Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The main health issues to be aware of are extreme climates (with the potential for nasties
like hypothermia, frostbite or viral infections such as influenza) and biting insects such as
horseflies and mosquitoes, though they're more of an annoyance than a real health risk.
Specific travel vaccinations are not required for visitors to Finland.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) are covered for emergency medical
treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though they will be
liable to pay a daily or per-appointment fee as a Finn would; see
www.kela.fi
for details. En-
quire about EHICs at your health centre, travel agency or (in some countries) post office
well in advance of travel. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciproc-
al arrangement for free medical care between their country and Finland. If not, health insur-
ance is recommended.
Insurance
A travel insurance policy to cover theft, personal liability, loss and medical problems is re-
commended. There's a variety of policies available. Travel insurance also usually covers
cancellation or delays in travel arrangements; for example, if you fall seriously ill two days
before departure.
Buy insurance as early as possible. If you buy it the week before you are due to fly, you
may find that you're not covered for delays to your flight caused by strikes or other industri-
al actions that may have been in force before you took out the insurance.
Browse extensively online to find the best rates.
Paying for your airline ticket with a credit card often provides limited travel accident insur-
ance, and you may be able to reclaim the payment if the operator doesn't deliver.
Certain bank accounts offer their holders automatic travel insurance.
Make sure you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible health scenario if you
aren't already covered. Make sure it covers you for any activities you plan to do, like skiing.
Be sure to check the small print. Also find out in advance if your insurance plan will make
payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings.
You can buy,
extend and claim online anytime - even if you're already on the road.
Internet Access
Public libraries always have at least one free internet terminal; there's usually a time limit.
Many tourist offices have an internet terminal that you can use for free (usually 15 minutes).
