Healthcare & Education
On this page, you’ll find key information about the Finnish healthcare and education systems, as well as family life, leisure culture, and everyday activities. Explore how Finland supports the well-being, learning, and quality of life of its people.
Healthcare System
In Finland, the system is mainly organized and regulated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, while services are delivered locally by municipalities and regional authorities.
Multilingual Information on Healthcare
Verified by INFO FINLAND
Health Issues
Emergencies (Numbers, Instructions & Resources)
Health Services in Finland
Children's Health
Dental Care
Mental Care
Sexctual Health & Contraception
Emergencies
🟢 Emergency help: 112
Medical helpline:116 117. Police hotline: 0295419800 Poison Information Center: 09471977 (or 094711) Maritime Search and Rescue: 0294 1000
🟢 Emergency Response Centre: Emergency
🟢 Emergency Response Centre: How to call the emergency number
🟢 Red Cross: First aid instructions for different situations
🟢 Poison Information Centre: First aid instructions for poisoning accidents
🟢 Suomi.fi: Basic instructions on emergency preparedness
🟢 Suomi.fi: How to prepare for crises and disruptions
Health Service
What Service?
🟢 Kela: Right to use public health services
🟢 Kela: How to apply for the right to health care at Kela
🟢 Kela: Medical care in international situations
🟢 Kela: Contact Point for Cross-Border Healthcare
🟢 Kela: Kela’s international situations unit
Public health services
Private health services
Health care for Nordic and EU citizens
🟢 European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
🟢 EU-healthcare: Right of employees and entrepreneurs to public health care
Health care for students
Health care for undocumented migrants
View your health data
Other information
Child Sickness
Essential links regarding children's health:
Young children’s health
Finland's vaccination programme
Dental care
In case of emergency, you can use municipal services even if you do not have a municipality of residence in Finland or a residence permit. The medical costs can be collected from you afterwards.
In different wellbeing services counties, you can find public dental care services under the names suun terveydenhuolto, hammashoito, or suun terveys.
Private oral health care is more expensive than public oral health care. If you are covered by Finnish health insurance, Kela will reimburse a small part of the costs of private medical care.
Kela will not, however, cover dental care that is purely cosmetic. More information is available on the Kela website.
Mental Health
Wellbeing services of counties on the map
Private mental health services
National Crisis Helpline
Kela: Reimbursements of the costs of private medical treatment
MIELI Mental Health Finland: National Crisis Helpline
Children and young people
Support for parents
Helsinki Deaconess Institute: Centre for Psychotraumatology
Rehabilitation psychotherapy
Other Digital Resources
🟢
Disable Persons
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Abortion
Substance Dependence
Medication
Vaccinations
Disable Persons
INFO FINLAND
Pregnancy
INFO FINLAND
- Book an appointment at the maternity clinic
- Pregnancy certificate
- Private maternity clinics
- Eat vitamin D during pregnancy
- Genital mutilation and pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Interpretation during childbirth
- After the child is born
- Help with the baby
Information on maternity and child health clinic services
Information on the mother and child home
Omaperhe.fi
Abortion
INFO FINLAND
Addiction
Medication
INFO FINLAND
- Where do I get medicine from?
- Kela reimbursements for medicine
- Medication from abroa
- Information about pharmaceutical products
Fimea: Finnish Medicines Agency
KELA
Reimbursements for medicine expenses
Right to Kela reimbursements
Medicine from Abroad
Importing medicines to Finland
Personal medication
Internet sales of medicines
Kela reimbursements for medicines bought abroad
Useful Resources
Finnish Healthcare System & prices for Travellers
Healthcare Supported by KELA
The Wellbeing Services: Pirkanmaa
Other Information Resources
Medicine in Finland
Healthcare System and Fees
EU-healthcare.fi is an official website maintained by the authorities on cross-border healthcare.
