Health Insurance in Estonia, Europe
Information expatriation
Capital City: Tallinn
Total area: 45,100 km2
Population: 1,340,600 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +372 XXX
Practical Information:
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:
· Estonia has a universal healthcare system that is largely funded through taxes. It provides coverage for all legal residents.
· Healthcare is decentralized, with the Ministry of Social Affairs overseeing the overall system and various regional authorities managing delivery of services.
· Access to family doctors and primary care services is available free of charge. Specialist services may require co-pays.
· Major hospitals are modern and well-equipped, staffed by doctors and nurses who receive high-quality training.
· Estonia spends around 7.2% of its GDP on healthcare, close to the EU average. Standards are high and on par with other Nordic countries.
· E-health services are advanced, with digital prescriptions, medical records and appointment booking widely used.
· Private health insurance plays a supplementary role for those who want coverage for services like dental or elective procedures.
· Life expectancy has risen steadily and is over 78 years on average, reflecting good outcomes across the population.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Register for a local general practitioner (GP). Healthcare from Estonia's public system is free after registration.
· E-services require digital ID access which expats can obtain but it may take some navigation of Estonian bureaucracy.
· Ensure you understand any co-pay requirements and exemptions for public specialist services, tests, or procedures.
· Estonian is the main language but most doctors also speak English. Still, learn basic health phrases to aid communication.
· The climate can exacerbate winter illnesses like flu or colds. Consider preventative steps.
· Maintain adequate supplementary travel health insurance in case public coverage has limitations for expats.
· Be aware of cultural norms around accessing after-hours care from GPs or calling emergency services.
· Ensure you have valid travel/health insurance from your home country while a short-term visitor in Estonia.
· Access to some procedures may be faster privately if public wait times are long. Consider both track options.