Finland Travel Insurance Guide
Finland travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and highly recommended for all visitors. The Level 1 advisory indicates excellent safety, but ETIAS authorization will be required starting 2026. Comprehensive coverage protects against winter weather disruptions and medical costs in this Nordic destination.
- What there is to do in Finland Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Finland ranks 5th globally in the 2025/26 Women, Peace and Security Index with a score of 0.924. Approximately 78% of women feel safe walking alone at night. High female representation in parliament and cabinet. Low intimate-partner violence rates. Exceptionally safe for women travelers with strong legal protections and social equality.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Same-sex marriage legal since 2017. Homosexuality decriminalized in 1971. Same-sex adoption legal. Comprehensive anti-discrimination protections in employment and housing. Trans people can change gender markers by self-determination (since April 2023). Ranked 7th globally for LGBTQ+ traveler safety. One of world's most LGBT-friendly countries with high public acceptance.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen Area; 6 months recommended)
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days within 180-day period (Schengen Area)
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) required starting 2026 for visa-exempt travelers
- Proof of sufficient funds required (EUR 50 per day minimum)
- Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage required for Schengen visa applicants
- Proof of accommodation and return/onward travel may be requested
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Finland is part of the Schengen Agreement - time in other Schengen countries counts toward 90-day limit
- Starting in 2026, ETIAS authorization required for visa-exempt nationals (apply online, valid 3 years)
- For Schengen visa applicants: proof of travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum coverage mandatory
- Insurance must cover medical emergencies, repatriation, and be valid for entire Schengen Area
- For stays exceeding 90 days or for work/study, residence permit required from Finnish Immigration Service
- No ETIAS fee announced yet - expected to be around EUR 7 (similar to other travel authorizations)
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Finland has one of the world's best healthcare systems, ranking consistently among the top countries for healthcare quality, accessibility, and outcomes. The Finnish public healthcare system is excellent, with highly trained medical professionals and modern facilities, but tourists are not eligible for free treatment and must pay upfront for services. Emergency hospital treatment is provided to all visitors, with initial assessment costing EUR 200-400 ($215-430 USD). Hospital outpatient visits cost EUR 100-200 ($110-215 USD), and hospitalization ranges from EUR 300-600+ ($325-645+ USD) per day. Specialist consultations cost EUR 150-300 ($160-325 USD). EU/EEA citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive treatment on the same terms as Finnish citizens. Major hospitals include Helsinki University Hospital (one of Europe's leading research and teaching hospitals), Tampere University Hospital, and Turku University Hospital, all with English-speaking staff. Medical standards are exceptionally high, and most healthcare professionals speak fluent English. Pharmacies (apteekki) are widely available, with prescription medications requiring a doctor's note. For emergencies, dial 112. For non-emergency medical advice in Helsinki, call 116 117. Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage) and strongly recommended for all visitors to cover medical costs, winter weather disruptions, and potential medical evacuation. Winter travelers should ensure coverage includes winter sports activities if skiing or snowboarding.
Typical medical costs
- Emergency hospital treatment: EUR 200-400 ($215-430 USD) initial assessment
- Hospital outpatient visit: EUR 100-200 ($110-215 USD)
- Hospitalization per day: EUR 300-600+ ($325-645+ USD)
- Specialist consultation: EUR 150-300 ($160-325 USD)
- Ambulance service: EUR 50-150 ($55-160 USD)
- Emergency dental care: EUR 80-200 ($85-215 USD)
- Medical evacuation to United States: $50,000-150,000 USD
- Note: EU/EEA citizens with EHIC receive treatment on same terms as Finnish citizens
- Mandatory Schengen visa insurance: EUR 30,000 ($32,000 USD) minimum coverage
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Trip cancellations due to extreme winter weather and snow storms (November-March)
- Flight delays and cancellations during winter months
- Winter sports injuries (skiing, snowboarding, ice skating)
- Medical emergencies (tourists pay upfront without EHIC)
- Frostbite and hypothermia in extreme cold (temperatures reach -30°C/-22°F in Lapland)
- Lost or delayed baggage during peak travel seasons
- Northern Lights tour cancellations due to weather conditions
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
112
Medical Helpline (Non-emergency)
116 117
US Embassy Helsinki - 24/7 Emergency
+358-9-616-250
US Embassy After Hours
+358-9-616-250 (select 0)
US Embassy from United States
1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
US Embassy Email
HelsinkiACS@state.gov
US Embassy Address
Itäinen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki