Navigating the Finnish Healthcare System

Finland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but it can feel unfamiliar when you first arrive. This guide walks you through how to access public and private healthcare, understand your rights, and know who to call in an emergency.

How the System Works

Finland's healthcare system is two-tiered, consisting of public and private sectors. Everyone with a municipality of residence in Finland is entitled to public healthcare offered by their municipality. Services are primarily funded through taxation and are designed to be accessible to all residents regardless of financial situation.

Public Healthcare

Your first point of contact for most health concerns is your local health centre, known as a terveysasema or terveyskeskus. This is where you'll have your general practitioner (GP). When seeking medical assistance, it is common to first contact your designated primary care facility to schedule an appointment.

To register, contact your local health centre and bring your personal identity code (henkilötunnus) and a valid ID. You can also book appointments online through the Maisa portal (maisa.fi) or a similar app provided in your area.

Read more: Staying healthy - Health and medical care - Suomi.fi

Private Healthcare

Private clinics offer shorter waiting times and more flexible appointments than the public system. Some residents take out private health insurance to help cover costs — individual plans typically range from €20 to €150 per month.

If you visit a private doctor without insurance, Kela reimburses part of the cost:

  • €8 per GP or specialist appointment (as of January 2026)
  • €70 per gynaecologist appointment
  • €50–60 per psychiatrist appointment
  • Up to 4 physiotherapy sessions per year without a referral
  • Up to 2 oral hygienist appointments per year without a referral

You can claim reimbursement directly at the clinic by presenting your Kela card, or apply within 6 months via OmaKela.

Getting a referral to a specialist

For specialist care within the public system, you generally need a referral from your GP at the health centre. For private specialist visits, a referral is not always required but may help with Kela reimbursement depending on the treatment.

Prescriptions and pharmacies

Prescriptions in Finland are electronic (sähköinen resepti) and are sent directly to a national database. You can pick up your medication at any pharmacy (apteekki) in Finland by showing your identity document or Kela card. Pharmacists in Finland are well-trained and can offer advice on medications and minor ailments.

You can view and manage your prescriptions online via the Kanta.fi patient portal

Emergency Numbers

This is important to know before you ever need it:

In a life-threatening emergency such as severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, or stroke symptoms, always call 112. The Medical Helpline 116117 is available everywhere in Finland with the exception of Åland.

Call 116117 before going to the emergency clinic for urgent but non-life-threatening health problems, or when your health station is closed. The service is open 24/7 and healthcare professionals will direct you to the right place of care and give advice on self-care.

In short:

  • 112 — life-threatening emergency (ambulance, fire, police)
  • 116117 — urgent but not life-threatening, or when your health centre is closed, open 24/7

More Information: Front page | HUS

Useful tools and links

This page was last reviewed June 2026. Healthcare policies and Kela reimbursement rates can change — always verify current information at kela.fi and suomi.fi.