(Published originally 2.12.2022)
Starting 1.1.2023, students from other EU or EEA countries will have to provide a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when accessing FSHS services. The FSHS will be required by law to ask to see a European Health Insurance Card to identify students who are covered by state-provided health insurance from a country other than Finland. The card must be obtained before coming to Finland. Students from Britain and Northern Ireland may provide a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Students will have to present the card at each visit, whether remote or in person. In the absence of a card, students may provide a provisional replacement certificate.
If a student fails to bring their card or a provisional replacement certificate to an appointment:
- The student will have to submit documentation of the card or the certificate to the FSHS afterwards. They will also have to submit proof that their card was valid at the time of the appointment.
- Students living in one of the Nordic countries may temporarily use their passport or identity card as proof of state-provided health insurance. They will also have to provide their address in their country of residence.
Students do not have to pay the healthcare fee if they have social security coverage from another EU/EEA country, from Switzerland or from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Despite not paying the fee, they may use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). Students who wish to use the services of the FSHS must be prepared to show a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as of 1 January 2023. Students covered by social security in Great Britain and Northern Ireland can show a Global Health Insurance (GHIC) card.
You have the right to use FSHS’s services if you’re studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a higher education institution in Finland and have registered as an attending student. In case you are an incoming international exchange student can not use FSHS services.
Higher education students can pay the healthcare fee for 2023 to Kela now (kela.fi)
European Health Insurance Card (kela.fi)
FAQs – Health cover for temporary stays (ec.europa.eu)
What is the European Health Insurance Card, and how do you apply for one? (ec.europa.eu)
