Expat Healthcare in Estonia

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Estonia, a small Baltic country renowned for its digital dynamism, is attracting more and more expatriates. If you’re considering moving there, healthcare is a crucial consideration. Discover everything you need to know about the Estonian healthcare system, its accessibility for expatriates, and the options available for optimal coverage.

A High-Performing Healthcare System Accessible to Expatriates

Estonia boasts a modern and efficient healthcare system, the result of significant reforms implemented since its independence. Expatriates can benefit from the same services as Estonian residents, provided they contribute to the national health insurance system.

The Estonian healthcare system is based on a mandatory social insurance model, funded by a social tax paid by employers. Covered individuals have access to most medical services free of charge or at a low cost. Expatriates working legally in Estonia are automatically enrolled in the national health insurance system.

For primary care, each patient is assigned a family doctor who acts as a care coordinator. This system enables personalized follow-up and facilitates access to specialists when needed. Wait times are generally short, although some specialties may have longer waiting periods.

Estonia has also developed a highly advanced digital health system. Estonian e-health allows patients to easily access their medical records, book appointments online, and even view certain test results remotely. This digitalization greatly simplifies the care pathway, including for expatriates.

Healthcare Budget in Estonia: Controlled Costs for Expatriates

Compared to other European countries, the cost of healthcare in Estonia remains relatively moderate. However, it’s important to budget according to your needs, especially if you opt for supplementary private insurance.

For individuals covered by national health insurance:

• General practitioner consultation: free
• Specialist consultation (with referral from family doctor): co-payment of 5 to 7 euros
• Hospitalization: 2.50 euros per day, capped at 25 euros per hospitalization
• Prescription drugs: partial reimbursement depending on the type of medication (from 50% to 100%)

For an expatriate family, it is recommended to budget approximately 1000 to 1500 euros annually to cover costs not reimbursed by national insurance (co-payments, medications, dental care, etc.).

If you opt for supplementary private health insurance, prices vary depending on the scope of coverage and your profile. On average, expect:

• 200 to 300 euros per month for comprehensive individual coverage
• 400 to 600 euros per month for a family of 4

These private insurances notably provide easier access to private clinics, private rooms during hospitalization, and coverage for certain treatments not covered by national insurance (such as orthodontics or certain optical treatments).

The Best Private Clinics in Estonia: Medical Excellence Serving Expatriates

Although the Estonian public system is of good quality, many expatriates choose to turn to private clinics for additional services and reduced wait times. Here is a selection of the best private clinics in Estonia, renowned for their medical excellence and welcome of international patients:

1. Fertilitas Private Hospital (Tallinn) Specializing in gynecology, obstetrics, and medically assisted reproduction, this clinic is recognized for its expertise and state-of-the-art equipment. It attracts many foreign patients for fertility treatments.

2. Medicum (Tallinn) This large private medical center offers a wide range of services, from general medicine to specialties like cardiology, dermatology, or orthopedics. Medicum is appreciated for its quality of care and short wait times.

3. Confido Private Medical Centre (Tallinn and Tartu) With several facilities in major Estonian cities, Confido provides comprehensive medical services, including customized health check-ups for expatriates. The clinic is known for its personalized approach and multilingual staff.

4. Qvalitas Medical Centre (Tallinn) This clinic stands out for its preventive medicine offerings and occupational health programs. It is particularly favored by international companies for the medical monitoring of their expatriate employees.

5. Elite Clinic (Tallinn) Specializing in cosmetic surgery and anti-aging treatments, Elite Clinic attracts an international clientele thanks to its competitive prices and the reputation of its surgeons.

These private clinics generally offer services in English and sometimes other languages, thus facilitating the care of expatriate patients. The fees, although higher than in the public sector, remain competitive compared to other European countries.

Tips for Optimal Health Coverage in Estonia

To fully benefit from the Estonian healthcare system as an expatriate, here are some recommendations:

1. Ensure you are properly registered with the national health insurance system upon your arrival.

2. Choose a family doctor who speaks English to facilitate your consultations.

3. Familiarize yourself with the Estonian e-health portal to efficiently manage your appointments and track your medical records.

4. Consider supplementary private health insurance for broader coverage, especially for dental and optical care.

5. If you have a chronic condition, inquire about disease management programs offered by the Estonian healthcare system.

6. Don’t hesitate to request comparative quotes from different private clinics for non-urgent treatments.

Estonia offers a quality medical environment, combining the efficiency of the public system and the excellence of private clinics. With proper preparation and suitable coverage, expatriates can confidently approach their life in Estonia, assured of receiving healthcare that meets European standards.