Telemedicine and Reimbursement in Finland: How Kela Covers the Future of Digital Care — With Medilux as a Leading Example
In the evolving landscape of modern healthcare, telemedicine has become more than just a convenience—it is now a necessity. In Finland, where long distances, rural communities, and harsh weather can hinder physical access to medical services, the role of digital healthcare is increasingly vital. As this transformation continues, many citizens are asking: does Kela, Finland's national social insurance institution, reimburse telemedicine services? The answer is yes—but with some key considerations.
This article explores how Kela supports telehealth services, the types of costs that are eligible for reimbursement, and how companies like Medilux are setting new standards in accessible, affordable, and reimbursable care.
What Is Telemedicine in the Finnish Context?
Telemedicine, or “etälääkäripalvelut” in Finnish, refers to medical services provided remotely via phone or video consultations. These include general practitioner (GP) services, psychiatric consultations, chronic disease follow-ups, and even certain specialized diagnostics.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Finnish citizens have increasingly relied on digital tools to manage their health. What began as a safety measure has now become an essential part of national healthcare infrastructure.
Kela’s Reimbursement Model: What Does It Cover?
Kela provides financial compensation for some private healthcare services, including telemedicine, through its direct reimbursement system (suorakorvausjärjestelmä) and medical expense reimbursement system (sairaanhoitokorvausjärjestelmä). When using private services, patients can receive partial reimbursement for consultation fees, tests, and certain procedures.
For telemedicine, Kela generally reimburses:
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Doctor's consultation fees, whether in-person or via video/phone.
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Remote follow-ups for chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
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Psychological counseling delivered online.
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Medical certificates issued digitally.
It’s important to note that the reimbursement rate is typically €8 to €20 per consultation, depending on the nature of the service and whether it qualifies under Kela’s list of eligible care providers.
Medilux: Pioneering Accessible Telehealth in Finland
Medilux, a Finnish digital healthcare provider, has been at the forefront of making reimbursable telemedicine widely available. Their platform connects patients with licensed Finnish doctors via secure video and messaging tools—without long wait times or travel burdens.
What makes Medilux particularly relevant to the Kela reimbursement framework is its transparent pricing and official registration as a private healthcare provider in Finland. Patients using Medilux’s services can easily submit receipts to Kela for reimbursement or, in some cases, benefit from direct compensation at the point of care, depending on the arrangement.
Medilux’s services cover:
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General consultations
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Mental health support
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Erectile dysfunction treatments
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Weight loss management
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Prescription renewals and certificates
By streamlining access to these services through digital means, Medilux reduces the cost barrier for patients while improving access to care—especially for those in remote areas.
Who Can Claim Kela Reimbursements?
To receive reimbursement for telemedicine services, patients must:
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Be covered by Finnish health insurance.
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Use a registered private healthcare provider, like Medilux.
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Request an itemized receipt that specifies the nature and cost of the consultation.
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Submit the receipt to Kela using OmaKela (online service), the Kela mobile app, or via postal mail.
While Kela’s reimbursement does not typically cover the full cost, it helps ease the financial burden, especially for frequent users of healthcare services.
Why Telemedicine Matters for Insurers and Policymakers
For insurance companies and healthcare administrators, the rise of telemedicine is a strategic opportunity. Digital healthcare reduces overhead, improves patient outcomes through early intervention, and increases flexibility in treatment delivery.
As more providers, like Medilux, integrate reimbursement mechanisms into their platforms, insurers should consider:
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Promoting data-sharing agreements for seamless reimbursement.
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Offering supplemental insurance plans that cover the full cost of telehealth visits.
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Collaborating with Kela to expand the list of reimbursable services.
The alignment between Kela, private insurers, and digital healthcare providers can lead to a more sustainable and inclusive health ecosystem.
Telemedicine Is Here to Stay — And Kela Helps Support It
As Finland continues to lead in digital innovation, telemedicine stands out as a practical and patient-centered solution. Kela’s support for reimbursing eligible services helps ensure that this innovation benefits all citizens, regardless of location or income.
Companies like Medilux are not only proving the viability of remote care—they’re showing how it can be made affordable, secure, and effective. For patients, insurers, and healthcare policymakers alike, telemedicine represents the next chapter in public health—and Kela is helping write it.