For foreign students living in Finland, It’s important to know the health insurance requirements and coverage options to have a successful academic career. In this article, we discuss compulsory insurance, types of insurance, and how to choose the right health insurance for international students in Finland.
Why Health Insurance is Mandatory
All foreign students studying in Finland must have valid health insurance, as the Finnish government enforces this. This requirement is imposed on a residence permit and is necessary for healthcare in Finland. International students are not covered by the Finnish National Health Insurance Scheme (Kela) like permanent residents and therefore need private insurance.
Health Insurance Requirements For Finland Students
Medical insurance coverage depends on the study period and the student’s nationality:
For Non-EU/EEA Students
Longer Than Two Years of Study Period:
Students should get private medical insurance up to a limit of €120,000 for treatment.
This insurance should pay for medical treatment in case of illness and accident.
Two years and above Term of Study:
All students should have private health insurance that covers at least €40,000.
This coverage usually includes public health insurance when students come to live in Finland.
For EU/EEA Students
For EU/EEA citizens, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is applied for at the time of application. This card is how they are eligible to access healthcare in Finland just like the Finnish people. But the EHIC doesn’t replace travel insurance, and it may not cover everything – like a return flight or tooth emergency. So it’s a great idea to obtain extra private health insurance.
Types of Health Insurance Plans For Finland Students
When purchasing health insurance, foreign students have various options:
Private Health Insurance:
There are plenty of private insurance companies with plans specifically for foreign students. These policies usually include everything from medical expenses to hospitalization and emergency. Some of the popular companies Swisscare and Marsh have different types of plans available for students depending on their coverage.
University-Sponsored Insurance:
The University of Finland also has health insurance for international students. Such plans can meet coverage needs and are good options for students who just want something easy.
Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan As Finland Students
When choosing health insurance, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Limits in Coverage: Ensure the plan has sufficient coverage at least according to the minimum standards of Finnish officials.
- Exclusions: Read what’s not included in the policy like if you have a history of something or are treated for it.
- Deductibles: Whether there are deductibles (amount you pay before insurance kicks in) and if they are reasonable, make sure to ask.
- Provider Network: Ensure you select plans with an extensive network of Finnish healthcare providers for convenient access to care.
- Customer Support: Select an insurer with a good customer support team to help you with claims and questions during your stay.
Public vs. Private Healthcare Options in Finland
Finland also has a very good healthcare system with both public and private health services available for all its citizens. It is important to be aware of the difference between these two alternatives if you are a citizen of Finland and also international students and visitors.
Overview of the Finnish Health System
The Finnish healthcare system is a universal public healthcare system, supported entirely by taxes. This is a system that guarantees that all residents have access to necessary medical treatment, no matter what their income. Apart from public services, there is an expanding private sector that offers alternative providers for patients who require urgent or specialty care.
Public Healthcare in Finland
Structure and Accessibility
In Finland, the Finnish system of public healthcare is a decentralized system administered by Well-being Service Counties. The counties have their services for health care: primary care, specialty services, and hospitals. Key features include:
- General Health Care: All citizens are eligible to receive public health care services (GP appointments, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency services).
- Affordable: Most public healthcare is a flat fee or free of charge. There will sometimes be a nominal charge for some services but this is usually covered.
Advantages of Public Healthcare
- Services of a general kind: The scope of public health services includes preventive healthcare and chronic illness management.
- Cost-Reducing: As long as you have few out-of-pocket expenses, public healthcare can be financed by everyone.
- Quality: Finnish public hospitals and clinics are known for excellent care and patient satisfaction.
Considerations
- Waiting times: One of the downsides of public healthcare is waiting time for non-urgent care as there is so much demand.
- Referral system: Access to specialist care can require a referral from a GP which can be a step more.
Private Healthcare in Finland
Structure and Services
Private healthcare in Finland supplements the public system by providing other choices for those who would like access to healthcare or services faster. Key features include:
- Quicker Access: Private clinics have shorter wait times for appointments and treatment as compared to public facilities.
- Specialized Services: A lot of private suppliers provide specialty services that are not usually offered by the public sector.
Advantages of Private Healthcare
- Ease of scheduling: The appointments can easily be scheduled and patients can choose the healthcare provider they like the most.
