do not pay the fee<\/strong> and are not eligible to use FSHS services:<\/p>\n\n\n\nStudents enrolled as non-attending, exchange students (who are not completing a degree in Finland), open university students, postgraduate students (such as doctoral students) and other students in non-degree programmes. other students in non-degree programmes do not pay the healthcare fee for higher education students. Furthermore, the fee is not paid by students whose social security is covered by another EU or EEA country, Switzerland, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the EU. However, they are still entitled to use FSHS services.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fee Amount and Due Dates (in 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAmount:<\/strong> \u20ac35.35 per semester (\u20ac70.70 per year).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to pay:<\/strong> Kela will not send you an invoice; you must remember to pay the fee independently via the OmaKela e-service. A reminder letter is sent approximately 3 weeks before the due date.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDue Dates:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSpring semester:<\/strong> 15 March (if you have registered as attending by 31 January).<\/p>\n\n\n\nAutumn semester:<\/strong> 15 November (if you have registered as attending by 30 September).<\/p>\n\n\n\nNon-payment and Collection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf the fee is not paid by the due date, Kela will send a payment reminder and charge a fixed late-payment fee of \u20ac5<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImportant:<\/strong> Do not pay the fee using the standard form in OmaKela after the due date has passed. Instead, wait for the official payment reminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf the fee remains unpaid despite the reminder, Kela can deduct the amount directly from your study grant (opintoraha<\/em>) or transfer the matter to the enforcement authorities for collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\nErrors and Unclear Situations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you pay the fee but are not actually liable for it (for example, if you change your registration status to non-attending later on), Kela will refund the money automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note:<\/strong> The fee must still be paid by the due date, and it will be refunded later if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEuropean Health Insurance Card (EHIC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogi.savonia.fi\/marjaaronia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15261\/2026\/06\/image-7.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is it and who can get it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card issued by Kela in either Finnish or Swedish. You are entitled to the card if you are covered by National Health Insurance in Finland, or if Finland is responsible for your healthcare costs (for example, if you live abroad but receive a pension solely from Finland).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The card is valid for 5 years<\/strong> (if ordered after 15 January 2026), and Kela will automatically renew it when it expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere is the card accepted and where is it not?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe European Health Insurance Card is accepted in EU and EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom<\/strong>. It is valid in the public healthcare system and with private doctors who have a contract with the country’s social insurance institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNote:<\/strong> The European Health Insurance Card is not needed<\/strong> in the Nordic countries (you can receive medical care simply by showing a Finnish passport or identity card).The European Health Insurance Card is not accepted in Finland<\/strong> (with the exception of Finnish pensioners living abroad during their visits to Finland).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat care does the card cover and how much does it cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe card entitles you to medically necessary treatment<\/strong> that cannot wait until you return home (e.g., sudden illness, accidents, pregnancy-related care, or chronic conditions). The card does not<\/strong> cover treatment if you travel abroad specifically for the purpose of seeking medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou will receive treatment at the local co-payment rate (the same price paid by residents of that country). If the card is not accepted or you forget it, you can apply for a reimbursement from Kela afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip:<\/strong> The card and travel insurance complement each other, so it is highly recommended to have both when traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to apply for the card?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can easily apply for the card (also for a child) in OmaKela<\/strong>, by calling Kela\u2019s customer service, or by mailing a paper form (SV 193). The card will arrive at your home address within approximately 2 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMY KANTA (OmaKanta)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat can you see in My Kanta?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn My Kanta, you can view all your prescribed prescriptions, their validity period, and how much medication you have left. You can also request a prescription renewal directly through the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The service includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Medical records:<\/strong> Text entries written by doctors and nurses about your visits and diagnoses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Test results:<\/strong> Laboratory test results and X-ray reports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vaccinations:<\/strong> Information on vaccines you have received.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Living wills:<\/strong> You can log your organ donation testament and living will (hoitotahto<\/em>) in the service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Minors and My Kanta<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nChildren over the age of 10 can usually log into My Kanta independently using their own means of identification (if obtained from a bank or mobile operator) to view their own records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a rule, guardians can view the records of their minor children records through My Kanta. In healthcare, a professional will assess the minor’s maturity to make decisions about their own care. If the young person is deemed mature enough to decide on their treatment, they can choose to withhold the records of that specific visit from their guardians in My Kanta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to use the service?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Go to kanta.fi<\/strong> and select “Log in to My Kanta”<\/strong> (Kirjaudu OmaKantaan<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Log in using your electronic identification (such as your online banking codes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Upon your first login, you must accept the terms of service and choose how your data can be shared between different healthcare providers records through My Kanta. In healthcare, a professional will assess the minor’s maturity to make decisions about their own care. If the young person is deemed mature enough to decide on their treatment, they can choose to withhold the records of that specific visit from their guardians in My Kanta.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
