Finland Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Finland

Those moving or traveling to Finland should consider securing private health insurance. Finland has excellent and affordable healthcare services available to all residents and is consistently rated as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

However, even the best healthcare systems in the world have their shortcomings. Many expats in Finland choose to supplement their public healthcare services with private services by securing international health insurance.

Regardless of whether you are considering private healthcare in Finland, you’ll want to know how the Finnish healthcare system works, and from there, you will know if public healthcare is sufficient for your health needs and requirements.

This article will answer all your questions and more. Keep reading to find out more!

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Finland

The Healthcare System In Finland

Finland offers its residents universal healthcare. It consists of an extensive public healthcare system as well as private and occupational supplemental options. Patients can expect good facilities and efficient service (3.25 doctors per 1000 patients) under the Finnish healthcare system.

The Finnish constitution mandates that public authorities guarantee everyone adequate social, health, and medical services and promote the health of the population and the best possible quality of life for all, and reduce differences in health.

Finland’s Public Hospitals

The majority of Finnish healthcare services are provided through the municipal healthcare system. Municipalities are legally required to organize adequate health services for their residents. To fund medical services, municipalities levy taxes and receive state subsidies to cover shortfalls.

Specialist care in the municipal system is provided by 20 hospital districts, each of which is owned and funded by its member municipalities. Each district has one or several hospitals, one of which is the central hospital.

Health centers vary greatly in size. The largest hospitals employ hundreds of doctors and provide highly specialized services. Attached to each health center is usually a hospital for people with mild or chronic illness, a small laboratory, a radiological unit, and a physiotherapy unit.

Finland has five university hospitals. These provide the most advanced medical care, including highly specialized surgery and treatment for rare diseases. The university hospitals are also mainly responsible for the clinical training of medical students, and medical research.

Finland’s Private Hospitals

Private hospitals in Finland offer an alternative to the public healthcare system, providing a range of medical services with shorter waiting times and enhanced comfort. These facilities cater to both Finnish residents and expatriates, offering specialized care and a variety of healthcare services.

Some notable hospitals are:

• Mehiläinen
• Terveystalo
• Pihlajalinna

Health Insurance Options in Finland for Expats

As with the Finnish healthcare system, expats also have the option of public and private insurance.

Public Insurance in Finland

Public insurance in Finland is a vital component of the country’s universal healthcare system, ensuring that all residents (expats included) have access to a wide range of medical services, including:

• Primary healthcare (general practitioners and health centers)
• Specialist services (with referrals)
• Hospital care (both inpatient and outpatient)
• Maternity and child health services
• Mental health services
• Preventive care and vaccinations

Finland’s healthcare system is primarily funded through taxation. Municipalities collect taxes to finance local healthcare services, which means that healthcare costs are largely covered for residents who registered with the system.

While many services are free, there may be small fees for certain services, such as visits to specialists or dental care. However, these fees are generally affordable.

Medications are also covered significantly, and patients are only required a small copayment. The Finnish Medicines Agency regulates the prices of medications to ensure affordability and prevent overcharging.

To access public healthcare services, individuals must register their residence with the local authorities (Maistraatti) to obtain a personal identification number (henkilötunnus), which expats can use to select a primary local healthcare provider.

After the registration process, appointments with healthcare providers can be made by phone or through online booking systems for their designated health centers.

The maximum out-of-pocket fee for treatment in primary healthcare such as seeing a doctor at a health center is €20.60, charged no more than 3 times a year. Fees for public healthcare have an upper limit per calendar year, beyond which clients are no longer required to pay (this does not apply to short-term institutional care).

Temporary visitors to Finland from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can receive free healthcare through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as per the agreement between their country and Luxembourg. Those without an EHIC and visitors from outside the EU will need to purchase private health insurance for Finland.

Private Insurance in Finland

Private health insurance in Finland is designed to offer individuals and families faster access to healthcare services, more flexibility in choosing hospitals and medical treatment providers, and additional services out of the scope of public insurance coverage.

The mandatory national health insurance scheme reimburses some of the fees paid by patients to private doctors, the costs of prescribed medicines, and travel costs arising from the treatment of illness.

Finns can receive partial reimbursement for private healthcare services and purchase outpatient pharmaceuticals through the obligatory National Health Insurance (NHI) system. That said, private insurance is usually self-funded by paying premiums directly to insurers or brokers.

