Insurance for entry into Finland: who needs it, rules for different visa categories, and where to purchase it?

A valid medical insurance policy is usually required for travel to Finland for work, study or tourism. Find out who needs medical insurance in Finland, how to choose an insurance company and how to take out a policy for different visa categories

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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Are you planning a trip to Finland? This article will be your guide to the world of medical insurance and key aspects of visiting this country.

You will learn about the mandatory requirements for obtaining a residence permit or long-term visa to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you are planning a short trip without visa obligations, we will provide comprehensive recommendations on how to obtain medical insurance for your peace of mind.

We will pay special attention to medical support for refugees, as their needs require special attention. We will also consider all the nuances of the mandatory ‘Green Card’ for motorists, without which it is impossible to cross the border.

Be ready for your trip – informed, protected and confident!

Planning a trip to Finland? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Who needs insurance to enter Finland?

According to current Finnish legislation, medical insurance requirements for entry into the country depend on the nationality of the person and the purpose of their stay.

For whom is medical insurance mandatory for entry into Finland?

According to official sources, medical insurance for entry into Finland is mandatory for the following categories of persons:

Schengen visa applicants

If you are applying for a short-term Schengen visa (for a stay of up to 90 days), you must provide proof of valid and adequate travel medical insurance. This insurance must cover any costs that may arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical care, emergency hospitalisation or death during your stay in the Schengen area. The minimum coverage is usually €30,000.

Find out when Ukrainians need a visa to Finland and how to apply for one on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Applicants for a residence permit (residence authorisation)

Persons applying for a residence permit in Finland (e.g. for work, study, family reunification) are also required to have medical insurance. The requirements for insurance coverage and its duration depend on the purpose of your stay and the expected length of your stay.

For students: Medical insurance covering the costs of medical care is usually required. Detailed requirements may vary depending on the duration of your studies. If the duration of your studies is less than two years, the insurance must cover costs of at least €120,000. If the duration is more than two years, access to municipal health services may be granted after registration at your place of residence, but insurance is required until then.

For employees: Insurance requirements may depend on the length of the employment contract and the type of work. The employer may be responsible for insurance, but in some cases proof of your own insurance is required.

For the most detailed information on employment in Finland, please follow the link.

For other categories (e.g. family reunification): Proof of health insurance or sufficient financial means to cover medical expenses may also be required.

Obtaining a residence permit is one of the most important stages of migration. Read all the details about emigrating to Finland in 2025 on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Refugees from Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection

Persons who have arrived in Finland from Ukraine and have been granted temporary protection are entitled to access public health care services after registering with the municipality. However, during the period before registration and access to these services, it may be recommended to have temporary insurance or to be aware of the possibilities for emergency care. After registration, they are covered by the Finnish health care system.

For whom is medical insurance for entry into Finland desirable?

According to official recommendations and general practice, medical insurance for entry into Finland is desirable (strongly recommended) for all categories of persons who are not subject to compulsory insurance requirements but wish to ensure their financial security and access to medical care in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the Schengen area (including Finland)

Although they do not need a Schengen visa and, therefore, are not required to have insurance to obtain a visa, any medical services in Finland (as in any other EU country) are payable by non-resident foreigners. The cost of treatment can be very high. Medical insurance will cover the costs of emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalisation and, if necessary, medical repatriation.

Persons arriving for a short stay who have not yet gained full access to the Finnish healthcare system

Even if you plan to apply for a residence permit and will eventually have access to Finnish public healthcare services, private health insurance is highly recommended during the initial period of your stay (until you are officially registered with the municipality and receive social security). It will cover the costs of medical care until you have full access to the public system.

What medical care is provided to refugees in Finland?

In Finland, medical care for refugees, including those from Ukraine, is provided according to their status in the country. The main provisions, based on official sources (Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), InfoFinland, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health), are as follows:

Persons who have been granted temporary protection

Full access to services: Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Finland are entitled to all necessary medical services on the same basis as permanent residents of Finland. This includes primary medical care, specialised medical care (surgery, oncology, psychiatry, etc.), dental care (in emergency cases).

Through reception centres: Medical services for persons under temporary protection are organised through refugee reception centres, even if the person lives in private accommodation. Reception centres can organise medical services themselves or purchase them from public or private service providers.

After receiving a municipality of residence: If a person under temporary protection is granted a municipality of residence in Finland, the provision of medical services is transferred from the reception centre to their welfare district. The refugee is then entitled to all public health services at the client fee set for residents of the municipality.

Asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are also entitled to necessary medical services through the reception centre where they are registered.

Medical services for asylum seekers under the age of 18 are provided on the same basis as for children residing in Finland.

Asylum seekers aged 18 and over are entitled to emergency and necessary medical treatment.

Emergency medical care

All persons in Finland, regardless of their status (even tourists without compulsory insurance), are entitled to emergency medical care within the public health care system. To call an ambulance or in an emergency, call the emergency number 112.

For advice on non-life-threatening emergencies, call the Päivystysapu on-call service on 116117 (available almost everywhere in Finland).

Access to OmaKanta

Once you have obtained a Finnish personal identity number (henkilötunnus), you can access the OmaKanta online service, which stores your medical records, prescriptions, etc. To log in to OmaKanta, you need your online banking credentials, a mobile phone certificate or an ID card with a chip.

Important! The right to use medical services in Finland usually depends on the municipality where you live. It is recommended that you register your place of residence in Finland as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access to medical services.

