How to Access Emergency Services and Health Care in Finland

Primary Emergency Number: 112

• In Finland, there is one universal emergency number: 112. Use this number for any serious or life-threatening situation requiring police, ambulance, fire & rescue, or social services.
• The call is free of charge, works from any phone (landline or mobile) and no area code is needed. 
• If you call via the 112 Suomi app, your location is transmitted automatically to the Emergency Response Centre, which can speed up dispatch.
• Even phones without a SIM card or locked phones can dial 112.
• If you are using a satellite phone, dial +358 9 2355 0545 to contact Finland’s emergency services (this call is not free and is lower priority).
• The operator will ask questions to assess the urgency and will dispatch the appropriate service. Stay on the line until told otherwise, and answer clearly.
• Do not call 112 for non-urgent matters (e.g. permit queries, minor issues).

Sites for further information:

• Emergency Response Centre Agency
• Ministry of the Interior Finland
• Siunsote
• Info Finland
• Expat Focus
• Relocatin
• Police of Finland

Other useful emergency or support numbers

Service	Number / Notes
Poison Information Centre	+358 9 471 977 (available 24/7)
Mental Health/Crisis Hotline	116 123 (free, confidential counselling)
Roadside Assistance	+358 200 8080
National Police & Fire (non-urgent)	Use 112 only for urgent calls. For non-urgent police matters, use local police station numbers.

The Finnish healthcare & hospital system

Structure & Access

• Healthcare in Finland is organised via wellbeing services counties (formerly hospital districts) which provide local health services and maintain hospitals. 
• Each collaborative region has one university hospital providing highly specialised care.
• Emergency and urgent care (first aid, trauma, etc.) is provided at hospital emergency departments, accessible to anyone regardless of residence status. 
• Non-urgent specialist treatments generally require a referral from a general practitioner or health centre.
• Certain advanced procedures (e.g., organ transplant, neurosurgery) may be centralised in a few hospitals. 

Site for further information:

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

Some hospitals and their details

Below are a few notable hospitals across Finland, with basic contact and location information. Always confirm addresses and direct phone numbers locally.

Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) – Meilahti Tower Hospital

• Location: Meilahti, Helsinki
• Part of Helsinki University Central Hospital network (HUS) 
• General switchboard: 09 4711 (for HUS central units)

Other HUS hospitals & units include:

• Jorvi Hospital (Espoo) – 24/7 emergency department; maternity, children’s services. 
• Many other satellite units under HUS.

What to do in an emergency: steps & tips

1. Call 112 immediately. Provide your location, nature of the emergency, number of people affected and any injuries or hazards.
2. Follow operator instructions. The operator may guide you to perform first aid, CPR, or other actions.
3. Stay on the line unless told you can hang up.
4. If possible, send someone to meet first responders. Use landmarks, visible flags, or lights.
5. If using the 112 Suomi app, your location is automatically shared, which can speed up response.
6. For less urgent issues, use local health centres or call the medical helpline (e.g. 116 117 in many areas) rather than 112.
7. Bring identification and insurance documents when you attend the hospital, especially as a visitor.

CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANY, QUOTING YOUR POLICY NUMBER, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT IF A CLAIM IS GOING TO BE REQUIRED.

How to access care and practical tips

• For emergencies (life-threatening, major trauma, severe illness): always dial 112 – this covers ambulance, fire, police.
• Emergency clinic/päivystys: If your illness or injury is serious but not immediately life-threatening, go to the nearest emergency clinic. In Lapland, main ones are in Rovaniemi and Kemi.
• Telephone health service (“call before you come”) 24/7 is available: number 116 117 – call this before going to a hospital in non-emergency cases.
• Municipal health centres handle non-urgent cases (colds, chronic disease follow-ups, basic care). These require making appointments.
• Private clinics/providers can sometimes offer faster access, but may cost more.
• Digital/telemedicine services (via providers like Mehiläinen) can help when you are in a remote area.
• Always carry your health insurance/EHIC/relevant documentation, and know your local address (or GPS coordinates) in case emergency services request it.
• Check the local websites of the municipality you are in – often they list the health centre, clinic and pharmacy hours, and emergency duty services.

Notes for travellers/visitors

• Emergency care is provided to everyone, regardless of nationality or municipality, but follow-up or non-urgent care may incur costs.
• It’s wise to carry travel or health insurance to cover any non-emergency or additional medical costs.
• Always check the local hospital’s contact numbers and address in advance, especially in more remote areas.
• In remote or rural parts of Finland (e.g. Lapland), transport times to hospital may be significant, so know local first aid centres or smaller clinics.
• Keep a map, or have the GPS coordinates ready, to give precise location information when calling emergency services.