International Health Insurance
Gain valuable insights and practical tips for navigating international health insurance while living abroad. From coverage details to expert advice, this comprehensive guide helps travelers…
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Read this extensive list of hospitals in Finland for visitors and expats, along with information about Finland's healthcare system.
If you’re spending time in Finland, whether as a resident or a long-term visitor, it’s essential to understand your healthcare options in case of need. That means knowing about the hospitals you will have access to nearby. Here is a guide to help you find the best hospitals in Finland.
As of 2017, Finland had 247 hospitals. This is actually the lowest number the country has had in a decade. The vast majority of hospitals in Finland are public, with just a small portion being private. Hospitals are overseen regionally. There are 21 hospital districts, the largest of which has about 30 hospitals.
The entire healthcare system in the country is highly decentralized, organized into three distinct levels, all of which are publicly funded. In this three-tier system, the federal government is responsible for many of the policies and guidelines, while municipalities are primarily responsible for providing actual healthcare.
While the ratio of doctors to Finnish residents is low for a Scandinavian country: 2.7 for every thousand people, Finland nonetheless provides high-quality healthcare to all of its residents. The excellent ratio of nurses (9.6 nurses per 1000 people) and the emphasis that the healthcare system places on nursing is likely responsible for this.
Finland has four university teaching hospitals. These offer the country’s latest in high-tech medicine and innovation. They are located in the largest cities in the country.
Finland’s capital has many fine hospitals. Expats will have no problem finding healthcare workers who speak English.
Quality hospitals are not just confined to Helsinki. Here is a list of hospitals in other cities.
While Finland offers its residents universal healthcare, it is not entirely free. The vast majority of funding for the healthcare system comes from taxes collected by municipalities. However, another contributing source of funding comes from collecting fees from patients. The Act and Decree establish the maximum fees that municipalities can charge for services related to Social and Health Care Client Fees.
For instance, in 2020-2021, the maximum fee for seeing a primary care doctor is 20.60 euros. A person can only be charged this a maximum of three times per calendar year; after that, the fee is waived.
Additionally, there is a maximum amount a person can pay in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and once that is exceeded, no additional fees will be charged. Exceptions to fees are made for low-income households.
Yes, Finland has an excellent healthcare system. One barometer by which Finland distinguishes itself is satisfaction. Finland is among the top 5 countries in terms of satisfaction with its healthcare system, with 88% of those surveyed reporting satisfaction with the country’s healthcare. This is as opposed to an EU average of 71% satisfaction.
One of the main focuses of Finnish healthcare is prevention and public health initiatives that encourage preventative medicine. This has had considerable success, raising life expectancy substantially over the last few decades. Currently, women have an average life expectancy of 84 years, while men’s is 78.
Find more International Hospitals and healthcare options in popular Expat countries: Hospitals in Australia, Hospitals in Germany, Hospitals in South Africa, Hospitals in Ireland, Hospitals in New Zealand, Hospitals in Italy, Hospitals in the Philippines, Hospitals in Hungary, Hospitals in Vietnam.
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