Finland has excellent public healthcare, which is financed mainly from taxes, supplemented by a health insurance system.

Everyone living in Finland for at least four months is required to contribute to the national insurance system and is entitled to free medical care in health care centres and hospitals. The health insurance also covers part of the cost of medicines, travel expenses relating to medical treatment, dental care and a proportion of the cost of private health care.

EU/EEA nationals who are visiting Finland for a shorter period of time are entitled to free emergency medical treatment on provision of a European medical care card.

Primary health care is delivered via municipal health centres, which are staffed by a range of medical specialists including physicians, nurses and dentists. It is usually necessary to make an appointment in advance. There are separate maternity care centres. Physician referrals are generally required for hospital treatment.

Patients are usually required to pay for medical care initially, and are reimbursed by the government Social Insurance Institution Kansaneläkelaitos (KELA), on a schedule of fixed charges up to a maximum cost covered. All residents need to obtain a KELA card confirming their eligibility for health benefits. A copy of the application form is available on the KELA website, along with claim forms for reimbursement of medical expenses. These should be submitted to the local KELA office.

There are a small number of private hospitals in Finland, and treatment in these is usually very expensive. Many people in Finland pay for private dental care.