- Private Health Care: A higher degree of individualization could come with private medical care and the presence of smaller facilities.
- Partial reimbursement: you may get partial reimbursement if you have Finnish national health insurance (Kela) which covers the costs of private medical care.
Considerations
- Higher Fees: Private healthcare services tend to be higher in price compared to public ones and can be a turn-off for many.
- Limitations of Coverage: Kela covers a portion of the costs, but not all private services will be covered.
Medical Health Insurance Costs to Students in Finland
In Finland, studying for an international student is a different experience, but it has medical expenses too, which are something that must be considered. This post is a comprehensive guide on medical costs for students who might be studying in Finland: health insurance, healthcare expenses, and how to avoid them.
Health Insurance Requirements For Finland Students
International students who come to Finland should take good health insurance first. : Finland’s system requires students to have valid health insurance throughout the school year. You will need for the length of your stay:
For Non-EU/EEA Students:
- You can have medical expenses up to €120,000 covered by your insurance policy if you study for less than two years.
- For research of two years or longer, coverage must be up to €40,000 for medical expenses.
For EU/EEA Students:
You can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that allows you to get public health care in Finland. But it is still best to have some extra private health insurance just in case something is missing.
Healthcare Fees for Students
Students pay healthcare fees, in addition to health insurance, if attending university. Healthcare cost is €71.20 per year as of 2025, to be paid in two equal installments of €35.60 per term. The fee entitles you to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), a health program that provides students with the services they need.
EHIC for Students (EHIC) – Finnish Student Health Insurance Card
Whether you are an international student in Finland, healthcare access is of paramount importance. The EU/EEA student tool of the trade is the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). This covers what the EHIC is, its use for Finnish students, and how to obtain and use it.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) For Finland Students
Students from the EU/EEA can get medical treatment in Finland for the same price as Finnish citizens through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card is used for basic health services like care for acute ailments, accidents, and illnesses that do not improve with treatment over time.
To Apply for EHIC Who Qualifies?
The EHIC is available to EU or EEA students who are covered by the social security scheme of their country of residence. To qualify, students must:
- Be an attending student at a Finnish university.
- Obtain an EHIC card before you come to Finland.
Benefits of Applying for an EHIC in Finland
- Healthcare: Students can get the treatment they need from the Finnish public healthcare system without paying a premium due to having an EHIC.
- Equal Treatment: Students pay the same as the resident fees for medical facilities, and it is an economical way of getting medical services.
- Full Coverage: The card will pay for all types of healthcare including GP appointments, hospitalization, and emergency visits.
- No Extra Insurance: Students with an EHIC do not incur the annual student healthcare fee collected from Finnish students as long as their healthcare is provided by their national insurance company.
How to Obtain an EHIC
Students need to get the EHIC from the health insurance provider in their home country before they go to Finland. The process typically involves:
- Application Form: Download and fill out an application form from your national health insurance company.
- Be Prepared to Provide Documents: Proof of attending a college or university and identity papers.
- Receive Your Card: Once approved, the EHIC will be mailed to your address. It is free of charge.
Using Your EHIC in Finland
When you are at a doctor in Finland:
- Bring your EHIC and present it when you are seen to get care at local patient costs.
- Carry your card with you at every meeting whether it be virtual or in-person.
- You’ll likely have to pay upfront and get reimbursed later if you have to rely on private healthcare facilities that aren’t under contract with Kela (the Finnish social insurance company).
Limitations of the EHIC
The EHIC provides good coverage but it is not unlimited:
- Not A Replacement for Travel Insurance: The EHIC is not comprehensive, and does not pay for everything, like repatriation or emergency dental work. So it is advised to take out some extra travel insurance.
- Medical Emergencies: In times of emergency, treatment could still be provided without an EHIC, but it is easy to access and lowers the price.
Health insurance is one of the most important parts of studying in Finland for international students. Now that these are compulsory, it is important to know your options and choose the right plan to get healthcare services while you are enrolled in class. Learn about coverage limits, deductibles, and provider networks so that you can make an informed decision to take care of your health and well-being while you study in Finland.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Finland as a Student straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Short-term Study Visa or a Visa for EU/EEA Students, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Finland. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
