Healthcare system in Estonia: a guide for international students

Accessing reliable healthcare is a vital part of settling into a new country. In a recent Tiksu to UniTartu podcast episode (click here), Sandra Mustasaar, a nurse and representative of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (see more here), shared her expertise on Estonia’s healthcare system, offering invaluable advice for international students at the University of Tartu.

Estonia’s healthcare system is built on three key requirements: a temporary residence permit (TRP), valid health insurance (from Estonia or your home country), and a registered address in Estonia. Once you meet these conditions, you’re ready to navigate the system. Sandra said the system is very easy and logical, although challenges may arise with finding a family doctor or managing a language barrier.

The importance of a family physician

In Estonia, the family doctor is your primary contact for health concerns. Whether you need to renew a prescription or address a medical issue, they are central to the system. To find a family doctor, you need to visit the website (click here) and choose a family physician with vacancies on their list.

However, finding a family doctor can be tricky due to limited vacancies and language barriers. Sandra’s advice? “Make your first contact in Estonian if possible. It gives the doctor confidence that you will manage.” If language remains a challenge, a translator or trusted friend can help.

For urgent needs, alternatives to a family doctor include private clinics, or pharmacists, who are highly knowledgeable and can recommend treatments or direct you to emergency care.

Emergency care is accessible to all

One of the standout aspects of Estonia’s healthcare system is free emergency care for everyone, regardless of nationality or insurance status. In Estonian, it is called EMO (click here for more information), and it is located at L. Puusepa 8, wing M, 1st floor (Tartu). As Sandra noted, “If it’s life-threatening or urgent, you will be treated without delay.” A symbolic fee is charged for non-emergency visits.

Dental care and additional benefits

Dental care operates differently, with costs generally not covered by standard health insurance. However, some employers offer additional benefits, such as dental coverage or access to wellness programmes like Stebby, which subsidise fitness activities or massages. Additionally, emergency dental care is available at the EMO Clinic of Dentistry (see more here) at low prices. If you are curious about a student ambassador's experience with dental care, check out their insights in the blog post (read here)!

Essential health resources for students

Sandra highlighted key emergency numbers and resources every international student should know:

• 112: Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
• 1220: Family doctor counselling line (24/7)
• 12252: Midwife counselling line (for pregnancy and infant care)
• 16662: Poison control line

These services are staffed by English-speaking professionals, making them accessible to international students.

Adapting to Estonia’s health needs

Sandra emphasised the importance of being prepared: “Many students think, ‘I am healthy; I do not need to worry.’ But Estonia’s cold winters and changing seasons can be challenging, so it is best to be proactive.”

Studying at the University of Tartu offers an opportunity to embrace Estonia’s advanced healthcare system. Plan ahead, register with a family doctor immediately after you get the three requirements mentioned in this article, and enjoy peace of mind during your academic journey. For more information, visit the Estonian Health Insurance Fund website (click here) or consult the university’s resources.

Listen to the "Healthcare in Estonia" episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast: