Access to public health care is organizsed in different ways for exchange students and degree students. Students with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) also have more rights to public health care than other nationals.
Degree Students
The Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) is in charge of health care services for students at universities and universities of applied sciences in all parts of Finland. FSHS offers services regarding general health, oral health, and mental health. The services are either free of charge or at low cost. Students pay a mandatory health care fee for the service. The health care centres run by FSHS are open on weekdays during office hours so if you need health care at other times the information for exchange students apply (see below).
Double Degree students are entitled to use the services of FSHS as soon as they have been admitted as degree students.
Exchange Students
Non-Urgent Health Care
If you have a European Health Insurance Card (for citizens from EU/ETA countries or Switzerland) you are entitled to necessary public health care, that is health care that can’t wait till you are back home. You will get the same health care as Finnish citizens at the same cost.
If you don’t have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you have to visit a private health care centre if you need non-urgent health care.
Urgent Health Care and Emergencies
In case of acute illness or accident, every person residing in Finland has the right to get help from the public health care system. If you need urgent health care in the day time you should first get in touch with the health care centre closest to where you are staying. Please note that you should first call the health care centre and get assessed by a nurse. If you don’t have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you will be fully charged for the health services.
During nights and weekends you should contact the emergency reception.
In emergency cases, such as sudden illness, unconsciousness, or a life-threatening condition, always call 112. (The phone number works even if you don’t have a Finnish phone number). With the 112 app, that you can download free of charge, the emergency operators can see your exact location.
For more information about phone numbers and addresses for both non-urgent and urgent health care please see the Survival Guide.
We recommend that all incoming students take out a private insurance covering costs for health care offered by both public and private health care service providers.
