Finland – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Finland?

The chronic conditions that represent the greatest public health burden in Finland include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma and allergies, chronic respiratory illness, cancer, memory disorders, musculoskeletal problems, and mental health disorders. Together, these conditions are responsible for the overwhelming majority of disease burden and early death across the country.

In 2023, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and dementia collectively accounted for the majority of all deaths. Roughly one in every eight people in Finland was estimated to be living with a cardiovascular condition, making it one of the most widespread chronic health problems in the nation.

Approximately 300,000 people in Finland have a confirmed diabetes diagnosis, and an estimated 200,000 more are believed to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes — with a further substantial group in a prediabetic state. Future projections suggest that both obesity and diabetes rates will worsen in the coming decades without meaningful intervention.

Finland’s most recent annual cancer statistics recorded 36,540 new cases in 2021. Roughly one in twenty Finns was estimated to be living with cancer, and the pattern of disease differs between sexes — prostate and colorectal cancers are the most frequently newly diagnosed among men.

As deaths from infectious diseases have declined sharply, chronic conditions and accidents have emerged as the primary drivers of premature mortality in Finland. Over recent decades, death rates from these causes have fallen, contributing to a substantial rise in life expectancy. As people live to older ages, memory-related conditions have grown increasingly prevalent and now represent a significant public health priority.

Behavioural risk factors are responsible for more than one third of all deaths in Finland. The principal causes of death are cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumours, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, diseases of the respiratory system, and alcohol-related causes including accidental poisoning.

Is Finland considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

By 2024, average life expectancy in Finland had reached approximately 82.4 years — 85 years for women and 79.8 years for men. As is the case elsewhere in Europe, Finnish women outlive men, with the gap in 2024 matching the EU average of 5.2 years.

Finnish life expectancy recovered somewhat in 2024 but continues to trail most of its Nordic neighbours. Sweden and Norway, for instance, consistently achieve some of Europe’s highest life expectancy figures. That said, Finland’s outcomes remain strong by global measures — far exceeding the worldwide average.

As of 2022, life expectancy in Finland was half a year above the EU average. However, in spring 2024, the Finnish government reintroduced a three-month maximum waiting period for non-urgent primary care as part of a broader package of fiscal austerity, a change that could affect how promptly some residents receive care.

Around 45% of Finns aged 65 and above report living with two or more chronic conditions simultaneously — a pattern common across ageing European populations. Finland also registers one of the higher rates of self-reported unmet medical needs among EU member states, reflecting both waiting-time pressures and the financial burden associated with private care. For the most current data, readers should consult the WHO’s Finland country profile and Statistics Finland.

In 2015, Finland recorded the lowest rate of death from communicable diseases in Europe — 9 per 100,000 population — a reflection of the country’s robust public health infrastructure and extensive vaccination programmes. You should verify the latest figures through the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Finland?

HIV/AIDS does not constitute a major public health issue in Finland. Adult population prevalence stood at approximately 0.1% as of 2009, and the condition is considerably more widespread in other European nations. Finland also benefits from very low rates of the tropical and vector-borne illnesses that are prevalent in warmer parts of the world.

One infectious disease that deserves particular attention from expats — especially those unfamiliar with Nordic outdoor environments — is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Finland falls within the group of European countries with documented TBE cases and recognised endemic zones. People who take part in outdoor pursuits in forested areas face a degree of risk. The virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Ixodes tick, with the European subtype being the relevant strain present in Finland.

Ticks favour habitats at or near the fringes of woodland — whether deciduous or coniferous — with dense, low-growing undergrowth. Such environments are widespread throughout Finland, most notably in the archipelago regions and across the south and southwest of the country. Infection can also occur through the consumption of unpasteurised dairy products — including milk, cheese, or other products from infected cattle, goats, or sheep. A TBE vaccine exists and is recommended for anyone who spends time in rural or wooded settings.

Lyme disease, also spread by ticks, is present in Finland. Expats who spend time outdoors should apply insect repellent, wear clothing that covers the skin, and inspect themselves for ticks after returning from outdoor activities — particularly during the months from spring through to autumn.

