Health Insurance in Finland, Europe

Information expatriation

Capital City: Helsinki
Total area: 338,145 km2
Population: 5,312,353 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +358 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Finland

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk:  World Health Map
BLOG : Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Finland has a universal healthcare system that is largely publicly funded through taxes and government subsidies. It aims to provide comprehensive coverage to all residents.

·      Care is coordinated through public primary care centers which act as a point of first contact. They are funded by municipalities.

·      Citizens are free to use any public or private provider. Around 70% of Finns use only public services.

·      There are no annual fees or deductibles for core public services like doctor visits or hospital care. Co-pays are nominal for certain medical goods.

·      Specialists, laboratories and hospitals are predominantly public but a small private sector also exists.

·      Dental care for adults has some private responsibility based on income. Child dental is fully public.

·      Approximately 9.5% of GDP is spent on healthcare, higher than many European nations. Access to high quality care is universal.

·      E-health services support the system through remote medical consultations, prescription renewals and other conveniences.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Register for a local residence upon arrival and subsequently with a primary healthcare center/district for services.

·      Carry any necessary medications as public formularies may omit some brand/types. Supplement as needed privately.

·      Learn basic medical phrases in Finnish or Swedish which are most commonly used in clinics outside major cities.

·      Understand eligibility and responsibilities according to visa type (EU national, long/short term work/study etc).

·      Consider supplemental overseas private health insurance if public coverage has limitations for certain expats.

·      Monitor the application process for the national Social Insurance Institution (KELA) card which provides healthcare benefits.

·      Note any special conditions around accessing expedited specialty/complex care versus wait-times for routine services.

·      Physiotherapy, vision/dental for adults may involve small annual or per visit co-payments through public system.

·      Address mild winter related illnesses like flu or colds actively with an emphasis on rest if needed.

Hospital Network:

ARS Medicina
Helsinki, Finland

The Mehilainen Hospital
Helsinki, Finland