Right to healthcare services in Finland

In Finland you can choose between public health care or a private doctor. If you visit a private doctor, Kela reimburses part of the expenses.

If according to the population register you are living in Finland, you are as a rule entitled to public health care in your municipality of residence in a health care centre or hospital. You can also go to a private medical centre. Occupational health care is often arranged by employers. If you work in Finland for at least four months and you are covered by health insurance in Finland, you will receive a health insurance card (Kela card). If you come from another EU or EEA country, you may use public health care services even if you work in Finland for less than four months. If you are a student, you can also use university or college health centres.

If you are covered by health insurance in another Nordic country and you suddenly fall ill while in Finland, you are entitled to receive treatment for your illness. Persons covered by health insurance in another Nordic country should receive treatment from the Finnish public health care system by showing their passport or official identity card and giving their permanent address in the other Nordic country, or if you have a European Health Insurance Card.

If you want you can seek treatment in another Nordic country. You can seek treatment either with or without prior authorisation. If you do not have prior authorisation, you can often apply for reimbursement afterwards from the health insurance institution in your country of residence.