Moving abroad for study or research
Living abroad due to studies is usually regarded as temporary residence. In general, you remain covered by Finnish health insurance for the duration of your studies. You may use health care services in the country of your studies.
If you move abroad from Finland for study or post-graduate study or to complete unpaid training or research, you are usually covered by Finnish health insurance. In EU and EEA countries, the United Kingdom or in Switzerland you will receive treatment with the European Health Insurance Card. If you are moving outside the EU countries, it is recommended to take out private insurance to cover illness.
If you are moving abroad to do paid training relating to your studies, this may affect your health insurance coverage in Finland.
Do the following before leaving:
- Notify Kela of your move abroad if you are paid any benefits by Kela or have a European Health Insurance Card. If necessary, apply the European Health Insurance Card from Kela.
- Always notify Kela if you work abroad.
- Submit a notification of move to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) too.
Moving as a student or researcher to an EU or EEA country, the United Kingdom or to Switzerland
Treatment in the new country: You will receive medically necessary treatment in another EU or EEA country, the United Kingdom or in Switzerland by presenting the European Health Insurance Card.
Treatment in Finland: In Finland, you will continue to receive treatment as before. If you have a municipality of residence, you are entitled to use all public health care services. If you do not retain a municipality of residence in Finland, you will need a certificate of entitlement to treatment benefits in Finland granted by Kela to demonstrate your right to treatment in public health care. You are entitled to reimbursement for the costs for private healthcare services and medicine purchases and travel costs in connection with medical treatment.
Kela will grant the necessary certificates of entitlement to treatment, when you notify your move to Kela.
Moving as a student or researcher to the Province of Quebec in Canada
Treatment in the new country: The social security arrangement between Finland and the Province of Quebec in Canada covers medical and hospital treatment and, in part, dental care provided. Under the agreement, treatment can be obtained by the following categories of people moving to Quebec on a temporary basis:
- exchange students or degree students
- researchers
- students participating in training relating to upper secondary education or to university studies
- family member moving with one of the above.
In order to receive treatment, you must first register with Health insurance board of Quebec. You can request the registration form informally from Kela’s e-services, by telephone or from a Kela office. The health insurance board of Quebec also requires a valid entry document. Students and researchers are also required to provide an attestation of full-time enrolment as a student (for example a certificate of enrolment) or acceptance as a researcher or as a trainee.
Treatment in Finland: If you retain your municipality of residence in Finland, you will receive treatment in the Finnish public health care system for the municipal resident’s client fee just like before. If you no longer have a municipality of residence in Finland, you are only entitled to urgent medical care in Finland. You are responsible for the costs of treatment. You are entitled to reimbursement for the costs for private healthcare services and medicine purchases and travel costs in connection with medical treatment.
Moving as a student or researcher to Australia
Treatment in the new country: The social security agreement between Finland and Australia does not cover students and researchers temporarily residing in Australia. You must have private insurance that will cover medical treatment and medication costs. You can also apply for reimbursements from Kela in case of sudden illness. Reimbursements are similar to the reimbursements for private health care in Finland.
Treatment in Finland: If you retain your municipality of residence in Finland, you will receive treatment in the Finnish public health care system for the municipal resident’s client fee just like before. If you no longer have a municipality of residence in Finland, you are only entitled to urgent medical care in Finland. You are responsible for the costs of treatment. You are entitled to reimbursement for the costs for private healthcare services and medicine purchases and travel costs in connection with medical treatment.
Moving as a student or researcher outside the EU countries
Treatment in the new country: When you study or pursue research in an country other than an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, you will receive treatment in the country where you are staying according to local legislation. In countries other than an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, you are generally responsible for your treatment costs yourself. Find out in advance, for example from the educational establishment or insurance company, whether you will need private insurance to use health care services. You can also apply for reimbursements from Kela in case of sudden illness. Reimbursements are similar to the reimbursements for private health care in Finland.
Treatment in Finland: If you retain your municipality of residence in Finland, you will receive treatment in the Finnish public health care system for the municipal resident’s client fee just like before. If you no longer have a municipality of residence in Finland, you are only entitled to urgent medical care in Finland. You are responsible for the costs of treatment. You are entitled to reimbursement for the costs for private healthcare services and medicine purchases and travel costs in connection with medical treatment.