- The best travel insurance plans for Finland
- Is it currently safe to travel to Finland?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Finland?
- Why take out travel insurance for Finland?
- What Travel Insurance for Finland Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Finland
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Finland?
- Does my current insurance cover me in Finland?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Finland: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Finland covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians, but is vital as Medicare provides no cover in Finland.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare in Finland is high quality but expensive, costing over AUD $800 daily for visitors.
4. Price: A basic one-week travel insurance policy for Finland typically costs between AUD $40 and AUD $80.
5. Good to know: Australia has a health agreement with Finland, but it does not cover all medical costs.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Finland.
The best travel insurance plans for Finland
Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
---|---|---|
HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | This contract offers strong peace of mind for travel to Finland. - high medical cover - evacuation and repatriation - suitable for long stays |
Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Reliable option for most trips. - 24/7 medical support - direct payment facilities - suitable for families |
Tourist Card | 0.8M AUD | An accessible package for short-term visits to Finland. - essential medical cover - emergency assistance - affordable price |
Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M AUD | A balanced offer for tourists and longer trips. - repatriation included - large territorial coverage - clear core benefits |
Globe Partner | 0.5M AUD | A practical solution for standard travel needs. - covers medical costs - repatriation - dedicated support abroad |
Globe Traveller | 0.8M AUD | Useful and sufficient for short, lower-risk trips. - core medical cover - simple claims process - suitable for basic needs |
- high medical cover
- evacuation and repatriation
- suitable for long stays
- 24/7 medical support
- direct payment facilities
- suitable for families
- essential medical cover
- emergency assistance
- affordable price
- repatriation included
- large territorial coverage
- clear core benefits
- covers medical costs
- repatriation
- dedicated support abroad
- core medical cover
- simple claims process
- suitable for basic needs
Is it currently safe to travel to Finland?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia states that the current safety level for Finland is to exercise normal safety precautions and there are no specific alerts for travellers from AU.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in busy areas of Helsinki and at transport hubs, especially during tourist season.
- Health risks: no vaccinations are required, but seasonal influenza can circulate in winter. Public hospitals in Finland are of high standard but treatment must be paid for if you are not an EU resident, with costs often exceeding AUD 1000 per day for serious care.
- Legal requirements: you must always carry your passport and proof of legal stay. Police may carry out checks, especially near border areas and during large public events.
- Environmental conditions: winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures below -20°C, heightening risks of frostbite and vehicle incidents on icy roads. In Lapland, heavy snow can disrupt regional travel and flights.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Finland.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Finland?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens entering Finland for short stays of up to 90 days.
However, it is strongly recommended by both Australian and Finnish authorities. Medical care in Finland is expensive for non-residents and Australian health insurance does not apply. Having travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation is advised to avoid high out-of-pocket costs in the event of illness or accident.
According to our data, 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Finland. This is mainly due to the high cost of medical services and the absence of coverage by Australian public health insurance.
Why take out travel insurance for Finland?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Finland.
In Finland, health costs can be high for non-residents, especially if treated at private facilities like Mehiläinen Töölö Hospital in Helsinki or Terveystalo in Espoo, where even basic treatments can amount to hundreds or thousands of euros. While the public healthcare system is well developed, access for foreigners is limited, and all services must be paid for directly.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transportation, and repatriation costs to Australia if a serious issue occurs.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Finland.
Example of medical treatment | Cost at Mehiläinen Töölö Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
---|---|---|
I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €2,400 (approx. $3,950 AUD) | Up to €100,000 or full expenses |
I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €1,100 (approx. $1,810 AUD) | Up to €100,000 or full expenses |
I need to be repatriated | €25,000 (approx. $41,200 AUD) | Up to €100,000 or full expenses |
I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €5,000 (approx. $8,250 AUD) | Up to €100,000 or full expenses |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Finland Should Cover
Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
---|---|
🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical costs, hospital care and doctor’s bills for illness or injury. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $200,000 AUD. |
🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transport to the nearest suitable hospital or to AU if needed. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $100,000 AUD. |
✈️ Repatriation | Covers the cost of returning you to AU for urgent medical reasons. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $100,000 AUD. |
💊 Medication and treatment | Reimburses the purchase of prescription medicines if medically necessary. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $5,000 AUD. |
🏨 Hospitalisation | Covers overnight or extended stays in hospital due to illness or accident. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $200,000 AUD. |
📦 Baggage and personal effects | Insures loss, theft or damage to luggage and valuables during your trip. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $5,000 AUD. |
⛔ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid costs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for covered reasons. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $10,000 AUD. |
⚖️ Personal liability | Protects if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while abroad. Our recommended reimbursement limit: $1,000,000 AUD. |
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $200,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $100,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $100,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $5,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $200,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $5,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $10,000 AUD.
Our recommended reimbursement limit: $1,000,000 AUD.
