How to claim reimbursement for treatment abroad and apply for prior authorisation to seek treatment abroad
- How to claim reimbursement for the costs for treatment abroad
- fill in the form Medical care expenses incurred abroad, SV 128e (PDF).
- enclose with the claim forms filled out by the treatment provider which indicate the treatment given by a doctor or the examination or treatment ordered by a doctor.
- How to ask a prior notification on reimbursements when seeking healthcare abroad without prior authorisation
- fill in the form Prior information notice of reimbursement for medical care abroad SV 134e (PDF)
- enclose with your application
- a statement on the treatment provided from the doctor who provides treatment to you abroad
- a referral, if a referral would be required for equivalent treatment in the Finnish public healthcare system.
- How to apply for prior authorisation to seek treatment abroad
- fill in the form Authorisation to obtain treatment outside the country of residence SV129e (PDF)
- enclose medical documentation on your illness or the treatment with your application (e.g. treatment record or medical statement).
Send the application using the OmaKela e-service:
- Save the completed application and attachments on your device. Note that the application must be in pdf format. If the application or attachments are on paper you can photograph or scan them.
- Log in to the OmaKela e-service (available in Finnish and Swedish) and select Tee hakemus (File an application).
- Select Sairaanhoito ja lääkkeet (Medical care and medicines) and then Hae sairaanhoito- tai lääkekorvausta (Claim reimbursement for medical care or medicines).
- Choose the files on your device and press Lähetä (Send).
- When you send your application online you do not need to sign it.
- Another option is to send the application by mail. Sign the application and mail it along with the supporting documents to the address Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA.
When to apply
You must claim reimbursement for medical care expenses incurred abroad within 6 months from the date of paying the costs.
Ask for advance information and apply for prior authorisation well in advance of seeking treatment. Kela needs time to decide on your application because Kela asks the public healthcare provider for the necessary information.