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Appointments with a private general practitioner for persons aged 65 or over

If you are 65 or older, you can see a private general practitioner at the price of the local user fee charged by public healthcare providers. This system is available from 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2027 as part of a pilot study on freedom of choice in healthcare for persons aged 65 or over.

The pilot study begins on 1 September 2025

If you are 65 or older, you can see a private general practitioner from 1 September onwards at the price of the local user fee charged by public healthcare providers.

Can you see a private general practitioner?

If you are 65 or older, you can see a private general practitioner from 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2027 at the price of the local user fee charged by public healthcare providers.

In addition, you will only have to pay half of the price of certain examinations or tests ordered by your doctor during your appointment. 

We will publish a list of the Kela reimbursement rates for various doctor’s appointments, examinations and tests at a later date.

You can get treatment and undergo examinations and tests at the prices listed for the pilot study only if you choose a general practitioner who is part of the pilot study.

How much do you have to pay for each appointment?

You can see a private general practitioner at the price of the local user fee charged by public healthcare providers for a set number of times in each year of the pilot study. The local user fee is EUR 28.20 or less in 2025.

In 2025, the first year of the pilot study, you can see a private general practitioner twice at the price of the local user fee. In 2026 and 2027, you can have up to 3 appointments at this price in each calendar year. The appointments can be in-person appointments or remote video or phone appointments. Visit the OmaKela e-service to see how many appointments you have left.

You will also have to pay half (50%) of the maximum price of certain examinations or tests your doctor orders for you during your appointments.

You do not have to pay any separate service fees, administrative fees or other costs.

During the pilot study, you also have the right to other reimbursements Kela pays for private medical care costs. For example, Kela will reimburse EUR 8 for a chat appointment and EUR 30 for appointments with other private practitioners.

Example 1 of examinations and tests

The doctor orders a laboratory test for Anna. Its maximum price is EUR 12. The clinic also charges a laboratory fee of up to EUR 30. Anna pays EUR 21. This is half of the total costs.

Example 2 of examinations and tests

The doctor orders a lung X-ray for Matti. Its maximum price is EUR 97. The clinic does not charge a separate imaging fee for the X-ray. Matti pays EUR 48.50. This is half of the total costs.

Search for private clinics and general practitioners

Our search tool for private clinics and general practitioners that participate in the pilot study will become available on 1 September.

You can get treatment at the price of the local user fee charged by public healthcare providers only if the private general practitioner or clinic you have chosen is participating in the pilot study and has signed an agreement with Kela.

Remember to bring your Kela card or ID card

Show your Kela card or ID card at the clinic. The clinic will charge you for the appointment and any examinations or tests ordered by your doctor. The fees you have to pay at the clinic will not exceed the rates that apply during the pilot study. This means that you do not need to apply for any reimbursements for the costs of treatment, examinations or tests afterwards.

Reimbursement of travel costs

You can get reimbursement from Kela for the costs of your trips to a private clinic. To qualify for reimbursement, each trip must be made due to an illness for which you have been given treatment that is reimbursable by Kela.

Would you like to participate in the pilot study as a service provider?

Read more (Partner Organisations section, in Finnish).

Do you still have questions?

Call Kela’s customer service.

020 634 2650
020 634 2650

 

Last modified 27/6/2025