Insurance for Finnish Expats and Overseas Healthcare
The number of Finnish citizens living abroad is estimated at around 300,000. Most Finnish expats live in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Spain. Finland’s healthcare system is considered very good, especially at the primary healthcare level, and also very affordable. As a result, expats from Finland might have a hard time acclimating to other healthcare systems, particularly the U.S. healthcare system. Healthcare systems in different countries may be structured differently and sometimes heavily reliant on private healthcare, unlike Finland’s healthcare system.
Buying Private Global Insurance While Living Abroad
EHIC and reciprocal healthcare agreements with other countries are not a substitute for travel health insurance or proper health insurance. Finland expats abroad should have international health insurance to protect themselves from the high medical costs they can encounter abroad.
Such a global health insurance plan covers all the necessities as if you were at home, and even more, depending on the coverage level you choose. And, of course, if you select the international plan, you can also access healthcare in Finland when you are there for a visit or for medical treatment.
While Finland can take pride in its excellent public healthcare system, many countries can’t. Finnish expats, therefore, prefer using the private healthcare sector in many countries, be it because of the higher chance of finding English-speaking doctors and nurses, the ease and shorter time required to book an appointment, or better medical service than in a public facility.
Some people think that international health insurance must be expensive, but this is not always the case! Private international health insurance plans vary in the degree of coverage, and the final costs depend on many factors. One way to learn more about the costs of health insurance plans is to contact an insurance broker or compare the best insurance plans online.
Best Health Insurance for Finnish Citizens Living Abroad
When it comes to healthcare and health insurance, the more prominent and more significant the insurance company you will get your plan from, the better the service, premium, and network of healthcare providers you can go to. The biggest international insurance companies, such as Cigna and IMG, offer plans specially tailored for expatriates. These plans offer flexibility in choosing benefits and coverage, ensuring that you pay only for what you truly need during your stay abroad.
Expats from Finland arriving in the U.S. should be aware that the cost of healthcare in the U.S. is one of the highest in the world. Due to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., Finnish citizens are strongly advised to obtain a health insurance policy while visiting or living in the country.
Even if you usually don’t visit doctors frequently and are tempted to skip the outpatient benefit in your insurance plan, please note that the costs of a single GP visit can range from $100 to $250. That does not include any tests, which U.S. doctors make for almost every ailment, which can quickly double. And if you need medicine or a follow-up visit, these costs can rise rapidly.
Finnish living in the U.S. do not qualify for any of the federal health insurance programs, Medicaid or Medicare; therefore, the only route to covering your medical expenses is through a private health insurance plan. Learn more about typical U.S. healthcare costs here.
Best US Health Insurance Plan for Finnish Citizens
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Like many countries, there are as many different healthcare systems. In some countries, access to primary care is limited to hospitals, whereas in others, you are assigned a family doctor without the option to choose your own.
Some countries, like Finland, offer highly subsidized healthcare. Other countries provide certain, sometimes limited, medical services for free to their citizens, while the rest of the healthcare services must be either outsourced privately or paid in full if they don’t fall within public healthcare coverage. Then some countries have different charges for citizens, permanent residents who are not citizens, and tourists. Navigating this world can be daunting and time-consuming.
For Finnish citizens living abroad, purchasing private health insurance is typically the best option. This will enable Finnish expats to access private healthcare worldwide. Rules surrounding private healthcare are almost identical across the globe, highly reducing stress associated with navigating local healthcare systems.
Will Your Finnish Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?
If you reside abroad for more than six months, you will be considered no longer a permanent resident of Finland, and you will no longer be covered under Finland’s social security system. You will not be entitled to the low costs for healthcare services incurred in Finland, nor for medicine purchases or any other services under the Finnish healthcare system.
Moreover, in addition to EHIC coverage within the European Union, you will not be covered abroad for medical expenses. It is wise to purchase an international health insurance policy to cover the costs of healthcare abroad, which may be extremely high.
Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangement with Australia
Finland has only one reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Australia. The agreement, however, has its limitations. Firstly, to be eligible for Australian Medicare as a Finnish citizen living in Australia, you need to prove that you have been living in Finland before coming to Australia. By enrolling in the agreement, you need to show your Finnish passport, evidence of your current visa, and you may also need to show at least two documents to prove you live in Finland. You also need to have valid Finnish health insurance to be eligible. The reciprocal agreement covers medically necessary care out of hospital, medically necessary care as a public patient in a public hospital, and some prescription medicines at the general rate.
Access to Finnish National Insurance in the EU
Finnish expatriates moving to live in another European Union country can, at least for emergency medical care, use the EHIC card. The European Health Insurance Card enables Finnish expats to access public healthcare services in the country where they reside within the European Union on the same terms as other residents of that country. It is essential to check beforehand which public medical services are available to citizens of a particular country for free and which are not, as these vary from country to country. Usually, EHIC services only cover emergency care, and EHIC should not be considered a comprehensive health insurance option. While residing in another EU country, it is still essential to have medical coverage for any non-emergency medical care.
Government Recommendations for Finnish Expats Abroad
Finland’s government provides comprehensive online information about its embassies and consulates worldwide; however, it lacks substantial resources for Finnish citizens moving abroad or returning home.
Returning Home
If you are returning to Finland after living abroad, you need to reapply for the Kela card. Their return does not guarantee automatic re-enrollment, and you will need to reapply. If you have moved back from outside the European Union and wish to use your EHIC card, you must check its validity and reapply for it if necessary.
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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