Do I need Travel Insurance for Finland?

With its stunning lakes and frozen woodland, as well as the capital, Helsinki, Finland is a perfect tourist trip for both nature lovers and those who want to experience a different culture and let their hair down in a welcoming city with plenty of varied nightlife options. Among the top five attractions in Finland is the stunning architecture of the Old Rauma World Heritage site, an outstanding example of an old Nordic city constructed in wood. There’s also Lapland and its beautiful capital, Rovaniemi, the official Finnish home to Santa Claus, and St. Olaf’s Castle - a picturesque water-bound castle at the heart of Finland’s lakeland. Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town, is a destination known for its unique and picturesque wooden homes - and a must-see. The city of Kemi is also known for its iconic snow castle, which serves as a venue for weddings and live musical performances. Guests can even stay overnight in the snow hotel. Aside from these attractions, there are the vast expanses of Finland’s national parks - which are perfect for winter and outdoor sports - or even, at the right time of year, viewing the Northern Lights.

To travel to Finland for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days you will need a Finland Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls between each other. If you are traveling to Finland, AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Finland and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Finland cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$36) of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Finland?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Finland. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Finland visa application?

Yes! For over 10 years, AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Finland visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Finland your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Finland - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

As the saying goes "Better safe than sorry". Even though Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Finland?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Finland?

Security: Crime levels are low in Finland. The tourist season attracts pickpockets in crowded areas. Take sensible precautions and keep your personal belongings, including passports and money, secure.

Public transport: Finland's coach (or bus) network is one of the most comprehensive in Europe, covering more than 90 percent of public roads. If the rail network doesn't reach your Finnish destination, a coach most likely will. Plus, with Finland’s amazing scenery, riding a coach is a good way to relax during your trip.

Opening hours: Most shops are open until 6 pm or 8 pm on weekdays and close between 3 pm and 6 pm on Saturdays. Some are open until 6 pm on Sundays, while others are closed.

Driving license: All driving licenses issued in states recognized by Finland are valid for driving on the country’s mainland.

Restaurants: Restaurant opening times were restricted at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic but bars and restaurants are now allowed to open again until midnight - or in some cases, especially in cities, later. Meals in restaurants are served from 6 pm onwards.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Finland and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Finland you can find out more, here.