Living Abroad

Healthcare in Finland for UK Nationals: Kela Card, GP Fees and S1

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. How do I register for healthcare in Finland?
  3. What do patients pay in Finland?
  4. How does the S1 work in Finland?
  5. What about students and posted workers?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Who assigns my GP?
    2. How current is this?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Healthcare in Finland is open to anyone registered as a resident, who can register for state healthcare with Kela whether employed, self-employed or not working, according to GOV.UK. Dependants have the same access. You show a Kela card when you see a doctor, get care or buy medicine.

Quick answer

  • Register residency online and book an appointment with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
  • Register online for a Kela card.
  • Register residency with your local municipality, which assigns you a GP near your address.
  • UK State Pension recipients may be entitled to an S1.

How do I register for healthcare in Finland?

  1. Register residency online, then book an appointment with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
  2. Register online for a Kela card.
  3. Once you have a Finnish address, register your residency with your local municipality. It will assign you a GP near your address.

What do patients pay in Finland?

These are the figures stated on the GOV.UK page, so check current charges before you budget.

Service Stated charge
GP appointment Around 20 euros
Dentist Around 10 to 15 euros, plus separate charges for fillings and x-rays
Inpatient care 23 to 50 euros per day
Outpatient care 42 euros
Day surgery 137 euros
Prescriptions Up to 50 euros each

After an annual excess of 578 euros, each prescription costs 2.50 euros, and Kela reimburses amounts above 50 euros.

How does the S1 work in Finland?

People receiving a UK State Pension or another exportable benefit may be entitled to an S1, and frontier workers should contact HMRC. Request the form by phone from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services, then register it with Kela, which gives access to healthcare on the same basis as a Finnish citizen. For urgent treatment while registration is delayed, GOV.UK gives 0044 191 218 1999. Our guide to the UK State Pension abroad covers the claim.

What about students and posted workers?

Posted workers can use a GHIC, EHIC or S1. Students can apply for a Student GHIC; if studying for more than a year, a Kela card is recommended.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting to register with the municipality until after you need a doctor.
  • Forgetting the Kela card at appointments and pharmacies.
  • Treating the fee figures as permanent; they come from a 2021 update.

FAQ

Who assigns my GP?

Your local municipality, once you register your residency with it.

How current is this?

The page I checked was last updated on 19 October 2021.

Key takeaways

  • Residency, Kela card, municipality, GP.
  • Fees are modest but not zero.
  • S1 holders register with Kela.

This page is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules change. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals living in Finland

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