Finland maintains high standards of water and food safety. Tap water is safe to consume across the entire country. Air quality is generally excellent by both European and global benchmarks, though indoor air quality in older buildings can occasionally present concerns related to moisture and mould arising from the cold, damp climate.

For the most current vaccination guidance before and after your move, consult your home country’s travel health authority as well as the THL’s infectious disease pages and the WHO Finland page. Standard recommended immunisations for Finland include routine vaccines such as MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, along with hepatitis A and B depending on individual circumstances.

Is smoking common in Finland, and what are the laws around it?

Smoking rates in Finland rank among the lowest anywhere in Europe. This decline has been shaped by a combination of legislative measures, health promotion campaigns, national monitoring systems, advertising restrictions, and rising tobacco taxes.

In 2024, 10% of Finns aged 20–64 smoked on a daily basis — 11% of men and 9% of women. This is considerably below the EU average and reflects the cumulative effect of sustained public health policy over many decades. Meaningful disparities persist between population groups: individuals with lower levels of education smoke at substantially higher rates than those who are more highly educated, though smoking has declined across all educational groups in recent years.

The Finnish Tobacco Act is explicitly aimed at eliminating the use of tobacco and nicotine products altogether. The stated goal is for no more than 5% of the population to use such products by 2030 — one of the most ambitious tobacco-free targets anywhere in the world, going further than comparable strategies in most other countries.

Since 2016, e-cigarettes have been regulated in Finland on the same terms as conventional tobacco products. This includes licensing requirements for retail sales, a prohibition on distance selling, point-of-sale display and advertising restrictions, a ban on non-tobacco flavours, and inclusion within existing smoking bans. In practice, vaping is prohibited in all the same locations as smoking — including indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars, public transport, and other enclosed public spaces.

Nicotine pouches have seen growing popularity. In 2024, 8% of men and 2% of women aged 20–64 used them daily; among those using them daily or occasionally, the figures were 16% of men and 5% of women. Initially regulated as medicinal products, nicotine pouches were reclassified as tobacco surrogates in April 2023, which relaxed the rules governing their sale.

Taken as a whole, Finland’s approach to tobacco regulation is among the most rigorous in the world. Expats arriving from countries with more relaxed attitudes to smoking — such as parts of Southern or Eastern Europe — will find that public smoking is tightly restricted in Finland.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Finland?

Overweight and obesity are increasingly pressing public health concerns in Finland. The trend is driven primarily by a polarisation effect — people who are already of normal weight tend to stay that way, while those who are overweight are more likely to gain further weight and progress to obesity. Without significant policy changes, forecasts suggest this pattern will continue through to 2040.

Traditional Finnish food is filling and calorie-dense, historically tailored to a physically active way of life in a cold climate. Core foods include rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, meat, and fish — particularly salmon and herring. While these ingredients can be part of a well-balanced diet, historically high consumption of saturated fat combined with relatively low intakes of fresh fruit and vegetables has contributed to elevated rates of cardiovascular disease and other diet-related health problems.

More than one third of deaths in Finland are linked to behavioural risk factors, including dietary ones — such as insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption and high intake of sugar-sweetened drinks.

A significant proportion of chronic illnesses affecting working-age people in Finland could be prevented through healthier eating, not smoking, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body weight. The THL and other Finnish public health bodies actively promote guidelines on nutrition, exercise, and alcohol reduction as part of a wider strategy to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.

Finland is also noteworthy for its levels of alcohol use. By international standards, Finns are regarded as heavy drinkers. While the global average is 4.9 litres of pure alcohol per person per year, the corresponding figure in Finland is approximately 9.1 litres. Alcohol-related illness features prominently among the leading causes of death, particularly among men of working age.

Future projections indicate that while smoking rates and conditions such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol are expected to continue declining, obesity and diabetes are on course to worsen. Tackling these conditions remains one of the most pressing long-term challenges for Finnish public health policy.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Finland?

