Understanding the Healthcare System in Finland
Finland is a Northern European country with its capital in Helsinki. It is also one of the most expensive countries to live in the euro area; however, the high costs of living may be offset by the fact that Finland is also named the Happiest Country in the World.
Known for having one of the best education systems in the world, Finland is also recognized for having the cleanest air and, when it comes to health and safety, is regarded as one of the safest countries to live in Europe. The country also offers free or discounted healthcare services to all its permanent residents.
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Public Healthcare System in Finland
In Finland, the public healthcare system provides services to everyone residing in the country, known as universal healthcare. Taxes and social security payments publicly fund healthcare in Finland. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health focuses on policymaking while enforcing the country’s direction in healthcare policies with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion.
However, while the government-level initiatives focus on health promotion and social welfare policies, the healthcare system is highly decentralized, and individual municipalities (local governments) organize and deliver the actual healthcare to Finland’s residents.
Finnish public healthcare is considered of good quality. While waiting times for secondary medical care can be lengthy (up to 3 months, and then extended by another 3 months), as is the case with any public health system worldwide, all primary health centers offer a telephone consultation. There, you can describe your ailments and seek immediate advice before your family doctor appointment.
Access to Finland’s Healthcare System
Kela Card: Finnish Social Security & Health Insurance Card
All residents of Finland have their Kela Card issued to prove their eligibility for social security and National Health Insurance in Finland. The Kela Card also offers discounts on medicine purchases. However, it is only available to persons moving to Finland on a permanent status.
EHIC Card in Finland
Finland is a member of the European Union; therefore, citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are entitled to public healthcare upon presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If you are not from the European Union, you should obtain either travel or international health insurance before visiting Finland to use private healthcare services. European Union citizens moving to Finland can also obtain international insurance if they prefer to use private services.
Private Healthcare System in Finland
The private sector in Finland consists of primary care centers, dental offices, and specialist care; however, since the public healthcare system is excellent, the private sector is relatively small.
Nevertheless, expats living in Finland still prefer private healthcare facilities, as they offer shorter waiting times, especially for secondary or specialist care, dentistry, and physiotherapy services. Additionally, expats often opt for international health insurance to cover them throughout Europe or the world when traveling abroad.
Getting Medical Treatment in Finland
The procedure for receiving medical treatment in Finland, if you choose to use public healthcare, can be time-consuming. This is because not all health centers allow you to schedule an online or phone appointment.
Remember, to receive specialized care in Finland, you must first obtain a referral letter from your primary doctor. So, how do you schedule a family doctor appointment in Finland?
- You usually have to visit your registered health center in person and take a number to speak with the receptionist.
- You will see a nurse, who determines the priority of an appointment with a doctor.
- If it is determined that you need to see a doctor, you will be scheduled for an appointment. You may wait a few hours before seeing a doctor.
Making a doctor’s appointment in the private healthcare sector is significantly more straightforward, as it can be done either by phone or online, without wasting hours at a public healthcare center.
To learn more about private health insurance options for expats living in Finland, please contact us for a free quote and consultation, or learn more about expatriate health plans presented below.
Private International Insurance in Finland
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Healthcare Costs in Finland
Public healthcare in Finland is not entirely free, and although it is mainly funded by taxation, some small charges are still in place. However, maternity and child health clinic visits, nurse reception, laboratory and X-ray examinations (except if done privately), and emergency care are the only free-of-charge services in the public healthcare system.
In the year 2020-2021, the maximum out-of-pocket fee for treatment in primary healthcare is explained as follows:
Family Doctor’s Visit
The one-time fee is a maximum of EUR 20,60. The payment can be charged up to three times a calendar year. Alternatively, an annual fee of up to EUR 41,20 per calendar year may be charged. If the patient does not pay the annual fee, he or she may be charged a one-time fee of EUR 20,60 more than three times.
Other Medical Services
Dental, outpatient specialist care, or imaging services, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging, fees are a maximum of EUR 50,80. They can be charged to those over 15 years of age.
Maximum Hospital Fees
- Outpatient fees cost up to EUR 41,20 per visit.
- Day surgery costs up to EUR 135,10.
- Hospital daycare fees cost up to EUR 48,90 per day.
- A series of treatments, including continuous dialysis, radiotherapy or cytostatic therapy, and medical rehabilitation, costs EUR 11,40 per treatment.
- A series of treatments for persons under 18 years old is always free.
Private Healthcare Fees in Finland
To compare, private healthcare fees in Finland can be approximately three times higher than in public healthcare. An example private clinic price list goes as follows:
- Primary doctor consultation: EUR 60,00
- Midwife appointment: EUR 153,00
- MRI scan: EUR 633,90
- Specialist appointment: EUR 109,00 – EUR 192,00
Primary Care and Specialized Care in Finland
Health services are divided into primary health care and specialized medical care. Primary health care services are provided at municipal health centers. These municipalities have the right to purchase services from other municipalities, the private sector, or even abroad.
Finland’s Municipality Health Centers
Finnish primary care is based on a family doctor system, and each family doctor is responsible for approximately 2,000 patients. Residents can choose to be registered with a family doctor of their choice who is located within their area.
When you move to Finland and register your address, you will be automatically registered as a patient at the health center nearest to your Finnish address. You won’t be able to schedule a doctor’s appointment at a different health center than the one where you are registered.
In addition to family doctor services, the health center offers medical consultations, dental and preventive care, as well as access to maternity and child health services. The health centers also arrange school and occupational health services.
In Finland, employers are required to provide occupational healthcare for their employees, which can be accessed through municipal health centers or private practitioners.
Seeing a Specialist in Finland
If you require hospital admission or specialist care in Finland, a referral letter from your family doctor is required. Finland is divided into 21 hospital districts. Each district provides more specialized care for the municipalities within its region.
Finland also has a network of five university hospitals that contain the most advanced medical equipment and facilities in the country. These hospitals are located in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Kuopio, and Oulu.
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Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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