United States of America

In emergencies call 911 to obtain help.


Social security agreement

The social security agreement between Finland and the United States of America covers national pensions and survivors´ pensions. With respect to employees and other persons on a temporary assignment in country, the agreement also covers health insurance, parental insurance and child benefit. The agreement does not include medical care when a Finnish citizen is staying in the United States on a temporary basis.

Healthcare and medical care

Health services provided by the states and cities vary, and there can be differences between services offered. The majority of the population is covered by some form of health insurance, but some people are entirely without coverage. By law, hospitals are obliged to treat all patients in emergencies, but once the patient’s condition is no longer life threatening, the obligation to treat ceases.

When you travel to the United States, it is recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover illness or accidents. Healthcare charges are high in the United States. A doctor´s appointment or patient transport alone in an emergency can cost thousands of dollars. Despite having taken out travel insurance, you must often be prepared to pay for an appointment with a doctor yourself first, as payment commitments by foreign insurance companies have differences. In some cases, it is possible to arrange with the hospital and insurance company for the invoice to be paid directly through the insurance company.