Finland
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Finland. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Irish Citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.
EU/EEA nationals can access the Finnish health system on presentation of their European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate and valid ID. A standard fee may be charged at a public health centre depending on the service provided and the municipality in which treatment is given. Prescribed drugs may be obtained from any pharmacy. The full cost is charged for prescribed drugs but a refund may be claimed from the local KELA (the Social Insurance Institute of Finland) office. For most prescribed medicines you can receive a refund of 42% of the costs above a fixed rate. For in-patient treatment at a public hospital there is a fixed daily charge and a fixed charge for outpatient visits, which are non-refundable.
A partial refund may be awarded in respect of private treatment from either a doctor or a hospital on submission of a receipt to the local KELA office. Refunds for medical expenses must be claimed within six months of the original payment.
Summary
We would advise travellers to Finland to take normal precautions while in the country.
Finland enjoys high levels of safety and security however there are always threats from international terrorism and isolated incidents of violent crime. Petty theft and crime levels are low however visitors should take the usual precautions to safeguard valuables and important documents.
Winter temperatures can be very cold in Finland (-25 degrees Celsius and below at times) so warm clothing, hat and footwear is absolutely essential. Driving in Finland during the winter months can be hazardous. Icy road conditions are common. If driving in Finland, your car must be winterised and winter/snow tyres (either studded or non-studded) are a legal requirement from 1 December to 31 March.
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Finland. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Safety and Security
In general Finland enjoys a high level of safety and security; however it shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.
To contact the emergency services in Finland from any phone, fixed or mobile, dial 112, free of charge.
Crime levels remain relatively low and crime against tourists is uncommon. Nevertheless it is advisable to observe sensible precautions such as keeping your personal belongings, including passports and money, secure.
Local Laws and Customs
Alcohol
Drinking in public places in built-up
areas and on public transport is forbidden. The police have the
right to remove from a person any object or substance which may be
dangerous. Persons who violate this law may be taken to a
detoxification centre and / or fined
Road Safety
A valid full Irish driving
licence is sufficient for driving in Finland. The Finns drive on
the right. Driving in Finland during the winter months can be
hazardous. Icy road conditions are common. Snow/winter tyres
(either studded or non-studded) are legally required from December
to March, and engine heaters are strongly recommended. Headlights
must be used at all times. The use of seatbelts while driving is
mandatory. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal
offence.
Motorists should remain alert for elk and reindeer which frequently wander onto roads and are most active at dusk.
The public transport system is very efficient and accessible.
Natural Disasters and Climate
Summer is generally warm with relatively mild weather in Spring and Autumn. Mosquitoes can be prevalent during warm weather, particularly in the north of the country, making a supply of insect repellent a necessity.
Winter temperatures can be very cold and warm clothing and footwear
is essential.
Air quality in Helsinki at certain times of the year (late
spring/early summer) can be poor and persons subject to allergies
may find their condition aggravated.
Additional Country Info
Electricity / Voltage
220 (230) volts AC,
50Hz. Continental two-pin plugs are standard.
Health
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you
obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas
medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to
Finland. You should check any exclusions and that your policy
covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Irish citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.
No vaccinations or inoculations are required before arrival in Finland.
All medicines are sold at pharmacies (apteekki); none are available in supermarkets. Some pharmacies have late opening hours. In Helsinki, the pharmacy at Mannerheimintie 96, tel. +358 (0)300 - 20 200, has 24-hour service.
Information about health care available in Helsinki around the clock can be obtained by calling: tel. +358 (0)9 10 023.
For details of dental services call +358 (0)9 736 166 between 09.00 and 21.00.
EU/EEA nationals can access the Finnish health system on presentation of their European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate and valid ID. A standard fee may be charged at a public health centre depending on the service provided and the municipality in which treatment is given. Prescribed drugs may be obtained from any pharmacy. The full cost is charged for prescribed drugs but a refund may be claimed from the local KELA (the Social Insurance Institute of Finland) office. For most prescribed medicines you can receive a refund of 42% of the costs above a fixed rate. For in-patient treatment at a public hospital there is a fixed daily charge and a fixed charge for outpatient visits, which are non-refundable.
A partial refund may be awarded in respect of private treatment from either a doctor or a hospital on submission of a receipt to the local KELA office. Refunds for medical expenses must be claimed within six months of the original payment.
24-hour emergency hospital treatment for foreigners with doctors on duty around the clock:
Helsinki University Central Hospital: Töölö Hospital (serious accidents) Topeliuksenkatu 5, Helsinki tel. +358 (0)9 4711
Meilahti Hospital (medicine and surgery) Haartmaninkatu 4, Helsinki tel. +358 (0)9 4711
The telephone numbers in other towns are available at all hotels.
