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Healthcare in Estonia

  • Writer: Mariette Nõmm
    Mariette Nõmm
  • Oct 8, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Nov 1, 2022


Foreigners studying in Estonia have health insurance from Eesti Haigekassa in two cases: if they work in Estonia or if they have a permanent right of residence or a long-term residence permit. Otherwise, you will have to purchase health insurance from a private service provider.


EU citizen


As an EU citizen, if you have valid health insurance while studying in Estonia, you must apply for an EU health insurance card from the social welfare office of your home country. It is free to apply for and gives an EU citizen during their temporary stay access to public health care services offered in that EU country under the same conditions as people insured in that country. Even if you have an EHIC, you should pay the patient's co-payment in Estonia. Thus, it is strongly recommended buying also travel insurance from a private insurance company. (Read more here)


Non-EU citizen


Health insurance coverage is necessary for studying in Estonia based on a temporary residence permit. When a student gets a residence permit for study, he must take out health insurance in Estonia for the duration of the temporary residence permit and within two months of his arrival in Estonia. The student must present the health insurance contract to the Police and Border Guard Board within the deadline if he wants his temporary residence permit not revoked. (Read more here)


Family physician


Estonian medical care consists of three levels: primary or family medical care, specialist medical care and nursing care. All insured persons in Estonia have a family physician, who is their first point of contact in case of illness, gives further instructions and refers the person to a specialist, depending on the situation.



Emergency care


Unavoidable help is provided to all in need, regardless of having health insurance.


Major hospitals



Private hospitals and clinics


It is reasonable to choose private health care if you need to see a specialist with a shorter waiting time, but you have to take into account that you have to pay for the service in full yourself, regardless of whether you have health insurance. In order to find a private clinic that suits you, look for their feedback on the Internet or ask your family doctor for advice.


Here are some examples:


Examples of private insurance providers



Always turn to the EHIF if you have questions about medical care, health insurance, digital prescriptions, health prevention or e-health.

 
 
 

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