🟢 Healthcare System in Finland
🟢 Price and Payment in Public Healthcare
🟢 Client fees in public health care (information from the National Legal Service Authority)
Kela Support
🟢Rehabilitation Support
🟢 Sickness
🟢 Disability
Supporting during illness
If you fall ill or have an accident, you have the right to stay home from work.
KELA
Sickness allowance
Applying for sickness allowance
Rehabilitation
Partial sickness allowance
Applying for a partial sickness allowance
Welbeing in Pirkanmaa
The well-being services of Pirkanama include:
🟢 Urgent care and the Emergency Department
🟢Mental health and help with substance abuse problems.
🟢 Services for children, young people and families
🟢 Services for disabled people
Health Service includes:
Other Digital Resources
General Information Useful for Foreigners
including:
Other Digital Resources
Ordering Medicine in Fimea: https://fimea.fi/
Public & Private Cost of Healthcare
Public Healthcare System
Private Healthcare System
Employment & Healthcare Support
Multilingual info
- User fees are fixed, heavily regulated, and very affordable. In 2026, typical costs are capped by law and generally include: [1, 2, 3]
- Doctor's appointment (Health Center): Around \(\$25 - \$30\) per visit.
- Nurse/Public Health Nurse: Usually free of charge.
- Hospital Outpatient Visit: Roughly \(\$75\).
- Hospital Stay/Day Surgery: Usually around \(\$70 - \$230\) per day.
- Uncancelled missed appointment fee: Charged for adults (approx. \(\$75\)). [1, 3]
- Health Centers & Services: Check the Pirha Service Directory to find your local health station in Tampere.
- Urgent Care/Emergency: If you need non-life-threatening urgent care, you must call the Pirkanmaa Medical Helpline at 116 117 before going to the emergency room. In severe emergencies, always call 112.
- Symptom Checkers: You can utilize the Omaolo digital service to assess symptoms and get care recommendations from home. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Private Healthcare System
- Employees with Occupational Health Coverage: Most companies in Tampere contract large private clinics to provide free general healthcare for their staff.
- People with Private Insurance: Many individuals buy private medical insurance policies to ensure fast access to specialists.
- Out-of-Pocket Patients: Anyone willing to pay the market rate to bypass public waiting lists. [1, 2]
Cost:
- General Practitioner (GP) Visit: Roughly ∈80 - ∈120 per appointment.
- Clinic Service/Office Fee: Private clinics add an extra service fee of about ∈20 - ∈30 per invoice.
- MRI / Advanced Imaging: Often between ∈300 - ∈600.
Kela Reimbursements (Subsidies)
- Doctor Visits: Kela covers a flat rate of ∈8 per private appointment (including remote/video calls).
- Specialized Care: Higher Kela reimbursements apply to specialized private services such as gynaecology, psychiatry, fertility treatments, and up to four physiotherapy visits per year.
- Over-65 Exception: People aged 65 and over can access private GPs for the same price as a local public client fee. [1, 2, 3]
Employment Status & Healthcare
Employed Status (Free Work-Related Care)
Unemployed Status (Subsidized Public Fees & Free Checks)
Student Status (Low Fixed-Fee Care)
Medical Expenses Comparison
Target Group Support (Students, Unemployed, etc.)
Comparison
Public Sector (Pirha) | Private Sector (e.g., Terveystalo, Mehiläinen) | |
General Practitioner (GP) Visit | ~€25 – €30 per visit (capped) | €80 – €120 per visit |
Nurse Appointment | Usually €0 (free of charge) | €40 – €60 per visit |
Specialist Doctor | ~€50 – €75 per outpatient visit | €120 – €250+ per visit |
MRI / Advanced Scan | Included in public treatment fees | €300 – €600 per scan |
Clinic / Office Invoicing Fee | €0 (included in the rate) | €20 – €30 added to every bill |
Missed Appointment Fee | ~€75 if not canceled in advance | Full price of the booked visit |
Waiting Times | Days to weeks for non-urgent care | Same day or next day appointments |
Annual Payment Cap | Protected (capped at under €850/year) | No cap (you pay full price every time) |
Kela Subsidies (with Kela card) | Already heavily subsidized by taxes | Flat €8 deduction for doctor appointments |
Key Cost Differences Explained
The Annual Safety Net: In the public system, your total medical fees are capped by law at just under €850 per calendar year. Once you hit this limit, almost all further public treatments are completely free for the rest of that year. The private system has no such limit; if you require expensive treatments or frequent visits, your bills will keep accumulating indefinitely. [1, 2, 3]
Hidden Fees: Private medical clinics always add an out-of-pocket clinic service fee (around €20–€30) on top of the doctor's actual rate. Public health centers charge a flat, transparent fee with no added administrative bills. [1, 2]
The "Time vs. Money" Tradeoff: You pay a premium in the private sector strictly to buy time. Public healthcare provides the exact same medical quality, but you may wait several weeks for non-urgent specialist care, whereas a private clinic will usually see you within 24 to 48 hours. [1, 2, 3]
Target Group Support
Free Health Check-ups for Job Seekers
TYP: Multisectoral Joint Support
Rehabilitative Work Activities (Kuntouttava työtoiminta)
Target Group Supports
For Immigrants & Expats: International House Tampere acts as a single service point. They coordinate initial employment coaching, local networking, language prep, and guide newcomers into the local healthcare landscape. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
For Youth (Under 30): The One-Stop Guidance Center (Ohjaamo) serves young adults. It provides low-threshold, walk-in support combining career advice, educational planning, and mental well-being guidance without needing a rigid formal referral. [1, 3, 4].
Healthcare Cost Reductions & Subsidies
KELA Supports
KELA manages money and disburses financial benefits directly to individuals to ensure they have income and can afford basic living costs, medicine, and care.
Kela’s Role in Healthcare
Kela’s Role in Social Welfare
Other Key Kela Services
Applications for KELA Benefits
Supporting NGOs
Kela/Healthcare
Kela/ Social Support
Kela/ other Benefits
Kela Benefits/ Applications
Primary Application Portals
The Main Digital Portal: Log in using your Finnish banking credentials or mobile ID on the OmaKela e-Service Page. From there, navigate to "Tee hakemus" (File an application) to submit a digital claim. [1, 2, 3]
The Universal English Forms Database: If you prefer completing applications in English, use the official Kela English Forms Search. You can search by the benefit name or the form code, download the PDF, and submit it through OmaKela without a physical signature. [1, 2, 3]
Direct Application Guidelines by Category
Housing & Income Support: Use the resources on the How to Apply for Social Assistance Page. Alternatively, you can download the Basic Social Assistance Form TO1e directly. [1]
Moving to Finland & First-time Kela Coverage: If you are registering with Kela for the very first time to secure a Kela card, review instructions on the Moving to Finland Application Page. [1]
General Benefit Information: To cross-check eligibility criteria before filing a claim, read through the comprehensive How to Apply for Benefits Guide. [1]
NGOs Supports
The City of Tampere
The City of Tampere and Pirha operate as separate public entities; the city focuses on urban planning and education, while Pirha handles all social, health, and rescue services.
Personal Health Digital Data in Tampere
Public & Private Healthcare Mobile Apps
Healthcare Apps
There are 21 wellbeing services counties in Finland, responsible for organizing social and health care services as well as rescue services in their respective areas.
You can find them HERE
Main Healthcare Portals
Healthcare Apps
Public Healthcare Mobile App
Download the Finland 112 mobile app for yourself, your children, and the elderly, which automatically sends your exact GPS coordinates to the emergency operator when you make an emergency call.
🟢 112 Suomi App Download for Android
🟢 112 Suomi App downloads for Apple systems
The OmaPirha Digiklinikka (Digital Clinic) is the official mobile and web app for the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County (Pirha). It allows residents to easily manage their health, get care assessments, and consult nurses or doctors remotely from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
🟢 Download Digital Clinic in Tampere for Android
🟢 Download Digital Clinic in Tampere for Apple
The OmaKanta application allows you to see your prescription information regardless of time and place
🟢 Download Digital Clinic in Tampere for Android
🟢 Download Digital Clinic in Tampere for Apple
Private Healthcare Service App
🟢Download the Terveystalo App for Android and IOS
🟢 Download OmaMehiläinen App for Android and iOS.
Healthcare Access
Pirha, as the public sector, runs local health and social stations, dental clinics, maternity/child health clinics (neuvolat), and hospitals, including the major Tampere University Hospital (Tays). [1, 2].
🟢 Oral health care
🟢 Vaccinations
Source: https://www.pirha.fi/
Price Information for Private Healthcare Services
List of Healthcare Centers and Services in Tampere
List of Private Health Insurance Sectors
Education System
In Finland, the system is mainly organized and regulated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, while services are delivered locally by municipalities and regional authorities.
General Information
Levels of Education in Finland
Ap
B
Digital Tools and Apps
Levels
- General Upper Secondary School (Lukio): Academic studies focused on general knowledge, ending with a Matriculation Examination. This is the traditional path to university. [1, 2]
- Vocational Education and Training (Ammatillinen koulutus): Hands-on, practical training that leads to a specific vocational qualification. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Apply for an Identity Card
An identity card is a document that certifies your identity when you use different services. You can find the requirements in the Police Portal.
🟢 Apply for an ID card
The first ID card is issued in person at the police centre in the city. (e.g., the Police Department in Tampere)
Opening Bank Account
However, navigating the system, especially for expats or non-residents- requires understanding the crucial link between banking and digital identity.
1. Valid Passport or official EU/EEA identity card.
2. Finnish Personal Identity Code (henkilötunnus).
3. Residence Permit or EU registration certificate.
4. Proof of Address (e.g., a rental contract or official mail).
4. Proof of Income/Ties
Digital Portals and Mobile Apps for Identification & Registration
🟢 Visma, Educational Mobile App: Download for Android and IOS.
Finnish International School of Tampere
Government Private Schools
English-Language Track (Grades 1–9)
English High Schools & Upper Secondary (Grades 10–12)
Alternative & Language Schools (Government-Funded
Study in English
Study in English
Contact Details of Finland‘s Embassies
The Finnish Curriculum in English: A newer English Study Programme operates at Pyynikin lukio upper secondary school, allowing students whose Finnish skills are not yet strong enough to finish their high school diplomas entirely in English. [1, 2, 3]
Alternative Language
Steiner Education: Tampere has a dedicated Steiner School (Tampereen Rudolf Steiner -koulu) funded by the state following alternative learning pathways.
Swedish and French Options: Local schools like Svenska samskolan i Tammerfors handle Swedish-language education, while Wivi Lönnin koulu offers bilingual Finnish-French tracks. [1, 2]
Early Childhood Support: For younger kids, non-profit language groups like Enkku (The English School of Tampere) offer daycare and after-school clubs to prep toddlers for entering FISTA later on. [1]
Higher Education Portals
Ap
B
DAA
Higher Education
Studyinfo is an official website maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The education providers and higher education institutions maintain their study programme information on Studyinfo. You can verify the validity of the information directly with the educational or higher education institution.
https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/sivu/my-studyinfo : At Studyinfo.fi you can find information on different degrees and qualifications and learn about studies in educational institutions in Finland. The service can be used to find study options and apply for them online.
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/
National Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI): you can find information about the National core curricula and qualification requirements as well as the services we provide in our role as a government authority.
Apply for an Identity Card
An identity card is a document that certifies your identity when you use different services. You can find the requirements in the Police Portal.
🟢 Apply for an ID card
The first ID card is issued in person at the police centre in the city. (e.g., the Police Department in Tampere)
O
Digital Portals and Mobile Apps for Identification & Registration
Higher Education Portals
Ap
B
DAA
Higher Education
Studyinfo is an official website maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The education providers and higher education institutions maintain their study programme information on Studyinfo. You can verify the validity of the information directly with the educational or higher education institution.
https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/sivu/my-studyinfo : At Studyinfo.fi you can find information on different degrees and qualifications and learn about studies in educational institutions in Finland. The service can be used to find study options and apply for them online.
