Get to know the basics 

The healthcare system is a point of pride among Finns, known for its high-quality, accessible services funded primarily through taxation. Everyone with a municipality of residence in Finland is entitled to the public healthcare offered by their municipality. The system is two-tiered, consisting of public and private sectors

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Finland is available to all residents. You gain access to a wide range of services including general practitioners, mental health services, specialists, dental care and emergency care. The service is highly subsidised with a maximum annual fee of about 700 euros, ensuring that cost paid out of your own pocket is not a barrier to access for anyone.

Private Healthcare

This sector complements the public system, offering faster access and more flexibility in choosing providers. Private healthcare can be a good option for non-urgent needs if you’re looking for quicker service.

Occupational healthcare

Healthcare provided by an employee is designed to boost your overall wellness, prevent any health issues, and keep people thriving.  It’s required by law to offer occupational healthcare as a part of the job description, but the extent and type of healthcare services provided can vary significantly from one company to another, ranging from basic healthcare to even including support for your dependents.

How to reach the services?

Upon moving to Finland, the first step is to register by following this guide with the local register office to receive a Finnish personal identity code. This code is crucial as it allows you to access healthcare services. Here’s how to get started: 

1. Kela card
2. After registration you apply for a Kela card, the Finnish social security card. It serves as proof that you’re covered under the Finnish social security system and is essential for visits to the doctor, pharmacy, and hospital.
   
3. Choose your health center
4. You can choose a health center or clinic as your primary place for medical services within your municipality. It’s typically where you’ll have your general practitioner. After choosing your health center, log into the Maisa portal to manage your health services online. If you need a little help finding your way, this Helsinki service map is your go-to guide for locating all services provided by the city in your neighborhood.

Now that the administrative aspects are taken care of, you can explore and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having access to one of the world’s top healthcare systems by reading these tips below.

Tips for Navigating Healthcare in Finland

Book appointments online

Many health services – both public and private – can be booked online through a portal, which is convenient and often faster. Finland has made significant advances in digital health services. E-prescriptions are common, and most health information is stored electronically. 

Understand the referral system

For specialist care, you generally need a referral from a general practitioner, which can be obtained at your local health center. You can also use private healthcare providers to get a referral to public specialist care if needed. 

Emergency services

In case of an emergency, call 112. Emergency services are highly efficient and can be accessed by anyone, regardless of their residency status. For not-as-urgent medical situations, dial 116117 – a medical helpline available 24/7 that provides advice on sudden health problems and information outside health care openings hours. 

Pharmacy services

Pharmacies in Finland are well-equipped to offer advice on minor ailments and can dispense most medications prescribed by your doctor. Unlike in many other countries, this service is completely free of charge. 

Accessibility and equality

One of the guiding principles of the Finnish healthcare system is to provide equal access to high-quality healthcare services for all residents, regardless of their financial situation.

Health Insurance – is it worth it? 

While the public system covers most healthcare needs, some residents opt for additional private health insurance for more coverage and quicker access to certain services. It’s worth considering if you prefer the flexibility of private care, but not something you can’t cope without here. 

Individual plans range from about €20 to €150 per month, while family plans vary from €50 to €300, depending on the coverage details that suit your needs. Whether you’re covering just yourself or your entire family, it’s smart to compare options to find the best plan for you and your needs and wallet. 

High-quality care for all

Navigating healthcare in Finland may seem daunting at first, but with these insights, you can start your journey toward accessing efficient and effective healthcare services. The Finnish system is designed to ensure that every resident receives high-quality care, reflecting the country’s commitment to health and well-being. Welcome to a community where healthcare is a shared priority, and getting help is made as simple as possible for everyone.