15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Finland
Last updated on Oct 11, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Finland is generally considered to be very high. Finland has a comprehensive public health care system that provides free or low-cost medical services to all citizens. The country also has a well-developed network of private health care providers. In comparison to the US, Finland has a lower rate of infant mortality and a higher life expectancy. Emergency services in Finland are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 112 for an ambulance. The ambulance will be dispatched to your location and will provide medical care on the way to the hospital.
How are healthcare services Finland?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Finland, they replied:
"Finland offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, mental health services, and public health services. The public healthcare system in Finland is of high quality and is funded by taxes. All Finnish citizens and permanent residents are entitled to use the public healthcare system, and foreign residents are also eligible to use the system, provided they have a valid residence permit. Expats in Finland can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health center and obtaining a Kela card, which is a personal health insurance card. The Kela card allows expats to access public healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications," said one expat.
What are medical services in Finland like?
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Learn More
Send money online for what matters most. We make international money transfers easier than ever. Choose how and when you send, with great exchange rates and low fees.
Send money online for what matters most.
We make international money transfers easier than ever. Choose how and when you send, with great exchange rates and low fees.
Learn More
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Finland?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Finland?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Finland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Finland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Finland like?
- Is the cost of living in Finland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Finland?
- What are healthcare services like in Finland?
- Is the cost of living in Finland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Finland?
- What is the weather like in Finland?
- Are there good restaurants in Finland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Finland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Finland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Finland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Finland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Finland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?