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/
National Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI): you can find information about the National core curricula and qualification requirements as well as the services we provide in our role as a government authority.
Apply for an Identity Card
An identity card is a document that certifies your identity when you use different services. You can find the requirements in the Police Portal.
🟢 Apply for an ID card
The first ID card is issued in person at the police centre in the city. (e.g., the Police Department in Tampere)
O
Digital Portals and Mobile Apps for Identification & Registration
Family Life
A family in Finland is formed by spouses or common-law husband and wife and under 18-year-old unmarried child or children and their guardian or guardians living in Finland
Marriage & Divorce
Marriage in Finland
Rights and obligations of spouses
Divorce/Terminating Relationship
Children & Single Family
Property in a divorce
Levels
In Finland, women and men decide for themselves whom they marry. They are not required to ask for permission
INFO FINLAND
- Examination of impediments to marriage
- Deciding on the family name
- Marital contract
- Choosing a manner of marriage ceremony
Oikeus.fi: Information on marriage in Finland
Divorce
Terminating a common-law relationship
Single Parent
INFO FINLAND
Property in Divorce
INFO FINLAND
Judiciary: Dividing property
Children & Elderly
Child Born in Finland
Bringing up children in Finland
Child welfare
Elderly Services
Family Problem & Sexual Abuse
Child Born
INFO FINLAND
- A child’s birth is registered at the hospital
- Notification of a child's information
- What citizenship does the child gain?
- If the child is not granted Finnish citizenship
- Child’s social security
- Acknowledgement of paternity
- Acknowledgement of maternity
- A child must have a guardian
Digital and Population Data Services Agency contact information
Notification of a child’s information
Own Language - Own Mind
Elderly
If you have a municipality of residence in Finland, you are entitled to receive the services for the elderly offered by your wellbeing services county (hyvinvointialue).
INFO FINLAND
Family Problem
INFO FINLAND
- If you have financial problems
- Children’s and young people’s problems
- Help in bringing up children
- Violence in the family
- Divorce and custody of children
- Honour-related violence
- Forced marriage
- Help with violence
- Restraining order
- Help in stopping violent behaviour
Guide for parents about bullying at school
Information on child welfare
Police: Advice about bullying at school
SOPU work: Honour-related conflicts
Didar: Honour related conflicts
Support for multicultural families
Support for families with children
The brochure "Children's Rights"
Help for victims of human trafficking
Residence permit for victims of human trafficking
Seri Support Center
KELA‘s Support for a Family
Family Benefits
Support during pregnancy
New Child Born Supports
Looking After a Child
Children Benefits
Family Support
In Finland, families with children can receive financial support in many different situations.
INFO FINLAND
After a child is born
Looking After a Child
Parental leave lasts for 320 working days, i.e., approximately 13 months. For that period, Kela pays a parental allowance.
INFO FINLAND
KELA
Information about child home care support
Flexible care allowance
Partial care allowance
Information on benefits for families with children
Children Benefits
Child benefit is money that the Finnish state pays to families for children under 17 years of age.
INFO FINLAND
Multi Language References
Omaisneuvo:
information about family care and support for carers
Lastensuojelujelu.info
It provides basic information on services for families with children in Finland
Find a Private Lawyer
Find a Private Babysitter
Find a Private Carer or Nurse
Leisure in Finland
Municipalities, associations, adult education centres and private organisations organise guided activities for children and young people.
Finds Hobby & Activity
Events & Ticket in Finland
Outdoor Activities
Hobbies for Children
Libraries
Associations & Voluntary Work
Events in Finland
Welcome to the swimming hall!
Everyone should know how to swim
Outdoor Activities
INFO FINLAND
- Hiking and trekking
- Skiing
- Recreation and Travel on Water
- Recreation and Travel on Ice
- Fishing
- Everyman’s rights
- National Parks and Conservation Areas
Rules for hiking
Finnish national parks
Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation:
Safe at the beach
Safe on ice
Metsähallitus: Information on fishing permits
Hobbies for Children & Young People
Libraries
The libraries are open to all and free of charge.
