Physiotherapist at work. LEHTIKUVA
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Kela reimbursements for private healthcare will expand from 1 May 2025 following a decision by Parliament. The changes will reintroduce reimbursement for physiotherapy and increase reimbursement levels for dental care and gynaecological services.
From May, Kela will reimburse up to four physiotherapy sessions per calendar year.
The benefit will be available without a doctor’s referral. The previous reimbursement scheme ended in 2022, when approximately 143,000 customers received payments totalling around €7.3 million.
Dental care reimbursement will also expand. Customers will be eligible for reimbursement twice per year for visits to dental hygienists without a referral. Reimbursement for oral health examinations will continue to be available once every two years. With a referral, patients may still receive reimbursement for up to 15 hygienist appointments over two years.
The amount of reimbursement for private dental care will increase. In 2024, about 934,000 customers received reimbursements, which totalled approximately €50 million.
Gynaecology services will also receive higher reimbursement rates. In 2024, around 260,000 customers were reimbursed €8.6 million for appointments with private gynaecologists.
The reimbursement changes form part of a staged reform of Kela’s private healthcare support scheme. The reimbursement criteria and maximum amounts are set by government decree. Kela will confirm and publish the new rates ahead of implementation.
Merja Larikka, Senior Coordinator at Kela, said the adjustments are intended to improve access to care and patient choice.
The reform follows government plans to restructure Kela reimbursements to support broader healthcare goals.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
