Health insurance for international students coming to Finland

Health insurance is one of the obligatory requirements for obtaining a residence permit for studies. The student’s health insurance must be valid upon his/her entry to Finland. Students applying for an extension of to their residence permit must also have valid health insurance.

More information about what kind of an insurance you need is available at the Finnish Immigration Service's (MIGRI) webpages.

Citizens of third-countries

Citizens of third countries arriving in Finland for the purpose of studying are required to have health insurance, if the period of study lasts for more than three months. The requirement is the same for degree-seeking and for visiting/exchange students.

The term “third-country national” in this context refers to a person who is not a citizen of either one of the EU countries or a citizen of one of the following countries: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Students from Quebec (Canada) are also exempted from the health insurance requirement.

Third-country nationals studying in Finland for less than two years

A student who enters Finland to study for less than two years is not usually granted the right of domicile, i.e. a home municipality in Finland, and therefore is not entitled to municipal health care services. Consequently, the student must have private insurance which covers the cost of medical treatment up to €100 000.

Third-country nationals studying in Finland for at least two years

A student who enters Finland to study for at least two years is usually granted the right to domicile, i.e. a home municipality in Finland and is therefore entitled to municipal health care services. Consequently, the student must have private insurance which covers the cost of medical treatment up to €30 000 (primarily medication costs).

MARSH Student Insurance Package (SIP)

We have partnered with Student Insurance Package (SIP) provider MARSH and are able to recommend this insurance package that is pre-approved by the Finnish Immigration Service. This pre-approval will result in a quicker decision on your application. For more detailed information about the type of coverage you will need and its cost, please visit the insurance providers website.

• MARSH Student Insurance Package (SIP)
• MARSH SIP Brochure (pdf)

Please note: any communication or questions about this insurance should be directed to the insurance provider and that your residence permit will only be valid for as long as the health insurance that you buy.

The are also other international insurance companies that offer health insurance policies: check their Web sites for details and contact them directly for further information on prices and coverage.

European Health Insurance Card

For all European citizens, the European Health Insurance Card is a necessity: it simplifies the procedures for any medical assistance needed during your temporary stay in Finland.

Finnish National Sickness Insurance

The Finnish National Sickness Insurance (NSI), administered by the organisation KELA, doesn't cover international students. If you are not insured by a corresponding insurance system from your home country, you should obtain insurance from a private insurance company. You are strongly advised to purchase good medical and accident insurance for you before your arrival in University of Helsinki and Finland in general.

Finnish Student Health Service

Please note that the right to use Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) does not exempt a student from having to take out health insurance.