What is healthcare in Finland like?

Facilities and Health Information

In Finland, medical facilities and staff are generally excellent and widely available for emergency services. English is commonly spoken by Finnish medical personnel. Helsinki is a frequent medical evacuation point for emergency cases from the countries of the former Soviet Union. The public hospital system and many private hospitals honor foreign credit cards. Most pharmacies (apteekki in Finnish) are open during normal shopping hours and major cities have at least one 24-hour service pharmacy.

If you are a tourist or temporary visitor to Finland and you require immediate emergency medical assistance, you may visit a local medical center, clinic, or first-aid station (ensiapuasema in Finnish). Usually these stations are located at hospitals and will provide a full range of services. The emergency telephone number, 112, can be used throughout Finland to contact emergency medical services.

Travelers with special medical needs should consult with their personal physicians and take appropriate precautions, including bringing adequate supplies of necessary medication. Medicines may be brought into the country as long as they are intended for the traveler’s personal use; however, there are special requirements concerning the quantity. Finland allows travelers from the European Economic Area to bring personal prescription medicines (up to a one year supply) without a customs declaration. All others may bring a 90-day supply of personal prescription drugs to Finland. A formal doctor's note may be requested by Finnish customs officials. Prescribed narcotics are more highly restricted, however, and may only be brought into the country for the traveler’s personal use for a maximum of 14 days and must be accompanied by a medical certificate stating why the traveler needs them.

In addition, stringent Finnish customs regulations prohibit travelers from receiving drugs from abroad after having arrived in the country. Travelers may also find local physicians reluctant to prescribe equivalent quantities of dosages. For more detailed information, please visit the Finnish National Tourist Board website or contact the Embassy of Finland.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

100%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

100.000000

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

5.9

People Living with HIV/AIDS

2,600

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.74

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

100%

Disability Access In Finland

Accessibility

While in Finland, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is found in the United States. Many existing buildings as well as public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Finland.

Laws mandating access to buildings for persons with disabilities are generally enforced, but many older buildings remain inaccessible. Most forms of public transportation are accessible, but geographically isolated areas can be especially problematic for travelers with disabilities. Call ahead to restaurants, museums, and other facilities to find out if they are wheelchair-accessible. Assistance for train travelers is available at most stations, but must be requested in advance.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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