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Healthcare in Estonia
Estonia has a good standard of healthcare and was recently ranked in fourth place in an EU study on healthcare. Estonia’s medical professionals are very well trained but they sometimes lack resources and equipment. Healthcare in Estonia is not always free (even for Estonians) and travellers are advised to check with doctors and hospitals about charges.
European Economic Area countries (EEA)
All European Union member states have reciprocal health agreements with all countries in the EEA. In addition to EU members, the group includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Although Switzerland is not an EEA member, it has bilateral agreements with this group.
All visitors from countries not listed above should obtain private medical insurance; many embassies of the EEA countries also recommend private insurance as a precaution.
European Healthcare Insurance Cards (EHIC)
A European Health Insurance Card permits travellers from the European Economic Area (EEA) to free and subsidised medical treatment for illness and injury that happens during their stay in one of the EEA countries. Treatment must be carried out in state run institutions and not private medical facilities. The card also covers treatment for chronic disease, existing illness and routine maternity care. Travellers in need of kidney dialysis or oxygen therapy whilst they are abroad must arrange their treatment before they travel.
The card is obtained from your home country’s health authority and you should apply for it in advance of your visit. Most health authorities have their own website, which tells you how to apply.
The EHIC does not cover you for medical and dental tourism, where obtaining medical treatment is the purpose of your visit. Nor does it cover the costs of transferring you (or in the event of death, your body) to another country for treatment, although if that country is an EEA member it will cover the costs of treatment there.
Visitors in need of medical care must be certain it is necessary and has occurred during their stay in Estonia. If your illness or injury is not a medical emergency you will have to pay for any treatment you receive. Remember, a sprained ankle is unlikely to be deemed as a medical emergency, when a little rest will cure the problem and treatment for such a minor injury can prove to be very expensive and is unlikely to be reimbursed through the EHIC scheme when you get back home.