FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service)
€36.80/semester (~€7.36/month)
Best for: All degree students at Finnish universities
Covers basic healthcare at student health centers. Paid with semester enrollment fee. Excellent value.
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Health Insurance for Students in Finland
Degree students use FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service) for €36.80/semester. Non-EU need private insurance for residence permit.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- All degree students at Finnish universities can use FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service)
- FSHS costs €36.80 per semester and covers basic healthcare
- Non-EU students staying <2 years must have private insurance for residence permit (min €120,000 coverage)
- Non-EU students staying >2 years can apply for KELA (Social Insurance Institution) coverage
- EU/EEA students can use EHIC but FSHS access recommended
Available Insurance Options
Private Health Insurance (For Residence Permit)
€40–€70/month
Best for: Non-EU students staying <2 years
Required for residence permit. Must provide €120,000 minimum coverage for medical emergencies and treatment.
Learn moreKELA (Social Insurance Institution)
Free (for eligible students)
Best for: Non-EU students staying >2 years or working part-time
Apply for KELA coverage if working or staying long-term. Covers public healthcare access.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FSHS Semester Fee | €36.80/semester | Included in student union membership fee. Covers basic healthcare at student health centers. |
| Private Insurance (Residence Permit) | €40–€70/month | Required for non-EU students <2 years. Minimum €120,000 coverage. |
| KELA Registration | Free (if eligible) | Available to long-term students and those working part-time |
| Doctor Visit Co-Pay | €10–€30 | Small fees for doctor visits at public health centers |
Item
FSHS Semester Fee
Cost
€36.80/semester
Details
Included in student union membership fee. Covers basic healthcare at student health centers.
Item
Private Insurance (Residence Permit)
Cost
€40–€70/month
Details
Required for non-EU students <2 years. Minimum €120,000 coverage.
Item
KELA Registration
Cost
Free (if eligible)
Details
Available to long-term students and those working part-time
Item
Doctor Visit Co-Pay
Cost
€10–€30
Details
Small fees for doctor visits at public health centers
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Residence permit requires proof of comprehensive health insurance
- Non-EU students <2 years: Private insurance with minimum €120,000 coverage required
- Non-EU students >2 years: Can apply for KELA coverage after arrival
- EU/EEA students: EHIC sufficient for visa, but FSHS recommended
- Insurance must cover entire stay and include repatriation
How to Get Insured
Apply for Residence Permit
Submit residence permit application with proof of health insurance (EHIC for EU, private insurance with €120k coverage for non-EU).
Enroll at Finnish University
Complete university enrollment. Pay student union membership fee (includes FSHS coverage).
Receive FSHS Access
After enrollment, you can use FSHS student health centers for basic healthcare (GP, mental health, physiotherapy).
Apply for KELA (if eligible)
If staying >2 years or working part-time, apply for KELA coverage at local KELA office with residence permit and enrollment certificate.
Register at Municipal Health Center (if needed)
For non-FSHS care, register at your local municipal health center (terveyskeskus) for public healthcare.
Student Health Insurance in Finland
Finland offers excellent healthcare for students through FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service), costing just €36.80 per semester. However, non-EU students also need private insurance to meet residence permit requirements.
FSHS — Your Student Healthcare
All degree students at Finnish universities have access to FSHS (Ylioppilaiden terveydenhoitosäätiö, YTHS). This service provides:
- GP consultations
- Mental health services
- Physiotherapy
- Sexual health services
- Basic dental care
You pay just €36.80 per semester as part of your student union membership fee. FSHS operates student health centers near all major universities.
Private Insurance for Residence Permit
Non-EU students staying less than 2 years must have private health insurance with at least €120,000 coverage for their residence permit. This insurance must cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Hospital treatment
- Repatriation
Private insurance costs €40–€70/month from providers like Cigna, Allianz, or Finnish insurers.
KELA for Long-Term Students
If you’re staying longer than 2 years or working part-time in Finland, you can apply for KELA (Social Insurance Institution) coverage. KELA registration grants access to public healthcare and subsidized prescriptions.
Why Finland?
With over 25,000 international students, Finland offers world-class education, innovative research, and a safe, clean environment. Many master’s programs are tuition-free for EU students, and FSHS provides affordable healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FSHS?
FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service, or YTHS in Finnish) is a healthcare service for degree students at Finnish universities. It costs €36.80/semester and provides basic healthcare at student health centers.
Do I need private insurance if I have FSHS?
Yes, if you're a non-EU student staying <2 years. FSHS covers basic care, but you need private insurance (€120k minimum) for your residence permit.
Can EU students use EHIC?
Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Finnish public healthcare. However, enrolling at a Finnish university automatically grants FSHS access, which is more convenient.
What is KELA?
KELA is Finland's Social Insurance Institution. It provides healthcare coverage to Finnish residents. Non-EU students staying >2 years or working part-time can apply for KELA coverage.
How do I see a doctor in Finland?
Students use FSHS health centers (book online or by phone). For emergencies, call 112 or visit päivystys (emergency clinic).
Ready to Study in Finland?
Use FSHS for affordable student healthcare and ensure you have required private insurance for your residence permit.
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