Major Benefits of Private Insurance

Most local residents use public healthcare facilities, so private healthcare usually comes with shorter wait times and tailored services.

Patients cannot choose whether the treatment is provided in basic or specialized medical care. Having access to private health insurance allows expat patients to seek a second medical opinion and opt for the preferred treatment if any different.

Dental care and alternative therapies come with a small charge in public health insurance. Private insurance can step in and fill that gap to avoid hefty out-of-pocket payments through accumulation.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Finland

The best international private insurance providers for expats in Finland are April International, Cigna, AXA, William Russell, and Allianz Care. Pacific Prime has established long-lasting relationship with these insurers to provide a wide range of insurance options to expats.

April International

April International’s MyHealth International plans provide comprehensive health coverage tailored for expats in Finland, ensuring access to quality medical care worldwide. With flexible options and robust support, these plans will meet the diverse needs of expats in Finland.

Cigna

Cigna offers international health plans for expats in Finland, providing comprehensive coverage and tailored options to meet individual needs. It has no age limit for enrollment, so expats can get peace of mind knowing their financial health is secured.

AXA

AXA is your trusted partner for international health insurance in Finland. Whether you’re an expat relocating to Finland for work, leisure, or retirement, you can rest assured that you’ll have adequate coverage to meet your healthcare needs.

William Russell

William Russell excels at providing comprehensive and customizable international health insurance to expats in Finland. They emphasize service excellence, featuring good post-sales services, and support you throughout to ensure that you walk away satisfied.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care provides international health insurance that covers a wide range of medical services, including inpatient care, medical evacuation, nursing at home, rehabilitation, and more. The plan has three tiers of coverage: Allianz Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro.

Facts to Consider when Picking Insurance in Finland

The cost of private health insurance in Finland varies based on several factors, including the level of coverage, the insured individual's age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Premiums can range from moderate to high, depending on the plan chosen.

Among those, pre-existing medical condition insurance coverage could get complicated. For expats with pre-existing conditions, Check carefully whether you are offered a pre-existing condition exclusion, a moratorium, or coverage with loading.

• Exclusion: The insurer will not pay or reimburse the policyholder for medical bills related to the condition if he/she chooses them as the insurer.
• Moratorium: The insurance company offers health insurance but excludes and observes the pre-existing condition for a certain period known as the waiting period. This period is usually 24 months, then the insurance company reviews its decision.
• Coverage with loading: Insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but only with higher premiums. Not all pre-existing conditions are eligible for this kind of coverage, and not all companies offer this option.

Health and Safety Tips in Finland

Finland is a generally safe destination for expats, but still, here are some useful tips that might come in handy.

• Vaccinations: Ensure that your vaccinations are current before moving. Common vaccines include those for measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus. Check with your healthcare provider for any additional recommendations.
• Emergency Numbers: Remember that the emergency number in Finland is 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Save this number on your phone.
• Weather Preparedness: Be prepared for the Finnish climate, especially in winter. Dress in layers, invest in good winter clothing and be cautious of icy conditions. Winter sports are popular but require proper safety gear.
• Road Safety: Use winter tires during snowy months and ensure your vehicle is equipped for the conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare free in Finland?

Public healthcare in Finland is not entirely free. While public healthcare is mainly funded by taxation, it is also funded by patient fees. The maximum fees, including hospital and dental fees, can be found in Finnish at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health website.

What does international health insurance for expats in Finland typically cover?

International health insurance usually covers a range of services including hospitalization, outpatient care, emergency medical treatment, preventive care, and sometimes dental and maternity services. It’s important to read the policy details to understand specific coverage limits and exclusions.

Is international health insurance mandatory for expats living in Finland?

While it is not legally required for expats to have international health insurance in Finland, it is highly recommended. Having insurance provides financial protection against high medical costs and ensures access to quality healthcare services.

Compare Health Insurance Plans and Quotes in Finland Now

Finland's healthcare system is characterized by its universal coverage, high quality, and accessibility for all residents. While the public healthcare framework is strongly established, individuals can receive comprehensive medical services tailored to their needs by going private.

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, we understand your needs as expats and travelers. International health insurance plans in Finland that we provide offer several add-on benefits such as maternity coverage, dental treatment, and emergency evacuation.

Contact us today to speak to our expert consultants and get quoted for the most suitable health insurance plan for your needs and budget.

If you find this article about the healthcare system and international health insurance useful, don’t forget to check out the same set of information for South Korea and Panama.