Worker In Finland

Healthcare in Finland

Understanding Healthcare in Finland

Why It Matters

Finland is known for its high-quality and equal-access healthcare system. If you’re moving here for work – either alone or with your family – it’s important to know how healthcare works, what services are available to you, and how to access them.

Whether it’s routine checkups, emergency treatment, pregnancy care, or long-term health support, Finland offers comprehensive public health services that are affordable and safe.

How the Finnish Healthcare System Works

Finland’s healthcare system is primarily publicly funded through taxes. It is built on universal access, meaning all permanent residents have the right to public healthcare.

Key elements include:

  • Local Health Centers (Terveysasema)
    Your first point of contact for non-emergency medical needs: general practitioners, nurses, vaccinations, minor procedures.

  • Specialist and Hospital Care
    Accessible with a referral from a general practitioner. Includes surgeries, diagnostics, rehabilitation, etc.

  • Occupational Healthcare
    Provided by many employers at no cost to employees. Covers general health needs and often includes faster access to care.

  • Private Healthcare Services
    Available for quicker appointments or additional services. Not covered by Kela but may be reimbursed partially through private insurance.

  • Pharmacies (Apteekki)
    Available nationwide for prescriptions and over-the-counter medication. Kela discounts apply to necessary medication.

To learn more about eligibility for public healthcare, visit this website. 

Healthcare Services for Families

Finland’s healthcare system includes dedicated services for families, children, and expectant mothers:

Maternity Clinics (Neuvola):
Free care before and after birth. Includes prenatal checkups, parenting support, and baby wellness monitoring.

Child Healthcare:
Regular health and developmental checkups, vaccinations, and dental care are free for children.

School Health Services:
Provided in all schools and covers physical, mental, and emotional health support.

Mental Health Care:
Public and private support available. Access to psychologists, therapists, and crisis help lines (often with wait times).

Keep Your Health Info Updated

Once registered in the Finnish health system, your medical records are stored digitally. This means any public healthcare provider can access your data, which helps ensure safe and consistent treatment. Make sure your information is accurate and up to date.

What Does It Cost?

Public healthcare in Finland is heavily subsidized and affordable for most residents, especially those covered by Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland).

Once you’re approved for Kela coverage, you’ll receive a Kela card, which you can show at clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals to get reduced prices on healthcare services and medications.

Typical costs in public healthcare:

  • Health center visit: 20–30 €

  • Emergency care: 20–40 €

  • Specialist appointment: up to 50 €

  • Hospital stay (per day): around 50 €

  • Prescription medication: discounted with Kela card

  • Children and maternity services: usually free

There is also a yearly maximum fee cap (around 700 €). Once you reach it, further public healthcare services are mostly free for the rest of the year.

For more information about public service fees, visit this website →

Emergency and Urgent Care

In Finland, medical emergencies are taken seriously, and help is always available when you need it.

If you or someone else is in a life-threatening situation – call 112 immediately.
This is the emergency number for ambulance, fire, and police services. Operators answer in Finnish, Swedish, and English.

For non-life-threatening but urgent care:

  • Go to the nearest emergency clinic (päivystys) if you need medical help outside normal health center hours.

  • You can also call Päivystysapu 116117 for advice before heading to the emergency room.

Emergency care is available 24/7, but it’s recommended to use it only when truly necessary to avoid long wait times and to ensure critical cases are prioritized.

What to Do Before and After Arrival

  • Before arriving in Finland:

    • Check if your job includes occupational healthcare

    • Bring medical records and prescriptions

    • EU citizens: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)


    After arriving:

    • Register your address and apply for a personal identity code

    • Apply for Kela coverage and card: Apply at Kela →

    • Find your local health center and register

    • Ask your employer about the occupational healthcare provider

    • Familiarize yourself with online tools like Omaolo.fi for symptom checkers and bookings

We're Here to Help

We understand that navigating a new country’s healthcare system can feel confusing and stressful – especially when it’s in a different language or culture.
That’s why we support you every step of the way in accessing healthcare in Finland.

We can help you with:

  • Understanding how the Finnish healthcare system works

  • Registering with Kela and applying for a Kela card

  • Finding your local health center or clinic

  • Knowing what services are free or subsidized

  • Communicating with healthcare professionals

  • Accessing healthcare for your children or family

You don’t have to figure it all out alone – we’re here to help you feel safe, informed, and cared for in Finland.

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