Besides healthcare services from FSHS, you are entitled to use public health services in Finland if you have a municipality of residence (infofinland.fi) in Finland.
Please keep in mind that using the Public Health Services are not free, however the costs are usually reasonable and will be less expensive than visiting a private clinic.
General Public Health Services
If you want to utilise the public health services in the event of ill health, you will need to contact your own health and social services center (sosiaali- ja terveyskeskus) first. Please note that these centers are open only during working hours on weekdays. After contacting your health center, you will be able to make an appointment with a doctor or a nurse. On the City of Helsinki website, you can get to know the step-by-step procedure for accessing public healthcare services and also find your local health station here (see here for Espoo and Vantaa).
You can also read more about the public healthcare system on the InfoFinland website.
Kela Card
Anyone who is covered under the Finnish national health insurance system is entitled to a Kela Card. This entitlement is dependent on your status in Finland and you can call Kela’s ‘International Situations’ service line to check your eligibility.
Read more about the benefits of a Kela card and the application process on Kela’s website. Some frequently asked questions about the Kela card and access to public healthcare services are answered on the International House Helsinki website.
NB! The Kela card is distinct from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which might have been issued to you from your country of origin. In case you need any clarifications on your status and/or the card you should use, calling Kela is the best solution.
Emergency Public Health Services
NB! In an emergency, you will be treated even if you do not have a municipality of residence in Finland. However, the medical costs will be collected from you afterwards.
When your local health center is closed and you need emergency care, you can also call the Medical Helpline and they will be able to guide you to the appropriate location for treatment and advise how urgently you need to seek treatment
In a case where life, health, property or the environment is in danger, call the emergency number (hätänumero)- 112. You might also want to download the ‘112 Suomi App’ for any unforeseen situations.