Public health care
You are entitled to use public health services in Finland if you have a municipality of residence.
To find out if you have one, contact the Local Register Office (maistraatti).
If you do and need to see a doctor, contact your local health station (terveysasema).
Health Stations directory
Normal hours are 8 am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. You may have to wait for an appointment, unless it is urgent. The cost is generally very low or free. If you have a Kela card, take it with you.
Private Health Care
If you are not entitled to public health services, you can make an appointment at a private clinic. Private health services are more expensive than public ones.
Seeing a specialist
First book an appointment with a general practitioner. Your health centre doctor will then refer you to a specialist.
Subsidies
If you are unwell and unable to go to work, you may be eligible for assistance from Kela.
Kela pays a small part of the expenses of private health care if you are covered by Finnish national health insurance. Sometimes a person who is not covered by Finnish national health insurance may also be entitled to Kela reimbursements.
EU citizens
If you have a European Health Insurance Card, you are entitled to use public health care services. If you use private health care services, Kela may reimburse some of the expenses.
Maternity and pre-school care
Care for pregnant women and newborn babies is provided by Neuvola. There are various clinics around Helsinki. They provide regular child health checks and administer vaccinations in accordance with the Finnish child vaccination program. Visit the City of Helsinki website for a list of clinics.
A Guide to Finland 