Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement Between Australia and Finland: Everything You Need to Know
The reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Finland is a great benefit for citizens of both countries. It allows individuals to receive necessary medical treatment without incurring excessive costs while traveling or living abroad.
The agreement was first established in 1985 and has been in effect since then. It is based on the principle of mutual benefit, whereby citizens of both countries are entitled to receive medically necessary treatment on the same basis as residents of the country in which they are receiving care.
What is covered under the agreement?
Under the reciprocal healthcare agreement, Australian citizens visiting Finland or Finnish citizens visiting Australia are entitled to receive treatment for any medical condition that may arise during their stay. This includes treatment for acute and chronic conditions, as well as pre-existing conditions.
Visitors to either country can access necessary medical treatment from public hospitals, general practitioners, and specialists. It is important to note that the reciprocal healthcare agreement does not cover elective medical treatment or medical treatment that is not deemed necessary.
How does it work?
The reciprocal healthcare agreement works by allowing Australian citizens and Finnish citizens to access medical treatment in the other country under the same conditions as residents. This means that visitors can access necessary medical treatment from the public healthcare system in either country without having to pay any additional fees.
In order to access medical treatment under the reciprocal healthcare agreement, visitors must present their passport and either an Australian or Finnish Medicare card. It is important to note that visitors must be eligible for Medicare in Australia or Kela in Finland to access the reciprocal healthcare agreement.
What are the benefits?
The reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Finland offers a number of benefits for citizens of both countries. It provides peace of mind for travelers, knowing that they can access necessary medical treatment without incurring excessive costs.
Additionally, the agreement helps to promote the free movement of people between Australia and Finland. It allows citizens to travel and live in either country without having to worry about the financial burden of medical treatment.
In conclusion, the reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Finland is a great benefit for citizens of both countries. It allows individuals to receive necessary medical treatment without incurring excessive costs while traveling or living abroad. If you are planning to visit either country, make sure to familiarize yourself with the details of the agreement and bring your Medicare or Kela card with you for easy access to healthcare.
