🤒 Falling ill in Finland: where to go, who to call and how much it costs (guide for 2025–2026)

If you fall ill in Finland, the main rule is: don't try to be a hero and don't panic. The Finnish healthcare system has a clear logic: a separate level for emergencies, its own order for "normal" illnesses, very strong pharmacies and the important role of insurance.

Below is a structural guide to "getting sick in Finland": how emergency care works, where to go if you have a fever, how pharmacies are organised, and what to do with tourist or local insurance.

😷 What is considered an emergency and what is not

In Finland, there is a very clear distinction between:

An emergency (hätätilanne) is a life-threatening or serious health risk:
chest pain, severe shortness of breath, signs of a stroke, serious injury, bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe burns, etc. In such a scenario, there is one rule: call 112 and/or go straight to päivystys — the emergency department.

Urgent but not life-threatening problems — high temperature without signs of a threat to life, earache, bronchitis, worsening of a chronic illness, injury without obvious deformation, etc. In these cases, first call the medical assistance number 116 117 (where a nurse will assess the situation and refer you further) and use the Omaolo service.

Minor issues — a runny nose, slight discomfort, familiar allergies — are often resolved through a pharmacy and self-care with the help of a pharmacist.

🚑 Emergency services in Finland: 112 and päivystys

112 is the single emergency number for all of Finland and the EU.
It is used to call:

• ambulance;
• the police;
• fire brigade;
• water and forest rescue services.

Operators respond in Finnish, Swedish and English; in large regions, they try to help in other languages as well, if possible.

Important to know:

• the call is free, even without a Finnish SIM card;
• first briefly explain what has happened and where you are;
• then answer the operator's questions and follow their instructions;
• never go to the emergency room unless necessary — they have their own triage system, and with a mild cold, you will be waiting for hours.
  

Call 112 only in cases where you think, even for a second, "What if it's serious?"

🩺 Number 116 117 and Omaolo: the first filter for "common" illnesses

In most regions, there is a single free medical consultation number: 116 117.

• The call goes to a nurse/doctor who:
  • asks clarifying questions about the symptoms;
  • tell you whether you need to go to päivystys, a regular terveyskeskus (medical centre) or whether you can be treated at home;
  • sometimes make an appointment for you right away.
    

The Omaolo online service operates in parallel:

• you describe your symptoms;
• the system gives you a recommended course of action — from "self-medication and observation" to "go to the emergency room".
  

This is a convenient point of entry if you live in Finland (you have a personal number and a municipal health centre). It is also useful for tourists as a guide, but most often the route will be through an insurance and private clinic.

🏥 Regular doctors: municipal, private, student, and occupational

The structure of medicine in Finland is built around several levels.

Municipal health centres (terveyskeskus)

For people living in the relevant municipality (munisipalitet):

• Appointments can be made by telephone, online, or after calling 116 117.
• consultations are inexpensive or free (depending on the city; in Helsinki, initial consultations are currently free, while in Vantaa there is a small fixed fee for the first few visits);
• the queue may be longer than at a private clinic.
  
  

Private clinics

This is the main option for:

• tourists who fall ill in Finland;
• people who are not entitled to municipal services;
• those who need a quick appointment with a specialist.
  

A doctor's appointment at a private clinic usually costs around €80–100 or more, not including tests and examinations.
Therefore, insurance for a trip to Finland is not a formality, but protection against a bill that can easily exceed €300–500, even for a case of average complexity.

Occupational/student medicine

• Employers in Finland provide occupational health care — either their own clinic or a contract with a private network (for employees).
• University students are often served through YTHS/student clinics (for holders of a Finnish student residence permit).
  

If you fall into one of these categories, first check the instructions from your employer or university.

💊 Pharmacies in Finland: when "apteekki" is your best friend

Pharmacies (apteekki) in Finland are not just about pills, but also mini-consultations.

How it works:

• Almost all strong medicines are only available on prescription (antibiotics, most heart medicines, strong painkillers).
  
• You can buy the following without a prescription:
  • ibuprofen, paracetamol, combined cold remedies;
  • basic antiallergic drugs;
  • nose sprays, throat lozenges;
  • heartburn remedies, mild dermatological medications.
    
• Supermarkets often have a mini "apteekki" section with a basic selection, but a full range of products is available at a separate pharmacy.
  

Pharmacists usually speak English well; many understand Swedish and other European languages.

Important:
if you feel worse, experience severe pain, shortness of breath, a rash all over your body, or confusion, going to the pharmacy is no longer an option. Call 116 117, and if your life is in danger, call 112.

🛡 Insurance: tourist, student, resident

Tourist / short trip

• If you are entering with a Schengen visa, medical insurance is mandatory, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• An insurance policy is required even for those arriving without a visa (from "visa-free" countries) — it's simply a matter of common sense, not border control.
• In case of any serious illness, first call your insurance company (the number is on the policy) — they will tell you which clinic to go to and often arrange direct payment to the clinic.
  

EU/EEA citizens/residents

• With a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC), you can use medical services in Finland at municipal centres under the same financial conditions as local residents.
  

Long-term residents of Finland

• If you are already registered with Kela (Finnish social insurance), municipal medical care is subsidised for you;
• many people take out additional partial insurance (especially with children) to get faster access to private doctors.

🚕 When is a pharmacy enough, and when should you see a doctor?

To put it simply, the logic is as follows:

• Pharmacy: mild colds lasting up to several days, familiar migraines, minor injuries, local allergies without respiratory distress.
• 116/117 / general practitioner: high temperature lasting more than 2–3 days, severe pain, suspected pneumonia, exacerbation of a chronic illness, injury with swelling/restricted movement.
• 112 / päivystys: chest pain, sudden severe shortness of breath, suspected stroke, severe head/back injury, severe bleeding, anaphylaxis.

This does not replace a doctor's consultation: if in doubt, it is better to call 116 117 once for nothing than to delay.

🚨 Injuries and accidents: what is important to remember

In the event of a traffic accident, a fall on ice, or a serious injury on the street or on a slope, follow this simple procedure:

• 112 → briefly describe what happened → give the exact location;
• if possible, someone should meet the ambulance at the entrance/on the street, especially in winter;
• in the emergency room, you will be examined according to priority (triage) — serious patients always come first.
  

The Finnish system will not refuse to help someone without insurance, but the bill for hospitalisation and diagnostics can be very high, especially for those who do not have resident status and are not covered by the Kela system. Therefore, insurance for a trip to Finland is an essential part of a normal travel budget.

🧾 Mini-kit "Medicine in Finland" for everyone

Keep the following handy:

• your passport or identity card;
• Kela card or EHIC (if you are an EU resident/citizen);
• travel insurance policy or student/work permit;
• list of medications taken (in English);
• contact details for your doctor at home and your insurance company.
  

Conclusion: if you fall ill in Finland, there are three things you need to do

At first glance, the Finnish system seems complicated, but it is logical:

1. Life-threatening situation → 112.
2. Acute but not critical situation → 116 117 or Omaolo.
3. Mild cases → pharmacy + self-care, with insurance coverage.
   

If you are moving for a long time, find out in advance which medical centre you are assigned to and how your insurance works (Kela, private, student, work). If you are a tourist, check your policy, save the numbers and do not hesitate to go to pharmacies in Finland with any questions that are not urgent.

The main thing is not to wait for it to "go away" when your body is clearly telling you that something is wrong.