Travel insurance offered by local providers or bank cards often comes with low coverage limits and many exclusions. For comprehensive protection, compare leading insurers on HelloSafe and consider subscribing online to receive instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Finland
Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
---|---|---|
1 week | 25 years old | $40 AUD |
2 weeks | 45 years old | $95 AUD |
1 month | 35 years old | $150 AUD |
1 month | 70 years old | $300 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance policy depends on several key factors: your age, the length of your trip, your destination, the level of cover you choose, and any optional extras like trip cancellation. Higher risk destinations or longer stays will generally cost more. Keeping these in mind is crucial for finding the right cover at a fair price for your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Finland?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Finland while keeping good coverage:
Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
---|---|---|
Duration of stay | Premiums increase with longer trips, so only pay for the period you are abroad in Finland. | Choose exact travel dates rather than rounding up. Some plans allow you to extend coverage if needed. |
Traveller's age | Costs rise for older travellers, especially over 65, due to higher risk and claims. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which can help older travellers save money. |
Level of coverage | High limits protect against major expenses in Finland, where treatments can be costly. | Opt for high limits on medical and liability, but avoid stacking duplicate coverages from other policies. |
Excess (deductible) | Choosing a higher excess reduces premium, but increases out-of-pocket cost for each claim. | Set an excess you can comfortably afford to pay in the event of a claim to reduce annual premiums. |
Types of activities | Winter sports and adventure activities often require extra cover, which raises prices. | Declare only the activities you will actually do in Finland, and skip unnecessary adventure coverages. |
Number of travellers | Family or group policies may be cheaper per person than individual plans in some cases. | Compare group and solo options before purchase, especially for families or friends travelling together. |
Method of purchase | Policy price can vary by broker or website, and some offer exclusive online discounts. | Compare offers from multiple comparison sites and look for online promo codes during your search. |
Does my current insurance cover me in Finland?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Finland. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
Type of insurance | Valid in Finland? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
---|---|---|---|
Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | May cover emergency doctor visits in AU only, but not abroad. No cover for hospitalisation or repatriation abroad. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to $1,000,000 AUD for medical expenses and covers evacuation and loss. |
Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank) | Almost Never | Emergency overseas medical if special option added, usually capped below $50,000 AUD. No cover for trip cancellation, lost bags or liability. | Travel insurance offers higher medical limits and covers cancellation, theft, and personal liability. |
Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Rarely any travel protection. No medical, baggage, trip delays or cancellation coverage. | Travel insurance covers all key risks, with limits from $100,000 to $1,000,000 AUD for medical expenses. |
Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, CommBank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical ($2,500,000 AUD max), cancellation ($15,000 AUD), baggage delays (often low). No cover for pre-existing or long stays. | Travel insurance gives you custom coverage, fewer exclusions, and choice of provider for more tailored protection. |
No cover for hospitalisation or repatriation abroad.
No cover for trip cancellation, lost bags or liability.
No medical, baggage, trip delays or cancellation coverage.
No cover for pre-existing or long stays.
Example
While skiing in Lapland, Liam suffered a severe leg fracture. The emergency surgery and hospital stay totalled AU$45,000. His CommBank Platinum card's insurance didn't cover 'risky' winter sports, and Medicare offered no help. He faced the entire bill himself, a devastating cost for not having specific travel insurance.
Expert advice
Essential cover, like trip interruption for a relative's illness, is often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. Always check the PDS carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In any case, it's safer and more reassuring to buy dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Finland?
Australians do not need a visa to travel to Finland for tourism, business, or family visits if the stay is less than 90 days in any 180-day period. You will need a valid passport with at least three months remaining beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Finland?
To buy travel insurance for Finland, start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Carefully check coverage, exclusions, and make sure guarantees meet your needs for Finland. Purchase your preferred plan online, and you will receive your insurance certificate instantly by email.
What should I do if I need emergency medical care in Finland?
If you require urgent medical attention in Finland, call the European emergency number 112. Contact your insurer as soon as possible, as they may need to approve hospital stays. Keep all bills and documentation to submit a claim later.
Does travel insurance cover winter sports activities in Finland?
Most standard travel insurance excludes cover for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. If you plan to take part in these activities, choose a policy that specifically includes winter and adventure sports to ensure you are fully protected.
Can I use my Australian Medicare or private health insurance in Finland?
Australian Medicare does not provide coverage in Finland, and most private health insurance policies only cover emergency medical treatment if they include overseas options. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended as it covers medical expenses, repatriation, and more.
What is the typical cost of travel insurance for Finland for Australians?
The price for travel insurance to Finland depends on your age, length of stay, and coverage level. On average, costs range from $40 AUD for a week-long trip to $300 AUD for a month-long stay for older travellers. Compare offers to find the best deal.
Do I need a visa to travel to Finland?
Australians do not need a visa to travel to Finland for tourism, business, or family visits if the stay is less than 90 days in any 180-day period. You will need a valid passport with at least three months remaining beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Finland?
To buy travel insurance for Finland, start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Carefully check coverage, exclusions, and make sure guarantees meet your needs for Finland. Purchase your preferred plan online, and you will receive your insurance certificate instantly by email.
What should I do if I need emergency medical care in Finland?
If you require urgent medical attention in Finland, call the European emergency number 112. Contact your insurer as soon as possible, as they may need to approve hospital stays. Keep all bills and documentation to submit a claim later.
Does travel insurance cover winter sports activities in Finland?
Most standard travel insurance excludes cover for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. If you plan to take part in these activities, choose a policy that specifically includes winter and adventure sports to ensure you are fully protected.
Can I use my Australian Medicare or private health insurance in Finland?
Australian Medicare does not provide coverage in Finland, and most private health insurance policies only cover emergency medical treatment if they include overseas options. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended as it covers medical expenses, repatriation, and more.
What is the typical cost of travel insurance for Finland for Australians?
The price for travel insurance to Finland depends on your age, length of stay, and coverage level. On average, costs range from $40 AUD for a week-long trip to $300 AUD for a month-long stay for older travellers. Compare offers to find the best deal.