Medicine & Veterinary Finland

Public Health Insurance

All permanent residents of Finland are entitled to public health insurance, managed by the Social Insurance Institution Kela. This insurance covers medical care expenses, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, medication, and transportation costs related to medical care. The system is funded by taxes and social contributions.

 

Private Health Insurance

In addition to the public system, private health insurance is available in Finland. Some residents choose to purchase additional policies to expand the range of services or reduce waiting times. Private insurance can cover services not included in the public system, such as dental services, physiotherapy, and specialized medical care.

 

Insurance for Foreign Citizens

Foreign citizens residing or temporarily staying in Finland may have access to medical services depending on their status. Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the UK can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary medical care during a temporary stay in Finland. For long-term residence, enrolling in the public health insurance through Kela is recommended.

 

Employers and Health Insurance

Employers in Finland are obligated to provide healthcare services to their employees, which may include both public and private medical services. These services aim to maintain the health of employees and prevent occupational diseases.

Public Medical Services

 

Municipal Health Centers: The primary source of primary healthcare for residents of Finland. They provide services: general practitioner consultations; preventive check-ups; vaccinations; laboratory tests.

How to Access

Registration: Upon arrival, it is necessary to register with the local municipality.

Kela Card: Obtain a Kela social security card to access subsidized services.

 

Public Hospitals: Provide specialized medical care and inpatient treatment. They offer services: surgery; specialized medical consultations; rehabilitation.

How to Access: A referral from a general practitioner is usually required.

 

Below is a list of popular public hospitals in the major cities of the country.

 

Helsinki: Helsinki University Hospital Complex (Helsingin yliopistollinen sairaala, HUS) - the largest medical complex in Finland. Includes specialized hospitals:

- Helsinki Central Hospital

- New Children's Hospital

- Women's Clinic

- Eye and Ear Hospital

 

Espoo: Jorvi Hospital (Jorvin sairaala) - part of the HUS hospital complex. Serves residents of Espoo and surrounding areas.

 

Vantaa: Peijas Hospital (Peijaksen sairaala) - part of the HUS hospital complex. Offers a wide range of medical services.

 

Tampere: Tampere University Hospital (Tampereen yliopistollinen sairaala) - the main medical institution of the Pirkanmaa region. Specializes in advanced medical research and therapy.

 

Turku: Turku University Central Hospital (Turun yliopistollinen keskussairaala) serves the Southwest Finland region. Known for its cardiology and oncology departments.

 

Oulu: Oulu University Hospital (Oulun yliopistollinen sairaala) - the largest hospital in Northern Finland. Offers specialized medical services.

 

Kuopio: Kuopio University Hospital (Kuopion yliopistollinen sairaala) serves the Eastern Finland region. Known for its research in neuroscience.

 

Lahti: Päijät-Häme Central Hospital (Päijät-Hämeen keskussairaala) provides a wide range of medical services for the Päijät-Häme region.

 

Jyväskylä: Central Finland Central Hospital (Keski-Suomen keskussairaala) - the main medical institution of the Central Finland region.

 

Vaasa: The Vaasa Central Hospital (Vaasan keskussairaala) serves the bilingual population (Finnish and Swedish).

 

Lappeenranta: The South Karelia Central Hospital (Etelä-Karjalan keskussairaala) serves the South Karelia region.

 

Rovaniemi: The Lapland Central Hospital (Lapin keskussairaala) is the main medical facility in Lapland.

 

Kouvola: The Kymenlaakso Central Hospital (Kymenlaakson keskussairaala) serves the Kouvola and Kotka regions.

 

How to use services

Booking an appointment: Usually, prior reservation via an electronic system or by phone is required.

Required documents: Identification card and Kela social insurance card.

Language support: Interpreter services are available in major hospitals.

 

 

Private medical services

 

Private clinics and hospitals: Offer a wide range of medical services with shorter waiting times.

Well-known networks: Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Pihlajalinna

How to access:

- Direct booking without a referral is necessary.

- Payment by the patient or through private medical insurance.

 

Medical services for immigrants

 

Right to service: Foreigners with permanent residency are entitled to public medical services. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card.

Insurance: Having private medical insurance is recommended, especially if you are not entitled to public services.

 

Useful links

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Finland: stm.fi

Social Insurance Kela: kela.fi

Information for immigrants: infofinland.fi

HUS Hospital Complex website: www.hus.fi

Registering with a family doctor

 

A family doctor is the first level in the Finnish healthcare system, providing primary care.

 

Registration steps

 

Identify your municipality of residence: Medical services are provided based on the place of residence. Ensure you are registered in the local municipality.

 

Choose a health center: Each municipality has its health centers. You can choose the one closest to your residence.

 

Contact the health center: Call or visit the chosen center to register. Contact details are available on the official municipal websites.

 

Provide necessary documents: You will need an ID and, if available, a Kela social insurance card. After registration, you will be able to receive medical services at the chosen center.

 

Booking an appointment with a specialist

 

In Finland, access to specialists is usually arranged through a referral from a family doctor.

 

Appointment booking: After receiving a referral, you can book an appointment with a specialist. In some cases, booking is done through the health center, and in others, independently.

 

Online booking: Many municipalities and medical facilities offer online services for booking appointments.

 

Popular online platforms

Maisa: Used in the Helsinki and Uusimaa region. Allows booking appointments, viewing test results, and communicating with medical staff.

Omaolo: A national service providing symptom assessment and appointment booking.

Emergency number 112 – the universal number for calling all emergency services. This number can be used to call for ambulance, police, fire department, or rescue services. Calls are free and can be made from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.

Emergency departments: If you have an urgent but not life-threatening situation, it is recommended to visit the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Before visiting the emergency department, it is advised to call the free medical assistance number 116 117 for consultation and information on the nearest available department.

Emergency medical services: In the case of serious or life-threatening conditions such as loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, or suspected heart attack, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance via number 112. Emergency teams are equipped with modern equipment and trained to provide first aid on the scene.

Medical assistance for undocumented persons: Individuals without official status in Finland have the right to receive emergency medical care. However, the cost of treatment may be charged to the patient later. It is recommended to contact local health services for detailed information.

Language support: In emergencies, 112 service operators can provide assistance in several languages. If you do not speak Finnish or Swedish, inform the operator, and you will be connected to a translator.

Cost of services: Emergency medical care in Finland is subsidized by the state, but patients may incur certain expenses depending on their status and entitlements to medical services. It is recommended to carry a Kela social insurance card or other documents confirming entitlement to medical services.

Preparation for emergencies

Contact information: Write down and keep emergency service numbers and the nearest on-duty stations in an accessible place.

Medical information: Keep information about chronic diseases, allergies, and medications with you.

Language support: If you do not speak Finnish or Swedish, prepare a card with basic phrases in Finnish and English.

Public medical institutions

 

Municipal medical centers: appointment and conducting of laboratory tests; referral for specialized examinations.

Process

Consultation: A general practitioner will assess your condition and, if necessary, refer you for tests or examinations.

Conducting tests: Tests are usually conducted in a laboratory associated with a municipal medical center. Results are available through electronic medical records or at a follow-up visit to the doctor.

 

Public hospitals: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound examinations.

Process

Referral: Most examinations require a referral from a general practitioner or specialist. After receiving a referral, contact the relevant hospital department to schedule the examination.

Receiving results: Results are sent to your attending physician for further discussion.

 

Private medical institutions

They offer a wide range of medical services with shorter waiting times.

Known networks: Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Pihlajalinna.

Process

Consultation: Contact the chosen clinic directly to make an appointment or schedule an examination. The doctor will assess your condition and prescribe the necessary tests or examinations.

Conducting tests/examinations: Procedures are carried out in the clinic or partner laboratories. Results are available through the clinic's online portal or at a follow-up visit.

 

Online services and telemedicine

Many medical institutions in Finland offer online services for booking appointments, receiving test results, and consultations.

Platforms:

OmaKanta: National portal where you can view your medical records and test results.

Maisa: Used in the Helsinki and Uusimaa region for booking appointments and communicating with medical staff.

 

Language support: In large cities and private clinics, services in English are often available. If you do not speak Finnish or Swedish, it is recommended to confirm the possibility of receiving services in English when booking an appointment.

Preparation for childbirth in Finland includes several key stages: choosing a hospital, interacting with medical staff, and arranging medical insurance.

 

Choosing a hospital

In Finland, childbirth usually takes place in hospitals. The choice of institution depends on your residence and preferences.

Local hospitals: Most municipalities have their maternity wards. If desired, you can give birth in any hospital associated with the medical district.

University hospitals: In large cities such as Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, there are university hospitals with highly qualified staff and modern equipment.

 

Recommendations

Consultation: Discuss with your midwife or doctor in a women's consultation which hospital is most suitable for you.

Excursion: Many hospitals offer introductory tours of maternity wards.

 

Interaction with medical staff

In Finland, pregnant women are under the supervision of maternity clinics, which provide free services.

Registration: Schedule an appointment at a maternity clinic immediately after confirming your pregnancy. They will provide you with instructions to ensure the well-being of your pregnancy and childbirth.

Preparation courses: Many clinics offer courses for expectant parents.

 

Medical insurance

To cover medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth, it's important to have valid medical insurance.

Kela: To receive maternity allowance, you must be insured under the Finnish Health Insurance Act.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are an EU citizen residing temporarily in Finland, make sure you have a valid EHIC which covers the necessary medical services.

 

Recommendations

Additional insurance: Consider taking out additional medical insurance to cover expenses not included in the standard service package.

 

Additional tips

 

Maternity allowance: You can apply for maternity allowance when your pregnancy reaches 154 days. The maternity clinic will issue a pregnancy certificate that you need to include with your application.

Language support: If you do not speak Finnish or Swedish, request interpreter services in medical facilities.

Psychological support: Don't hesitate to seek psychological support if needed. Many clinics offer such services.

 

Partner-supported deliveries

Partner-supported deliveries are widely practiced and supported by medical institutions in Finland. Discuss your desire for partner-supported delivery with a midwife or doctor during one of your visits to the maternity clinic. They will provide information on the possibilities and requirements of the specific maternity ward.

 

Vaccination of newborns

In Finland, the vaccination of newborns is not legally mandatory but is strongly recommended by medical institutions and health authorities. The national immunization program includes vaccinations against diseases such as tuberculosis (BCG), hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, and others. These vaccinations are provided free of charge and are carried out according to the schedule set by Finland's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

 

Parents have the right to decline vaccinations for their children, but medical professionals emphasize the importance of vaccinations to protect both the individual child's health and public health in general. High levels of immunization help prevent outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases.

 

It is recommended to discuss vaccination issues with medical staff at your local maternity clinic, where you can get detailed information about the vaccination schedule and its significance for the child's health.

If a foreign national dies in Finland, it's important to know what steps to take to arrange the necessary formalities and organize the funeral or repatriation of the body.

 

Notifying authorities

In the event of the death of a foreign national in Finland, the medical facility or relevant authorities inform the diplomatic mission of the deceased's country of origin. This mission or the foreign ministry of the deceased's home country conveys the information to their relatives.

If the death occurred outside a medical facility, it is necessary to immediately report it to the police or call emergency services at 112. Medical and law enforcement authorities will record the death and establish its cause.

 

Establishing cause of death

The cause of death is established in accordance with Finnish legislation. Documents regarding the cause of death are provided in Finnish or Swedish. If documents are needed in other languages, the relative must independently pay for translation services.

The cause of death of a foreign citizen in Finland is determined by competent medical and judicial authorities depending on the circumstances of death.

 

Medical Conclusion

 

If death occurred in a medical facility: The cause of death is determined by the attending physician or the on-duty doctor, who records the circumstances of the death. The doctor issues a death certificate indicating the main medical causes.

If death occurred outside a medical facility: An ambulance is called to the scene to confirm the fact of death. In cases of obvious natural causes of death (such as old age or chronic illness), the doctor may issue a certificate immediately.

 

In the case of suspicious or unclear causes of death: The police may order a forensic examination at specialized forensic institutions, such as university hospitals.

 

When an autopsy is performed: If death occurred under unclear circumstances, to accurately determine the cause. An autopsy may be mandatory in case of suspected crime, violent death, or infectious disease.

 

The police are involved in determining the cause of death if:

- There is suspicion of a crime.

- Death occurred under unusual or unnatural circumstances (accidents, suicide, poisoning).

- The deceased was not identified.

 

Informing Relatives and the Consulate

 

Relatives of the deceased: Are notified of the causes of death after the examination is completed; they can obtain the death certificate through the medical institution or police authorities.

 

The Consulate of the foreign citizen: Receives official notification of the death if the deceased was a citizen of another country; may request copies of medical and judicial documents.

 

Documenting the Cause of Death

Documents: A death certificate is issued, specifying the cause; if necessary, autopsy results are provided to relatives or authorized persons.

 

The death certificate: is needed for organizing the funeral, cremation, or repatriation of the body.

 

Organizing a Funeral or Repatriation

The deceased can be transported out of Finland after the cause of death has been established and permission for the funeral has been obtained. The deceased can be transported out of the country in a coffin or cremated in Finland and the urn taken out. Relatives can organize the funeral themselves or use the services of a funeral home. The consulate can provide information on local funeral homes and assist in organizing repatriation.

 

Financial Issues

The costs associated with the funeral, cremation, or repatriation are usually borne by the relatives of the deceased. It is recommended to contact the deceased's insurance company if they had appropriate insurance, to clarify the possibility of covering these expenses.

 

Additional Support

If additional information or support is needed, it is recommended to contact the diplomatic mission of your country in Finland. They can provide advice and assistance in organizing the necessary arrangements.

Mandatory Vaccinations and Procedures for Dogs and Cats

 

Rabies Vaccination

Dogs and cats: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats. The first vaccination is given no earlier than 12 weeks of age, and it must be administered after microchip implantation. The vaccination must be done no later than 21 days before entry into the country and a maximum of 1 year before departure.

 

Identification (Microchipping)

Dogs and cats: All dogs and cats must be identified with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

 

Echinococcus Treatment

Dogs: To prevent the spread of echinococcosis, dogs must undergo treatment against this parasite. The treatment must be conducted no earlier than 5 days and no later than 1 day before entering Finland.

 

Recommended Vaccinations and Procedures

In addition to mandatory measures, it is recommended to conduct the following vaccinations and treatments to ensure the pet's health:

Dogs: Vaccination against parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and leptospirosis; regular deworming and treatment against external parasites.

Cats: Vaccination against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus; regular deworming and treatment against fleas and ticks.

 

Veterinary Passport

To confirm the vaccinations and procedures, an international standard veterinary passport must be issued. This document contains information about the owner, pet details, microchip numbers, as well as information on all vaccinations and treatments. The passport can be obtained at any veterinary clinic.

 

When entering Finland with a pet, you need to provide:

- Veterinary passport with notes on vaccinations and treatments carried out.

- Health certificate issued by a veterinarian no earlier than 10 days before entry.

- Documents on echinococcosis treatment (for dogs).

 

Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to refusal of entry for the animal into the country or other sanctions. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the current requirements on the official websites of veterinary services in Finland in advance.

Finland has a well-developed infrastructure for pet accommodation and care, including hotels and shelters.

Animal Hotels

If you are planning a trip or are temporarily unable to care for your pet, various animal hotels are available in Finland. These establishments offer professional care, comfortable living conditions, and, in some cases, additional services such as training or grooming.

Examples of animal hotels

Koirahoitola Willa Vanhala: Located in Loimaa, offering dog care services.

Kissahotelli Catsy: Located in Kaarina, specializing in cat accommodation.

Koiramo: Located in Jyväskylä, providing dog care services.

It is recommended to book a place in such hotels in advance, especially during holiday periods when the demand for their services increases.

Animal Shelters

There are also shelters in Finland that provide temporary refuge for homeless or abandoned pets. These organizations work to find new owners for animals and ensure they receive the necessary care.

Examples of shelters

Helsingin eläinsuojeluyhdistys HESY ry: One of the largest shelters in Helsinki, engaged in animal protection and rehoming.

Viikin löytöeläintalo: A shelter in Helsinki providing temporary refuge for homeless animals.

If you are interested in adopting a pet or want to support shelters, it is recommended to contact them directly for more details.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

For those traveling with pets, Finland has numerous hotels that allow pet accommodation. When booking a room, it is advisable to clarify the pet policies as they may vary from hotel to hotel.

Examples of hotels

Scandic Simonkenttä: A hotel in Helsinki allowing pet accommodation.

Hellsten Helsinki Parliament: An apartment hotel in Helsinki offering rooms for guests with pets.

Before traveling, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific hotel's rules and inform them of a pet's presence when booking, if necessary.

In Finland, pet ownership is governed by strict regulations aimed at ensuring their welfare and the safety of the public. Owners are required to adhere to the following requirements:

Registration and Identification

Dogs: Mandatory registration and microchipping. Owners must register the dog with the local municipality and ensure it has a microchip containing owner and pet information.

Cats: Although microchipping and registration of cats are not mandatory, they are highly recommended to facilitate finding them in case they get lost.

Vaccination and Health

Vaccination: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for both dogs and cats. Other vaccinations are also recommended.

Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups and timely treatment of illnesses.

Living Conditions

Space: Animals must be kept in conditions that provide enough space for movement and rest.

Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness in pet housing areas.

Nutrition: Ensuring balanced and quality nutrition.

Behavior and control

Dog walking: In public places, dogs must be on a leash. Owners are required to clean up after their pets.

Noise: Owners must prevent excessive barking or other noises that may disturb neighbors.

Rights and responsibilities of owners

Responsibility: Owners bear full responsibility for the behavior of their animals and any potential damage caused by them.

Cruelty: Any forms of cruelty to animals are prohibited. Violations can lead to fines or criminal liability.

Adhering to these rules ensures comfortable coexistence of people and animals in Finland and contributes to maintaining a high level of pet welfare.