Finland Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Finland are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food and Drink

Food in Finland is safe to eat and usually prepared in accordance with hygiene guidelines, although care should be taken when purchasing food from unlicensed stalls. Tap water is also safe, although drinking from streams, lakes and rivers – however clean they look – isn’t recommended as even the most inviting-looking water can harbour parasites.

Other Risks

Campers and trekkers should take precautions against tick bites; immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if visiting rural areas in the south (particularly the Archipelago). Mosquitoes are a pest during the damp summers, particularly in the north - bring mosquito repellent and topical cream to stop bites becoming infected.