How does healthcare work in Estonia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Estonia?

• Estonia has a modern and efficient healthcare system. The country is known for its digital government services, which is also reflected in healthcare.
• The majority of healthcare provision is public provision through universal health insurance (Eesti Haigekassa). This system covers all Estonian citizens and residents of Estonia who fall into certain groups (such as workers or students).
• There are hospitals and specialized medical centers and outpatient clinics throughout the country.
• In general, you will find the best and most care in the cities, in the countryside it may be less.
• There are many pharmacies (apteek) in the country. You need a prescription for many medications, but there are also over-the-counter medicines.
• Emergency medical care is free for everyone, including tourists. In case of a medical emergency, call 112.

How does the public healthcare system work in Estonia?

• The healthcare system is centralized and is run by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The system works with compulsory health insurance. As an employee, your employer pays 13% social tax on your gross salary. As a self-employed person, you are responsible.
• The public health care system consists of three levels: primary care from the general practitioner, secondary care by specialists and tertiary care in the hospital.
• The health insurance offers broad coverage, from general practitioner care, maternity care, emergency care and hospice care to preventive care and medicines. The quality of care is good, but waiting times can be long depending on the type of care.
• To qualify for public health care, you must first register as a resident in the residents' register. Then, health insurance is automatically assigned to certain groups (including working people and students).
• Usually, part of the costs for certain care and medicines must be paid by yourself. These costs are very reasonable.
• For a short stay, European residents can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

How does the private healthcare system work in Estonia?

• Private health care in Estonia is of very good quality.
• For most people, it serves more as a kind of supplement to the public system. Private healthcare gives you faster access to specialists or more extensive services.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Estonia?

• The GP is the first point of contact for healthcare. You can choose a GP in your immediate vicinity via the public system of Haigekasse.
• In private clinics it is easier to find English doctors.
• The GP will assess your healthcare needs and refer you to other institutions or specialists where necessary.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Estonia?

• Under the public system, dental care is free up to the age of 19. Adults usually have to pay for a part of the dental care themselves. The government makes a contribution, but the insured person usually pays at least 50%. 
• Medical emergency dental care is free for everyone. 

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Estonia?

• If you or your partner have national health insurance, you are covered by the national healthcare system.
• The first point of contact during pregnancy is the GP. Before the 12th week of pregnancy, you contact the GP. The necessary appointments will be made.
• Two ultrasound scans take place - around week 12-13 and week 19-21.
• The average hospital stay for a birth is three days. The birth can take place in a private or public institution. Home births are also possible, discuss this with your GP or midwife. Home births are not covered by the Haigekassa.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Estonia?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Estonia?

• Estonia is extremely safe. The country has low crime rates and the police are reliable and efficient. The country also has a well-developed cybersecurity system.
• However, it is important to be careful with important property in busy tourist areas.
• In rural areas, be aware that you may encounter wild animals such as moose and bears.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Estonia?

• There are few health risks to be aware of in Estonia. The air is clean, the tap water is safe to drink and the healthcare system is good.
• When you go out into nature, it is wise to be aware of ticks and the extremely cold climate in winter.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Estonia?

• In Estonia, people drive on the right. The roads are well maintained. In winter, the roads outside the city can be narrow and slippery.
• Traffic rules are strictly enforced, but there are still relatively many alcohol-related accidents. In the countryside it is important to be aware of wild animals on the road.
• It is mandatory to have your low beams on all day.
• In winter, roads can have ice and snow, which makes driving more dangerous. Make sure your car has winter tires.
• Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in large cities.
• Tallinn also has a good public transport system that is free for residents of the city.
• Which work and travel insurances are suitable for short and long stays in Estonia

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Estonia?

• Is the trip to Estonia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Estonia
• Insurance for studying in Estonia
• Insurance for internships in Estonia
• Insurance for volunteering in Estonia
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Estonia

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Estonia?

• Everyone who lives in Estonia with a (temporary) residence permit must be insured. If you are not eligible for EHIC or the local health insurance fund, you must take out your own private insurance.
• International health insurance for Estonia
• International travel insurance for Estonia
• International life insurance for Estonia
• International income protection insurance for Estonia