Conditions such as burnout, depression, and anxiety are among the most frequently self-reported health concerns in Finland, regularly appearing at the top of surveys tracking the health worries of Finnish adults. Mental health is increasingly discussed openly in Finnish public life, and attitudes towards seeking help have become more positive — though a degree of stigma remains, particularly in older generations and in rural communities.

In 2019, the leading mental health conditions in Finland were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and alcohol-use disorders. Finland’s suicide mortality rate has historically been among the highest in Europe, though it has declined considerably over the years, in part owing to a major national suicide prevention initiative carried out between 1986 and 1996.

Finland has since moved away from standalone suicide prevention policies and now incorporates this work into the broader framework of its National Mental Health Strategy 2020–2030, reflecting a more integrated and holistic approach to population mental wellbeing.

Mental health professionals in Finland are generally highly trained, and a number of evidence-based programmes have been delivered to at-risk groups. Public mental health services are accessed primarily through local health centres and via referrals to outpatient or inpatient specialist services. In contrast to countries where public mental health provision is limited largely to acute crisis intervention, Finland provides structured outpatient psychological care through the public sector — though waits for appointments can be significant.

Private mental health services — including psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists — are more accessible in larger cities such as Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, though they can be expensive without insurance. Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, provides partial reimbursement for psychotherapy under certain conditions. Expats who are registered within the Finnish system may qualify; check Kela’s official website for up-to-date eligibility criteria.

For expats, Finland’s extended, dark winters can heighten the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression. This is a genuine and widely acknowledged challenge, and many residents — Finnish and international alike — use light therapy lamps throughout the winter months. Building a social support network and keeping up with regular physical activity are among the most widely recommended strategies for protecting mental health during the darker seasons.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Finland?

Finland’s climate is one of the most immediate and significant adjustments for anyone relocating from abroad. Winters are lengthy, bitterly cold, and marked by very limited daylight — in the far north, the sun may remain below the horizon entirely for several consecutive weeks during midwinter, a phenomenon known in Finnish as kaamos, or polar night. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread during the winter period, and Finnish health authorities recommend supplementation for most of the population throughout these months.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a well-established health risk in Finland. Its symptoms — which typically include low mood, persistent fatigue, excessive sleep, and a loss of motivation — tend to develop between October and March. Expats arriving from warmer or sunnier parts of the world may find this seasonal shift particularly difficult to cope with and should seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve on their own.

Cold-related injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia are genuine hazards for those unaccustomed to extreme temperatures. Understanding how to dress appropriately for Finnish winters — including layering clothing and protecting the extremities — is a practical and important health consideration for new arrivals, especially those from milder climates.

Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease (addressed in detail above) pose meaningful risks to expats who engage in hiking, camping, or other outdoor recreation — activities that are both popular and culturally significant in Finnish life. Vaccination against TBE is strongly advisable before spending time in rural or forested environments.

Expats should register with a local health centre (terveysasema) as soon as possible after obtaining residency. Public health coverage extends to all registered residents, but employed individuals benefit from additional access to ambulatory care through employer-funded occupational health schemes. Finnish law requires employers to provide occupational health services to their staff. Those who are self-employed or not in employment should ensure they are registered with a local health centre and consider taking out private health insurance to supplement what is available through the public system.

Maintaining continuity of existing treatments or prescriptions is also an important consideration. Medications that can be purchased without a prescription in some countries may require a doctor’s prescription in Finland, and certain brand-name drugs may be known by different names or only be available in generic form. It is advisable to bring an adequate supply of any regular medications when you move, and to arrange an appointment with a Finnish doctor early on to establish locally valid prescriptions.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Finland?

The central public health authority in Finland is the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), which produces comprehensive guidance in both Finnish and English covering diseases, vaccinations, health behaviours, and population health statistics. Their website at thl.fi/en is the natural first port of call for any health-related question about life in Finland.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is the government department with responsibility for health policy and legislation. Its website at stm.fi/en provides information about the structure of the healthcare system, the rights of patients, and the social services available to residents.