What car insurance policy should I choose for entering Finland?

If you are planning to travel to Bulgaria by car, you will need a Green Card. This international insurance policy confirms your civil liability in the event of an accident caused by you in Bulgaria and covers damages to victims.

Before travelling, make sure that your Green Card is valid for Bulgaria and covers the entire duration of your stay. If you do not have one or it is invalid, you will have to purchase insurance directly at the border, which is usually more expensive and less convenient. It is better to take care of the Green Card in advance!

Finland is currently considered the ‘happiest’ country in the world, despite high taxes and significant expenses for housing and food. Learn all about the cost of living in Finland on the Visit Ukraine portal.

General requirements for insurance policies for short-term and long-term travel

According to Finnish law and entry regulations, the requirements for medical insurance policies depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. The main provisions, based on information from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), the Finnish Embassy and the European Union, are as follows:

To obtain a Schengen visa (short stay up to 90 days)

Medical insurance is mandatory and must meet the following criteria:

– at least €30,000 for medical expenses;

– the insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area;

– the coverage must extend to the entire period of the planned stay or transit;

– the policy must cover any expenses that may arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons (transport home in the event of serious illness or injury), emergency medical care, emergency hospitalisation, repatriation in the event of death.

To obtain a residence permit (long-term stay) in Finland

1. The insurance must be valid for the entire period of your stay in Finland or at least for the initial period (e.g. the first year).

2. The insurance policy must be valid without any restrictions.

3. The deductible (own contribution) may not exceed 300 euros.

4. The policy must be valid at the time of your arrival in Finland.

Requirements for students (most detailed)

If the study period is less than two years: The insurance must cover medical expenses up to 120,000 euros. This is because students studying for less than two years are not usually entitled to a municipality of residence in Finland and therefore do not have access to municipal health services.

If the course lasts two years or more: The insurance must cover pharmaceutical expenses (cost of medicines) up to €40,000. Students studying for at least two years are considered eligible for a municipality of residence and, therefore, access to municipal health services. However, insurance is required to cover other possible expenses, especially for medication.

For other categories (employment, family reunification)

Insurance coverage requirements may also vary, but they generally concern access to necessary medical services until integration into the Finnish social security and healthcare system.

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What kind of insurance can you get in Finland?

It's best to get health insurance for your trip to Finland while you're still in your home country. Although you can buy a policy after you arrive, this can cause some inconveniences:

1. Limited coverage: A policy taken out directly in Finland may only be valid in Finland and not in other countries you may wish to visit during your trip.

2. Higher costs: Insurance purchased abroad is usually more expensive than similar offers in Ukraine.

3. Difficulties with understanding: Language barriers and unfamiliarity with the nuances of Finnish insurance law can lead to misunderstandings and difficulties when taking out or using a policy.

Taking out medical or travel insurance with a Ukrainian insurance company has several significant advantages:

1. Online convenience: Most Ukrainian insurers offer a wide range of programmes that can be easily and quickly arranged online.

2. Understanding your needs: Domestic insurance companies are well aware of the specifics of Ukrainian travel and the potential risks abroad, so their policies take these features into account as much as possible.

3. Competitive prices: Insurance policies from Ukrainian companies are generally more attractive than foreign offers.

4. Support for the economy: By purchasing insurance from a Ukrainian company, you are contributing to the development of the national insurance market and supporting Ukraine's economic growth.

5. Simple settlement: Ukrainian insurers have well-established mechanisms for interacting with domestic customers, which greatly simplifies the process of receiving compensation in the event of an insured event.

Insurance policies on Visit Ukraine: comprehensive protection

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase medical or travel insurance policies that will provide you with reliable protection.

What are the advantages of a medical insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A standard medical policy covers basic medical cases, including:

– initial examination by a doctor and diagnostics.

– outpatient and inpatient treatment.

– emergency medical care and hospitalisation.

– compensation for the cost of prescribed medication.

– payment for transportation to the hospital.

– emergency dental care.

For maximum protection, choose an extended medical insurance package, which can additionally cover:

– vaccinations and emergency surgery.

– repatriation of the body in case of death.

The extended policy may also cover other travel risks:

– flight delays or cancellations.

– loss or damage to luggage.

– payment for emergency phone calls.

– compensation for damages in a traffic accident involving you.

Ensure your peace of mind and safety on every trip – choose medical insurance at Visit Ukraine!

What are the advantages of a travel insurance policy from Visit Ukraine?

A travel insurance policy provides financial protection in the following cases:

– payment for treatment (outpatient, inpatient) and emergency dental care;

– organisation and coverage of evacuation, transportation, and repatriation of the body or burial abroad;

– compensation for losses in case of cancellation or significant delay of a flight, as well as loss of luggage;

– provision of legal advice;

– financial protection in case of a traffic accident.

Ensure yourself a carefree trip – get travel insurance on Visit Ukraine today!

How much does insurance cost?

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

On the Visit Ukraine portal you can choose a policy for travelling to any country in the world!

Advantages of purchasing insurance on Visit Ukraine

1. Speed and simplicity.

2. Affordable and flexible payment options.

3. Instant delivery and security.

4. Individual approach.

5. 24/7 support.

Purchase an insurance policy and travel to Finland safely!

Reminder! Earlier, we reported that Finnish authorities are considering deporting Ukrainians back to their homeland.

Photo: generated by Gemini