Health and social services in Helsinki – tips for newcomers

The City of Helsinki helps nurture your health and wellbeing.

On this page

Helsinki’s network of around twenty health stations is the backbone of its health care system

Local health stations provide primary and urgent treatment in every neighbourhood of the city. Medical professionals at health stations make the necessary referrals to specialist care or social services.

Health care and social services

Health services
Explore our health stations, callback system, online services, as well as our dental care, mental health, student health and other services.
Family services
Read about support for families with young children, services for young people and older adults, and other social services available in Helsinki.
Services for people with disabilities
Helsinki offers a range of housing options, special education schools, learning support services, as well as work and daytime activities for people with disabilities.

Step-by-step health care instructions

  1. Find the location of your local health station

    Health services in Helsinki are provided by local health stations. 

    Find the health station you have been assigned to by using Helsinki’s handy Service Map.

    Find the health stations via Service Map  

    A list of all of the city’s health stations is also available on the City of Helsinki website.

    Browse city's health stations 

  2. You can contact Helsinki’s health care services in several ways

    1. Do a symptom assessment in the Omaolo e-service. It will direct you to a clinic, if necessary.
    2. Call your local health station on the telephone.
    3. Visit your local health station in person during opening hours.
    4. Use the Maisa platform to review your current treatment or contact your care team. 

  3. Be on time and bring your Kela card

    Punctuality is highly valued in Finland, so plan ahead and arrive at your health station at least five minutes before a scheduled appointment. Upon arrival at the dental clinic, inform a receptionist or register at an e-terminal using your Kela card. 

    Read more about our dental clinics

    Learn about Kela cards on Kela's website

  4. Wait for your name to be called

    If you made your appointment online or by phone, you can walk past the reception desk directly to the waiting area. You will be called into the examination room by name. Some locations use a queuing system that issues a number to walk-ins. 

  5. Explain your situation in Finnish, Swedish or English

    If you don’t speak any of these languages well enough, you have a right to an interpreter.

    Learn more about your right to receive services in your own language

  6. Be prepared to travel to another location, if necessary

    If you need blood work or specific treatment, you may need to visit another location after your appointment. If your doctor, nurse or dentist prescribes medicine for you, you will need to go to a pharmacy to pick it up.

    Learn more about picking up your medication (InfoFinland)