Travel and hospital transports

Will I be reimbursed for travel costs if I leave Finland to seek treatment abroad?

Yes, if the travel costs exceed the copayment.  If you travel to another EU or EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland for treatment without a prior authorisation, Kela will reimburse you for the travel costs corresponding to the costs for travelling to the nearest place of treatment in Finland, where you would have received the necessary treatment. Thus, you cannot receive reimbursement for travel costs up to the destination country but only to the nearest place of treatment in Finland.

If you travel to another EU or EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland for treatment with prior authorisation, Kela will reimburse you for the travel costs above the copayment up to the place of treatment in the destination country.

Apply for travel reimbursement within six months of paying for the treatment. If you seek treatment in other countries, you will not be reimbursed for travel costs.

Can I get reimbursement for travel costs if I am hospitalised abroad?

Yes, if it takes place in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland. Kela will reimburse travel costs up to the nearest local place of treatment if the travel costs exceed the copayment.

If you have to return to Finland due to falling ill, Kela will reimburse you for the return trip from the place of treatment to, for example, the airport and, in Finland, from the airport to the nearest hospital. If you travel directly home, the trip made in Finland will not be reimbursed. Please note that Kela will not reimburse the flight from abroad to Finland.

What if I need a hospital transfer to Finland from another EU country? Does the European Health Insurance Card cover it?

The European Health Insurance Card does not cover your hospital transfer. If you need a hospital transfer to Finland, you will usually be responsible for the transfer costs yourself. If the transfer is carried out by ambulance, you can receive reimbursement from Kela for part of the trip afterwards. Travel insurance may cover the transfer, so please review the policy and take out travel insurance.

If you need a hospital transfer between Nordic countries, your treatment provider can arrange the transport from one hospital to another on your behalf. In this case, you do not need to pay the transport costs yourself. The transfer is the responsibility of the treatment provider.