Moving to Finland (Suomi) brings many questions about health care: How do I see a doctor? What is KELA? Do I need private insurance? This guide answers the key questions newcomers ask and explains, in simple steps, how the Finnish healthcare system (terveydenhuolto) works.
How the Finnish health system is structured
Finland’s healthcare is primarily public and organized regionally. Municipal health centers (terveysasema) handle everyday care — GP visits, child health, vaccinations and basic tests. For specialist treatment and hospitals (sairaala), referrals from your health center are usually required. Emergency care is available at hospital emergency departments (ensiapu).
Public healthcare is funded by taxes, which keeps costs comparatively low for residents. Many services are free or low-cost when you’re covered by KELA (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland), while private clinics charge market rates.
Who is covered and how to register
If you are a resident with a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) and a valid residence permit (oleskelulupa), you will typically be eligible for KELA benefits. KELA coverage reduces co-payments for GP visits, specialist care, and some medications. As a newcomer, register your address and follow KELA guidance to apply for benefits. (See the official KELA info linked below.)
If you are temporarily in Finland (short-term visitor), you should have travel health insurance. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have certain entitlements as well.
Finding a doctor and booking appointments
Start with your local health center (terveysasema). Many municipalities allow online booking, and larger cities often provide English-language services. When you register at the health center, you’ll be assigned a local GP or receive instructions on how to book.
For non-urgent matters:
- Use the municipal patient portal or phone lines to book appointments.
- Check if your city has an international health service (especially in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku).
Private clinics (yksityinen lääkäriasema) are an alternative if you need an appointment quickly or want English-speaking doctors; expect higher fees.
Emergency care and urgent situations
In an emergency, always call 112. Emergency departments at hospitals (sairaala, päivystys) handle life-threatening situations. For urgent but non-life-threatening care, many cities offer urgent care clinics (kiirevastaanotto) that operate outside normal hours.
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Doctors issue electronic prescriptions (sähköinen resepti) that are available at all pharmacies (apteekki). You can retrieve medicines by showing ID; KELA may refund part of the cost depending on your coverage.
Costs and practical tips
- GP visits with KELA coverage: relatively low co-pay.
- Private clinic visit: significantly more expensive (check price before booking).
- Prescription costs vary; KELA reimbursement depends on the drug.
Practical tips:
- Carry your personal ID code and KELA card (or confirmation) to appointments.
- Learn basic Finnish health terms (e.g., “sairaus” = illness, “lääkäri” = doctor).
- Use municipal websites for step-by-step registration in English.
Internal link: For planning your move and registration steps, see our Moving page.
External link: Official general health information (THL): https://thl.fi/en
FAQ — Healthcare in Finland
Q: Do I need private insurance?
A: If you’re covered by KELA, private insurance is optional. Visitors or those awaiting KELA should get travel or private insurance.
Q: How fast are appointments?
A: Wait times vary. Non-urgent public appointments can take longer; private clinics are faster.
Q: Can I find English-speaking doctors?
A: Yes, especially in major cities; check municipal pages or private clinics.