Since January 2023, Finland’s healthcare system has been reorganised into 21 Well-being Service Counties (WSC), the city of Helsinki, and the HUS group (the former hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa), each of which bears responsibility for delivering services in its area. Each of these entities maintains its own website with contact details for local health centres and hospitals.

Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland) manages reimbursements for private healthcare costs, prescription medications, and certain therapeutic services. Expats who are registered as residents and taxpayers in Finland are generally entitled to Kela benefits. Visit kela.fi for current details on eligibility and reimbursement rates.

For urgent care in English or other languages, major hospitals in Helsinki — including HUS Helsinki University Hospital — and other large cities typically have staff who can communicate in multiple languages. The private healthcare networks Mehiläinen and Terveystalo operate throughout Finland and provide a wide range of services in English, which can be especially valuable for recently arrived expats.

Finland is rightly regarded for the quality of its healthcare, and public health services are accessible to all who are legally resident in the country. Bear in mind, however, that specific figures, vaccination requirements, waiting times, and eligibility rules are subject to change — always verify current information directly with official Finnish sources before and after your move. The WHO Finland country profile also offers a useful reference point for international health comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Finland

Do I need any special vaccinations before moving to Finland?

No vaccinations are required for entry into Finland, but all standard routine immunisations — including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio — should be current. The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is strongly advised for anyone intending to spend time outdoors in rural or forested areas. Seek personalised advice from your home country’s travel health service and the THL’s vaccination guidance before relocating.

Is tick-borne encephalitis a serious risk throughout Finland?

Finland is among the European countries with documented TBE cases and recognised endemic zones. The greatest risk is concentrated in the southwestern archipelago and coastal regions, particularly around the Åland Islands and the Turku Archipelago. Risk elsewhere in forested areas, while lower, is not absent. Vaccination is the most reliable form of protection; thorough tick checks after any outdoor activity between spring and late autumn are also strongly recommended.

Is Finland’s tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Finnish tap water is among the cleanest in the world. Municipal supplies throughout the country are subject to stringent quality standards and are perfectly safe to drink directly from the tap, without any need for filtration or boiling. There is no health reason to rely on bottled water while living in Finland.

How do I access a doctor as an expat in Finland?

Once you have registered as a resident in Finland, you are entitled to enrol with a local health centre (terveysasema) in your municipality or well-being service county. If you are employed, your employer is legally obliged to give you access to occupational health services. Private clinics such as Mehiläinen and Terveystalo operate across all major cities, frequently offer services in English, and do not generally require a referral for an appointment.

Is mental health support available in English in Finland?

Yes, particularly in larger urban areas. A number of private psychologists and therapists in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and other cities offer consultations in English, and some public health services in these cities employ English-speaking professionals. Expat networks and international communities can also be a useful source of personal recommendations. Because waiting times for public mental health services can be lengthy, private care or employer assistance programmes — where available — are often the most practical route for newly arrived expats.

How serious is the mental health impact of Finland’s long winters?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter-related low mood are genuine, well-recognised concerns in Finland. The absence of significant daylight from November through to February affects a large number of people, including long-established Finnish residents. Commonly recommended coping strategies include light therapy lamps, regular physical exercise, maintaining active social ties, and vitamin D supplementation. Anyone experiencing sustained depressive symptoms during the winter months should consult a doctor.

Is alcohol a significant health issue in Finland?

Yes. Alcohol-related diseases feature among the principal causes of death in Finland. By international standards, Finns are regarded as heavy drinkers, with per-capita consumption of approximately 9.1 litres of pure alcohol per year — nearly double the global average of 4.9 litres. Alcohol misuse is a recognised public health challenge, and support services are available through the public healthcare system and organisations such as the A-Clinic Foundation.

What is the biggest health challenge facing Finland in the coming years?

Projections indicate that obesity and diabetes rates will worsen in Finland, increasing in prevalence over the coming decades. This trend is driven largely by a polarisation effect whereby those who are already overweight tend to gain further weight and develop obesity, while people of normal weight largely remain so. Together with growing mental health pressures and the demands of an ageing population, these are widely considered to be the most significant long-term public health challenges confronting Finland.