Polyclinics
State medical services are paid, but relatively inexpensive compared to private medical institutions: a visit to a doctor at a polyclinic – both a general practitioner and a specialist – costs €22. Each polyclinic has an appointment system on a first-come, first-served basis. Emergency medical care is provided to seriously ill patients or those injured as a result of an accident. If urgent care is not required, you should make an appointment with a general practitioner, who will refer you to a specialist. Sometimes a patient has to wait several months for a specialist appointment. Treatment in a state hospital is possible only with a referral from a polyclinic.
Each state clinic is obliged to provide dental services to all residents of Finland: minors free of charge, adults for a fee stipulated by law. Much attention is paid to prevention: each school has a dentist, whose duties include not only treatment but also lessons on maintaining dental health.
In order to use the services of polyclinics and hospitals, you must have a KELA-card health insurance card (KELA, or Kansanel?kelaitos, is the social security agency). It is received by Finnish citizens, as well as immigrants with a permanent place of residence. You can purchase the card, which costs €25, at one of the KELA offices.
Private medical institutions
In addition to state medical institutions, Finland has many private clinics and hospitals. Their activities are regulated by law, and the quality of services is strictly controlled. To get into a private hospital, a referral from a polyclinic is not required.
Inpatient treatment is prescribed only in cases of extreme necessity. Patients are discharged relatively quickly: for example, after cosmetic surgery under general anesthesia – after 1–2 days. They spend the entire recovery period at home, and visit the hospital only for medical examinations.
Private medical services are significantly more expensive than state ones. For example, a visit to a specialist costs from €60, a dental check-up from €40. Those who are in the social security group can cover part of the expenses with compensation from KELA.
First aid
All victims of an accident or mishap have the right to first aid, including those who are not residents of Finland. After providing first aid, hospital staff contact the client's insurance company to arrange reimbursement for the medical services provided.
Having insurance for the entire trip is one of the conditions for obtaining a visa to the country. Compulsory health insurance covers treatment costs in case of accidents or sudden illness. Treatment of chronic diseases in Finland is possible only at one's own expense.
Seeing a Finnish doctor
Medical services at low prices in polyclinics and hospitals are provided only to residents of the district to which these medical institutions belong. Visitors can also go to city polyclinics, but at a higher fee. Most out-of-town visitors prefer to use the services of private medical institutions. Such clinics are equipped with modern equipment and are more comfortable than state ones, at the same cost of services.
For an appointment with a private specialist, you need to book in advance. Be prepared to briefly explain over the phone why you intend to visit the clinic. In most clinics, besides Finnish, you can communicate in English and Swedish. You should have your passport and medical insurance (if any) with you. Today, many doctors and nursing staff who speak Russian work in Finnish medical institutions.
If you are interested in treatment or surgery in a Finnish private hospital, first seek a consultation with a specialist.
Pharmacies
Medicines are sold only in pharmacies (there are about eight hundred of them in Finland). Despite the fact that pharmacies are private enterprises, the state controls the sale of medicines and their prices. Some drugs, including antibiotics and strong painkillers, are dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. Drug prices are quite high: for example, a pack of aspirin costs about €4. However, for prescription drugs, you can get a 60% compensation from their cost via the KELA card.
In Finland, many herbal medicines are considered ineffective. Doctors do not prescribe them to patients, and they are not sold in pharmacies.