My Pension and Retirement Age<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMy personal minimum retirement age is 65 years and 1 month<\/strong>, which you will reach on 18 February 2031<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPension starts<\/strong><\/td>Pension age<\/strong><\/td>Milestone<\/strong><\/td>Pension amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>1 March 2031<\/strong><\/td>| 65 yrs 1 mo<\/td> | Minimum retirement age<\/td> | \u20ac2,007.75\/mo<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>1 June 2032<\/strong><\/td>| 66 yrs 4 mo<\/td> | Target retirement age<\/td> | \u20ac2,204.73\/mo<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>1 February 2036<\/strong><\/td>| 70 yrs<\/td> | Maximum age for accruing pension<\/td> | \u20ac2,832.40\/mo<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogi.savonia.fi\/marjaaronia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15261\/2026\/06\/image-9.png\") <\/figure>\n\n\n\nPENSION FROM A DEGREE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn Finland, completing a higher education degree accrues pension, as the state pays pension based on a fixed euro amount, treating it as a sort of “salary” for your time spent studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2026, pension accrues from studies based on a calculated monthly income of \u20ac907.41<\/strong>. The pension accrues from this amount at a rate of 1.5% per year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn practice, each year of study increases your monthly pension by approximately \u20ac13.61<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe law dictates a fixed target time (in months) for each degree. Your pension is calculated based on this target time, regardless of whether you graduate ahead of schedule or take longer to complete your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n UAS Degree (Bachelor’s)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe target time specified in the Pension Act is usually 3.5 to 4 years<\/strong> (the statutory calculation period is generally a maximum of 48 months). This adds approximately \u20ac48 to \u20ac54 per month<\/strong> to your future pension.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMaster’s Degree (UAS)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe target time specified in the Pension Act is usually 1 to 1.5 years<\/strong> (the statutory calculation period is a maximum of 18 months). This adds approximately \u20ac14 to \u20ac20 per month<\/strong> to your future pension.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCombined Effect (Bachelor’s + Master’s)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you have completed both degrees, they are added together. Combined, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from a university of applied sciences increase your future monthly pension by an estimated \u20ac62 to \u20ac74 per month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImportant Terms and Conditions to Keep in Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEffective date:<\/strong> Studies have only accrued pension since 1 January 2005. If you graduated before 2005, your study time unfortunately does not accrue pension.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGraduation required:<\/strong> Pension is only granted for a completed<\/em> degree. If you drop out or leave your studies unfinished, no pension will accrue for that study time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAge limit:<\/strong> Pension starts accruing from studies at the beginning of the month following your 18th birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWorking while studying:<\/strong> Working during your studies does not reduce your student pension. You will accumulate pension from both your wage income and your studies (as long as both fall within statutory limits).<\/p>\n\n\n\nIndex adjustments:<\/strong> These euro amounts are not “locked” to the present day; instead, they are adjusted annually using the cost-of-living index. When you eventually retire, the final sum will reflect the value of money at that specific time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nONLINE STORES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nShopping in online stores and using digital services is often effortless, but from a consumer’s perspective, there are vast differences between various platforms regarding price transparency, reliability, and the sufficiency of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAmazon is often cheaper than Finnish brick-and-mortar or online stores (especially for electronics, books, and specialty items). However, when ordering to Finland, it is important to note that the Finnish value-added tax (25.5% in 2026<\/strong>) and potential shipping costs will be added to the prices, which narrows the price advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProduct information, dimensions, and reviews are widely available. However, a major issue is the influx of “knockoff” items and AI-generated generic products descriptions, which requires extra alertness from the consumer. If a product is purchased directly from Amazon itself (or is “Fulfilled by Amazon”), returns and refunds work exceptionally smoothly. With third-party sellers, the risk is slightly higher, but Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee protects the buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n eBay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEspecially when it comes to used goods, collectibles, and spare parts, prices on eBay are a fraction of those found in local shops. However, when ordering from outside the EU (e.g., the USA or China), customs duties and value-added tax will be added on top, which must be paid via Posti or Customs before you can receive your package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since it is a marketplace, the quality of product information depends entirely on the individual seller. Images can be blurry, and condition ratings can be subjective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n eBay itself is a reliable platform, and using PayPal or eBay’s own buyer protection (eBay Money Back Guarantee<\/em>) protects your money effectively. However, scams do occur, so a seller’s ratings must always be checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel and Accommodation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBooking.