EU comparison: Finland’s healthcare system is strong in many respects, but access to care is not equally realised
The health status of people in Finland is in many respects better than the EU average, and the service system is fairly comprehensive. However, a recent country report by the OECD and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies indicates that access to care is not realised equally in Finland. In 2024, 12.4% of those who required medical care reported that they had not received the services they needed. The share is the second highest in the EU.
“The report points to disparities in the availability of services among the population. People at risk of poverty are almost twice as likely as others to find themselves in a situation in which their healthcare needs are not met. In developing the system, it’s important to identify those people for whom access to care is most difficult,” says Chief Researcher Liina-Kaisa Tynkkynen from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Healthcare and social welfare reform improved service integration
According to the report, the reform that established the wellbeing services counties has enhanced the integration of services and clarified responsibilities, but the counties’ tight financial situation raises concerns about the system’s sustainability.
Per capita health spending in Finland is close to the EU average, and the share of public funding rose to 81% in 2023, the highest level in twenty years.
However, the cost-containment measures introduced in January 2025 increased client fees (copayments) in primary and specialist healthcare, which may weaken access to services, particularly among low-income and high-need users.
Workforce shortages and digital solutions are shaping services
According to the report, shortages of healthcare personnel continue to disrupt the continuity of services. Although Finland trains a large number of nurses, the supply of physicians is slightly below the EU average and regionally uneven.
Positive developments have taken place in digital services, which have become a key part of everyday primary healthcare thanks to public investments. The use of online health services is among the highest in the EU: in 2024, nearly three in four Finns accessed their health records online, and digital clinics operate as the first point of contact in all wellbeing services counties.
Rising obesity and youth distress are causes for concern
While avoidable mortality from treatable causes continues to decline, mortality related to alcohol, suicides and smoking remains high in Finland.
Rising obesity and mental health problems, particularly among young people, reflect growing public health challenges.
Positive findings are that the report notes that levels of physical activity in Finland are among the highest in the EU, while daily smoking rates are among the lowest.
Finland among the leaders in cancer screening and reducing antibiotic consumption
Finland ranks among the EU leaders in cancer screening participation. National screening programmes for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer are well established, and coverage is particularly high among women.
Finland has also succeeded in reducing antibiotic consumption, which has already fallen below the national target for 2030. According to the report, this result reflects Finland’s strong surveillance systems, effective prescribing controls and high-performing primary healthcare.
The State of Health in the EU – Country Health Profile 2025 report is part of an EU-wide monitoring process examining population health, its determinants and service systems, which aims to support evidence-based decision-making and mutual learning between countries.
Enquiries
Pasi Pohjola
Director of Strategic Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
tel. +358 295 163 585
[email protected]
Liina-Kaisa Tynkkynen
Chief Researcher, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 295 248 517
[email protected]
Finland:Country Health Profile 2025 (State of Health in the EU)
