes primary, specialized services (hospital), and highly qualified expert-level services. Effective 1 January 2023, the organization of health and social services shifted from local authorities to 22 wellness service counties (21 counties + City of Helsinki), which now arrange for services across these levels.
The primary healthcare system is now a lot simpler than the other two, comprising preventive treatment, doctor consultation, etc. Secondary and tertiary systems include advanced levels of treatment and are usually not sought as often as the primary system. You can find most of the country’s top hospitals in the major cities. People who live in other regions have to visit these cities to obtain treatment.
How the Finland Healthcare System Works for Expats?
Eligibility for Kela benefits (including a Kela card) rests on residency or employment status. If you shift to Finland to settle there for good or for work purposes, you are automatically eligible for Kela benefits since the day you enter the country or start working there (see Kela’s ‘Moving to Finland’ guidance to know more). Short-period (temporary) visitors from the EU/EEA may rather use an EHIC for essential medical services. Travelers from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to medically necessary government-provided care on equal terms as residents (they need to display their EHIC + identification and may pay resident user fee). Non-EU visitors must procure private health insurance for expats in Finland, except if they become residents having the Kela coverage or an applicable bilateral agreement.
Public Healthcare in Finland
The state-funded sector of Finland healthcare system is a 3-tier one that categorizes all kinds of ailments according to their criticality. Most of the ailments fall under the primary health level, while only a few, more critical cases need to be treated under secondary and tertiary levels. Following the 2023 amendment, health and wellness services counties (and Helsinki) are responsible for organizing public health and social services; they operate local health centers that provide primary care.
Private Healthcare in Finland
Certain regions have challenges such as capacity pressures and stockpile, which can result in delayed processing time for specific services; nonetheless, the experience is different, depending on the region and type of service. Those who don’t wish to wait for that long can turn towards the more effective private Finland healthcare system. Of course, the charges are significantly higher, but the turnaround time is short. In Finland, those who have a valid Kela card are entitled to get partial reimbursement for private healthcare expenses. On the other hand, some private medical care centers also offer immediate reimbursement at the point of care when the Kela card is displayed.
Many require patients to make the full down payment and later claim reimbursement from Kela online or by filling out a form. Services that can be reimbursed include consultations from private doctors, dentists, physiotherapists (limited sessions), and certain advanced treatments, with fixed reimbursement rates, as decided by Kela. Claims are only valid for six months, and documentation in support, like receipts, is required. This system permits cardholders to manage upfront costs with simultaneous benefits from partial state support for private care expenses.
Emergency Services in Finland
Expats can dial 112 for emergency medical services in Finland.
If necessary, the concerned hospital will send an ambulance on priority to pick up the patient. National Health Insurance Finland will take care of the ambulance charges thus incurred.
Pharmacies in Finland
Unlike many countries, in Finland, you cannot buy medicines from any store. Only approved pharmacies are authorized to sell medication across the country. Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) is the authority that issues permits to these pharmacies, and also regularly monitors their operations in Finland.
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats Living in Finland
Finland has a first-rate healthcare system that provides added value to every person’s experience when visiting the country. To have a pleasant and hassle-free stay in the country, it’s prudent to secure an international health insurance for expats in Finland policy that provides the best cover for you and your kith and kin. Global providers of excellent repute, like Cigna Global and Allianz International present a variety of comprehensive plans. Be sure to carefully study the added benefits so you can opt for the plan that is most suitable for your needs.
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