Hospitals in Finland – Comprehensive Expat Guide

Hospitals like the Tampere University Hospital and others offer a wide variety of quality medical services to expats in Finland. Expats and visitors can find more quality hospitals in Finland in both the public and private sectors of the healthcare system. 

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Are you visiting or moving to Finland? Would you like to know more about the best hospitals in Finland for foreigners? Pacific Prime will answer all your questions in this comprehensive expat guide. 

We will discuss the top hospitals in Finland and share lists of hospitals in Helsinki and other areas. We will also discuss the cost of healthcare in Finland for expats, and share the top health insurance plans for expats. Keep reading this article to learn how you can find excellent hospital care in Finland! 

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Top Finnish Hospitals for Expats and Visitors

Image of Boats On A Body Of Water In Jyväskylä, Finland During Daytime with text overlay of "Top Finland Hospitals for Expats"

Finland offers expats and visitors top-quality hospitals like Forum Medical Center Mannerheimintie and the Tampere University Hospital. Hospitals are available in both the public and private healthcare sectors, with most of the hospitals being public. 

The healthcare system in Finland is decentralized with hospitals being overseen regionally by the different hospital districts. The federal government manages policies and guidelines, while municipalities are responsible for supplying healthcare to citizens and foreigners. 

Finland, like many Nordic countries, provides high-quality medical care through their hospitals and clinics. Expats can expect reliable and comprehensive care from Finnish healthcare providers. 

A List of University Hospitals in Finland 

Tampere University Hospital (TAYS)

Kuopio University Hospital

Turku University Hospital

Oulu University Hospital

  • Website: https://oys.fi/
  • Phone:  +358 8 3152011
  • Address: Kajaanintie 50, 90220 Oulu, Finland

Helsinki University Hospital (HUS)

  • Website: https://www.hus.fi/
  • Phone: +358 9 4711
  • Address: Topeliuksenkatu 5, 00260 Helsinki, Finland

A List of Hospitals in Helsinki

Forum Medical Center Mannerheimintie

Hakaniemen Medical Center

Mehilainen Hospital

A List of Other Finnish Hospitals

Etela-Karjala Central Hospital

  • Website: https://www.ekhva.fi/
  • Phone: +358 5 352000
  • Address: Valto Käkelän katu 1, 53130 Lappeenranta, Finland

Turku City Hospital

  • Website: https://www.tyks.fi/
  • Phone: +358 2 2662421
  • Address: Kunnallissairaalantie 20, 20700 Turku, Finland

Is Healthcare Expensive for Expats in Finland?

Healthcare for expats in Finland can be generally affordable, but it will depend on what services you are receiving and which hospital you visit. General care in a public hospital will be more affordable than specialized care you receive in a private practice. 

Finland offers universal care to their citizens and expats as well if they are registered residents of Finland. Once expats have registered, they will be sent a Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland) card. This card will grant them access to state healthcare. 

Even though Finland offers universal healthcare to their residents, it is not free. Residents will still be expected to contribute to the fund through their taxes and through small fees given to healthcare providers. 

Does Finland Offer High-Quality Healthcare? 

Finland offers high-quality healthcare through their hospitals in both the public and private sectors and ranked #16 in the 2022 World Index of Healthcare Innovation. It ranked above countries like New Zealand, South Korea, and the UAE. 

Finland offers patient-centered care and focuses on preventative care as well as treatments. Most of the hospitals in Finland are public, while dental offices and specialized care are usually found in the private sector. Both sectors offer excellent care to expats and locals alike. 

How to Choose the Right Hospital in Finland as an Expat

Finding the right hospital in Finland as an expat depends on several factors, including location, specialty services, and language support. While Finland’s healthcare system offers high-quality care, it’s important to choose a facility that meets your specific needs for treatment and accessibility.

Public vs. Private Hospitals

Public hospitals provide comprehensive care but may have longer wait times. Private hospitals offer faster access to specialists but at a higher cost. Expats should assess their budget and insurance to choose the best option. If timely treatment is essential, private hospitals might be a better choice.

Availability of English-Speaking Staff

Many Finnish doctors and nurses speak English, but not all hospital staff do. Expats should confirm whether a hospital has English-speaking personnel for clear communication. Private and university hospitals in major cities are more likely to have multilingual staff, ensuring better patient experiences.

Specialization and Services

If you need specialized care, check if a hospital offers the required services. Helsinki and Tampere University Hospitals provide advanced treatments in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Private hospitals may offer niche services with shorter wait times, making them ideal for specific medical needs.

Location and Accessibility

Choosing a hospital close to home or work makes emergency visits and follow-ups easier. In Helsinki and other cities, hospitals are accessible via public transport. Expats in rural areas may need to travel further for specialized care. Planning ahead ensures you can reach a hospital quickly when needed.

Emergency and 24/7 Care Availability

Not all hospitals in Finland offer 24/7 emergency care. Public university hospitals have emergency departments, while some private hospitals have limited after-hours services. Expats should find their nearest emergency facility and check availability to ensure they can access urgent care when needed.

Health Insurance Coverage

Expats should confirm if their insurance is accepted at their chosen hospital. Some plans cover private hospitals, while others focus on public care. Contacting the hospital and insurer in advance helps avoid unexpected costs. Knowing coverage options ensures access to necessary treatments.

Booking Appointments and Wait Times

Public hospitals require referrals for specialists, which can lead to long wait times. Private hospitals provide faster access but charge higher fees. Expats should plan ahead and consider insurance coverage for quicker specialist consultations. Scheduling early ensures timely treatment and minimizes delays.

