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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Helsinki 2024
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Health Care in Helsinki

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Learn about the health system in Helsinki: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Helsinki.

Helsinki has a public healthcare system that is used by both locals and foreigners. The public healthcare system is called Kela and it provides access to medical services, including hospitals, clinics, and emergency services. Kela is used by both locals and foreigners, and is recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Finland's Healthcare System

Finland has both a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Kela and it is used by both locals and foreigners. Kela provides access to medical services, including hospitals, clinics, and emergency services. People recommend using public hospitals in Helsinki for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. At a public hospital in Helsinki, patients can expect to receive quality care from experienced medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Finland. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for specialized medical care and major surgeries. Private hospitals in Helsinki offer a more personalized experience and often have shorter wait times. People recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Helsinki

  • Helsinki University Hospital (public): Located in the city center, this hospital is the largest in Finland and provides a wide range of medical services.
  • Meilahti Hospital (public): Located in the Meilahti district, this hospital specializes in orthopedics, oncology, and neurology.
  • Helsinki Private Hospital (private): Located in the city center, this hospital offers a wide range of medical services and specializes in plastic surgery.
  • Helsinki Eye Hospital (private): Located in the city center, this hospital specializes in ophthalmology.

Emergency Services in Helsinki

Helsinki has an ambulance service that can be called in an emergency. To call for an ambulance, dial 112. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.

Health Insurance Companies in Helsinki

The most popular private health insurers in Helsinki are Fennia, If, and LähiTapiola. These companies provide health insurance for both locals and foreigners. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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