Health services abroad

Do you want to travel abroad for treatment?

Abroad for treatment

If you live in an EU country, you can travel to another EU or EEA country to use public and private healthcare services. You can access treatment on the same terms as residents of that country. You can claim reimbursement from Kela for treatment you have received in another country. Read more about travelling abroad for treatment!

Follow these steps when travelling abroad for treatment:

1. Choose the destination country and healthcare provider.
2. Agree on practical arrangements and travel for treatment.
3. Pay the costs related to the treatment and claim reimbursement.

How should I prepare for travelling for treatment?

1. Check whether you need a referral.
2. Make sure you have your patient records.
3. Find out about the quality of treatment and patient safety in advance.

Leena’s care during a twin pregnancy in Germany

Read the story about planned treatment abroad!

Are you going on holiday to Europe?

Going on holiday in Europe

Are you worried about falling ill while on holiday? With the European Health Insurance Card, you can receive treatment if you suddenly fall ill while travelling abroad. You only pay the local client fee for your treatment when you show the card to the healthcare provider. Read more about falling ill abroad.

Be prepared in case you fall ill while abroad:

1. Order a free European Health Insurance Card from Kela well in advance of your holiday.
2. Print the prescriptions for the medicines you need from MyKanta.
3. Check what your travel insurance covers.

Eveliina’s stomach flu on holiday in the Canaries

Falling ill on holiday in Europe – Read the story!

Are you going abroad for a longer period?

Abroad for a longer period

Are you wondering what healthcare you are entitled to when you go abroad for an extended period? Your entitlement to healthcare depends on how long you are staying abroad, which country you are travelling to and the reason for your trip. Find out more about living abroad.

Follow these steps when you are going abroad for an extended period:

1. Notify Kela of your departure if you receive any benefits from Kela or hold a European Health Insurance Card.
2. Submit a change of address notification to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Milla’s bicycle accident in Germany

How can an exchange student access healthcare abroad? Read the story!