Cultural Considerations in Healthcare

Finnish healthcare values evidence-based practices and patient autonomy. Doctors expect patients to ask questions and engage in decisions. Expats should discuss options rather than expect direct instructions. Understanding this approach helps improve communication with healthcare providers.

Top Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Finland 

The top health insurance plans for expats in Finland are provided by leading international health insurance providers Cigna, AXA, and Allianz Care. Each of these providers offers comprehensive and unique health insurance policies to fit every budget and lifestyle. 

We will share brief overviews of these insurers and their plans below. 

1. Cigna Global 

Cigna offers expats in Finland their Close Care, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. Cigna is one of the largest international health insurance providers, with a broad global network of 1.65 million hospitals, doctors, and clinics.

Cigna’s health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage for inpatient and outpatient services and more. The core benefits shared by these plans are: 

  • Inpatient and day patient coverage
  • Full cancer care 
  • Newborn care coverage
  • Private hospital rooms
  • Hospital stays and treatments 

2. AXA 

AXA provides expats in Finland its health insurance plans in five coverage tiers: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. Each of these plans includes comprehensive inpatient coverage. 

Annual limits range across the five plans from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000. Exact coverage benefits will vary from plan to plan.  The core benefits included in all five plans are: 

  • Inpatient Hospital Charges and Surgeries
  • Emergency Care
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Wide Range of Cancer Treatments
  • Ambulance Transport
  • CT, PET, and MRI Scans

3. Allianz Care

Allianz Care provides international health insurance for expats in Finland with flexible plans tailored to different healthcare needs. Their most affordable plan offers an annual benefit limit of $2,000,000 USD.

Their plans and coverage details may vary by region, so ask your insurance broker for more information. Below, we have compiled a short list of the coverage benefits offered by Allianz Care:

  • Inpatient & Outpatient Coverage
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Rehabilitation Treatment
  • Maternity Coverage (optional)
  • Preventive Surgery Coverage

Top Health Insurance Plans for US Citizens Living in Finland

The top health insurance plans for US Citizens living in Finland are offered by GeoBlue, VUMI, and IMG. These providers offer a range of health insurance options designed to meet the unique needs of US expats, catering to various budgets and lifestyles.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue offers US expats health insurance coverage through their plans Xplorer Premier and Xplorer Essential. GeoBlue plans are especially popular with US citizens due to the Xplorer Premier’s built-in US coverage, which can protect them when they visit back home. 

These plans come with benefits like: 

  • Inpatient and Outpatient Coverage
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Dental Coverage (With a 3-month Waiting Period)
  • Maternity Coverage (With a 12-month Waiting Period)
  • Coverage for Annual Health Checks
  • Vaccination Coverage

 

VUMI

VUMI offers health insurance for US expats in Finland. Absolute VIP provides extensive benefits, including unlimited medical coverage. Universal VIP offers a well-rounded plan with broad services. Special VIP is ideal for those needing essential yet reliable coverage.

These plans include benefits such as:

  • Inpatient and Outpatient Coverage
  • Maternity Coverage
  • Preventive Check-Ups
  • Organ and Tissue Transplants
  • HIV/AIDS Treatment


IMG

IMG provides health insurance for US expats in Finland. Global Medical Insurance allows flexible benefits based on budget and needs. Global Medical Bronze is a cost-effective plan with essential coverage. MP+ International offers extensive protection for those traveling between Finland and the US.

These plans offer benefits such as:

  • Inpatient and Outpatient Coverage
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Prescription Medication 
  • Preventive Care
  • Maternity Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Which hospital in Finland is the largest? 

The largest hospital in Finland is the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS). The HUS offers a wide variety of specialties for their patients, and they service the most number of residents out of all the hospitals in Finland. 

How many hospitals are in Finland? 

As of 2021, there were 217 hospitals in Finland. This was a decrease of 14 hospitals from 2020. Hospitals included under this count were general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and mental health hospitals. 

Can expats access public healthcare in Finland?

Yes, expats who are registered residents in Finland and have received their Kela card can access public healthcare services at subsidized rates. Non-residents may need to pay full costs or rely on private healthcare.

Are medications expensive in Finland?

Prescription medication costs in Finland are subsidized through the Kela system for residents. However, non-residents may pay full price. The cost varies based on the type of medication and whether it is covered by state subsidies.

What are the emergency numbers for medical assistance in Finland?

For medical emergencies, dial 112, the universal emergency number in Finland. It connects you to ambulance services, police, and fire departments.

Conclusion 

Expats can find excellent care in hospitals in Finland, with both public and private healthcare facilities offering reliable patient-centered care. To help offset costs from private hospitals, expats should purchase an international health insurance policy for their time in Finland. 

If you’re interested in beginning your search for an international health insurance policy today, contact the experts at Pacific Prime. As an insurance broker, we are not tied to one specific insurer like an agent. This means we can offer you free and unbiased advice as we help you compare plans. 

You can contact us online, or call us toll-free at 1-800-868-1451. If you’d like to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers, use our free quote tool

Be sure to read our other blog posts Safety Advice and Travel Insurance for Israel – Essential Tips and Hospitals in the Philippines for Expatriates – Top Healthcare.

Content Writer at Pacific Prime
Veerabhatr is a content writer with over 6 years of experience with a particular penchant for storytelling and marketing, both in print and online. He now works with an experienced team of writers at Pacific Prime, aiming to shed light on the essence and benefits of insurance for companies and individuals by creating engaging, informative content across multiple platforms.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.

Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
Veerabhatr Sriyananda
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