Association
According to the law, everyone has the right to participate in association activities.
- National associations for immigrants
- Founding an Association
- Activities of an Association
- Board of Directors of an Association
- Dissolution of an Association
Voluntary Work
Volunteer work is not the same as work or practical training.
In Tampere
Community Well-being & Preventive Care
Welfare Centres in Tampere
Leisure Activities, Hobbies & Sports
Employee Wellness & Benefit Comparison
Digital Portals and Mobile Apps
Community Well-being
Community Well-being & Preventive Care (Organized by the City)
Palveluneuvonta Information Point: A city-center guidance hub assisting residents in navigating local civic services and locating the proper assistance channels. [1]
Integration & Youth Support: Peer encounter groups, hobby clubs, and open-door youth activities hosted inside the City of Tampere Welfare Centres. [1]
in Tampere
Employees App
Employee Wellness & Benefit Comparison Apps
If you receive employee benefits in Finland, these apps function as massive, map-based comparison directories for all commercial sports centers, swimming halls, and dance spaces:
- SmartumPay App: Open their built-in vendor map to instantly look up every independent fitness venue, padel court, and pool area nearby.
- Edenred Finland App: Use the Edenred Virike Search Engine or their app map to compare and discover recreational providers in the Pirkanmaa region. [1, 2]
- ePassi App: Search their comprehensive mobile list of gyms, yoga studios, massage therapists, and sports centers accepting mobile voucher payments.
Digital Portals
Tampere Sports Online E-Service to buy admission passes directly for municipal swimming pools and city gyms.
For specific local chains in Tampere, you can download their dedicated mobile apps to manage memberships, check group exercise schedules, and unlock doors for 24/7 access
Fit+ app provides access to a network of venues without being tied to a single location.
Download the Fit+ app for Android
Download the Fit+ app for IOS
GOGO Liikuntakeskus:
Download the GOGO app for Android,
Download the GOGO app for IOS.
Liikuntakeskus FUN: Sports center FUN, WiseGym Oy
Download the FUN app for Android
Download the FUN app for IOS
Kuntokeskus Sisu:
Download the Fitness Center Sisu app for Android
Download the Fitness Center Sisu app for IOS
PTVGYM: for 24/7 daily access
Download PTVGYM Mobile App for Android
Download PTVGYM Mobile App for IOS.
Tampereen kiipeilykeskus: Tampere Climibig Center
Download Tampereen kiipeilykeskus Mobile App for Android
Download Tampereen kiipeilykeskus Mobile App for IOS
WiseGym:
Access Gym in Tampere. Digital portal TrainAway
Employee Wellness & Benefit Comparison Apps
SmartumPay App: Open their built-in vendor map to instantly look up every independent fitness venue, padel court, and pool area nearby.
Edenred Finland App: Use the Edenred Virike Search Engine or their app map to compare and discover recreational providers in the Pirkanmaa region.
ePassi App: Search their comprehensive mobile list of gyms, yoga studios, massage therapists, and sports centers accepting mobile voucher payments.
All-in-One City & Megacenters
The Tampere App:
Download the official Tampere App via Visit Tampere; it bundles general city info, maps, and active discounts for lifestyle facilities.
Kauppi Sports Center Web Hub: For an exhaustive private mega-venue, check out the Kauppi Sports Center Platform. It is one of Tampere's most versatile hubs, letting you book indoor ball fields, trampolines, climbing walls, a bowling center, and cross-country ski rentals all in one location.
Libraries:
Tampere City Library offers spaces and collections for information, education and refreshment. Everyone can visit the library and, for instance, use computers and the free internet, read books, papers, and journals, listen to the music, play board games and study or work in peace. The library provides varied events for adults and children with their families. The library enhances the sense of community and general well-being. More information