Navigating Finnish Healthcare

If you are struggling to understand the healthcare system, this article can assist you in navigating the Finnish healthcare system and provide tips on finding the right places to seek professional guidance.

Understanding the Finnish Healthcare System

The Constitution of Finland stipulates that the public authorities are required to ensure that all individuals have access to sufficient social, health, and medical services. These services are delivered by the municipality, city, and numerous private healthcare providers in the country. The system is primarily funded by taxes and provides universal coverage for essential medical services. This means that healthcare is within reach.

Healthcare services are categorized into primary healthcare and specialized medical care. Primary healthcare services are primarily offered at health and social services centers ( terveyskeskus), while specialized medical care is typically provided at hospitals. In simpler terms, individuals with flu, emergencies or injuries should reach out to the nearest health and social services center, while those who need more specific treatments will receive treatment at a specialized care unit.

Nevertheless, in cases that are not emergencies, the public sector may require more time to provide assistance, potentially leading to longer wait times for access to specialized units. This is one of the reasons why individuals choose to invest in private health insurance, as it enables them to access specialized care more easily and quickly.

Booking Appointments

When seeking medical assistance in Finland, it is common to first contact your designated primary care facility to schedule an appointment. This initial point of contact will guide you through the necessary steps and ensure you receive the proper care in a timely manner. You can also book appointments for the public sector through the Maisa application or other application that is provided in your area.

While you are employed, your employer will assist you in accessing healthcare services for workers, which can be offered by either public or private healthcare providers. These services include issuing certificates for sick leave and managing work-related injuries.

Paying for Treatment

If you are not a resident of a municipality in Finland, you will typically be responsible for covering the expenses of your treatment unless you can provide documentation proving your eligibility for medical care, such as a European Health Insurance Card. If you are uncertain of your entitlemend of a client fee pricing, you can always turn to Kela Center International Affairs.

In order to receive treatment, you must have a social security number and a Kela card. The client fees at health centers range from approximately 23 to 45 euros, with a set price. Dental treatments typically cost between 11.30to 21.50 euros, while hospital fees range from 12.80 to 54.60€ euros, and surgeries cost around 150.80 euros. The client fees are standardized nationally, ensuring they remain fixed even if the treatment costs increase significantly. The private sector generally incurs higher costs compared to the public sector.

There is also a client fee ceiling, which is around 762 euro. After the payment ceiling has been reached, services that count towards it are free until the end of the calendar year. There are some fees that are not covered in the client fee ceiling such as transportation fees, doctor certificate fees, laboratories and services related to institutional care.

Emergency Situations

In case of emergencies, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the emergency services number, which in Finland is 112. The efficient emergency response system in Finland ensures that you receive prompt care when you need it most. However, flu and other normal illnesses or health conditions that does need immediete help, it is better to contact the nearest healthcare center.