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBooking.com often displays “Genius discounts,” but the price is rarely significantly cheaper than booking directly through the hotel\u2019s own website. Sometimes, booking directly gets you a better room or includes breakfast as a bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cancellation policies, room amenities, and genuine reviews from other travelers are clearly displayed. The consumer knows exactly what they are buying. While the platform itself is official and reliable, there has been a lot of phishing carried out under the name of Booking.com in recent years (scammers hijack hotel systems and send messages to customers), so you must be very careful with payment-related messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trivago<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTrivago does not sell anything itself; instead, it is a meta-search engine that compares prices from different booking sites (such as Booking.com, Expedia, etc.). It often finds the cheapest deal, but you need to pay close attention to the price comparison to see if taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trivago provides a general overview of the hotel, but the exact cancellation policies and room types must always be verified on the specific website to which Trivago redirects the consumer. The platform simply forwards the user. The risk lies in whether Trivago redirects the consumer to an unknown, lower-quality booking site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Airbnb<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAirbnb used to be significantly cheaper than hotels. Nowadays, cleaning fees, service fees, and local taxes increase the final price so much that for short stays, a local hotel is often the same price or even cheaper. For longer stays, Airbnb remains competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n House rules, cancellation policies, and the host’s profile are clearly visible. However, photos have a tendency to distort the size and condition of the apartments, making it essential to read reviews from other guests. Airbnb’s internal payment system protects the consumer (money is not released to the host until you have checked in and verified that the place is as advertised). You should never agree to communication or payment requests that take place outside the platform (for example, on WhatsApp).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary for the Consumer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPlatform<\/strong><\/td>Price vs. Local<\/strong><\/td>Information Sufficiency<\/strong><\/td>Reliability<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>Amazon<\/strong><\/td>| Cheaper (keep VAT in mind)<\/td> | Very comprehensive<\/td> | Very high<\/td><\/tr> | eBay<\/strong><\/td>| Very cheap (keep customs duties in mind)<\/td> | Variable, depends on the seller<\/td> | Good (with buyer protection)<\/td><\/tr> | Booking.com<\/strong><\/td>| On par with booking directly from the hotel<\/td> | Excellent<\/td> | Good (beware of phishing messages)<\/td><\/tr> | Trivago<\/strong><\/td>| Finds the cheapest, but requires alertness<\/td> | Superficially informative, redirects forward<\/td> | Reliable search engine<\/td><\/tr> | Airbnb<\/strong><\/td>| Often on par with hotels due to extra fees<\/td> | Good, reviews are essential<\/td> | Good (stay within the platform)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n While digital giants often offer a wider selection and easier comparison, a local Finnish store or a direct hotel booking provides the best and clearest consumer protection when issues arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparison of Safety Technology for the Elderly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Vivago \u2013 The Smart Predictor (Gathers Wellbeing Data)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nVivago is a Finnish brand and represents one of the most technologically advanced solutions on the market. It is not just a passive alarm, but a comprehensive wellbeing wristwatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The watch learns the user’s individual daily rhythm. It continuously measures micromovements, sleep, skin temperature, and electrical conductivity. If the watch notices that the user is exceptionally motionless (e.g., unconscious in bed or on the floor), it triggers an automatic alarm, even if the user is unable to press the button. It also detects if the watch is removed from the wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through the data, caregivers can see if a resident’s condition is deteriorating (e.g., an increase in restless nights), allowing help to be provided before anything happens. Vivago is particularly well-suited for people with memory disorders, care homes, and as a support for home care where continuous monitoring is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Tunstall \u2013 The Industry Giant and Reliable Rock<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTunstall is a global market leader, and most of the official safety phones provided by Finland’s wellbeing counties (municipalities) are Tunstall devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The traditional model is based on a 4G base station installed in the home and a waterproof alarm button worn on the wrist or around the neck. Today, they also offer mobile wristbands with GPS tracking. A vast number of peripheral devices can be connected to Tunstall’s hardware. If a resident belongs to a risk group, the system can be linked with door motion sensors, bed and chair sensors (which alarm if the resident gets up at night), stove guards, or fire alarms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The alarm goes directly to Tunstall’s own (or the municipality’s) 24\/7 emergency response center and caregiver dispatch. Tunstall is suitable for consumers who want a guaranteed, standardized, and official safety phone service for their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Experience:<\/strong> At our SiunSote care home, Kotoranta, we switched from Vivago to Tunstall. One of Tunstall’s advantages is, among other things, the pressure mat; when an elderly resident steps onto the mat, it triggers an alarm to inform the caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Other Options Are Available?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile Vivago and Tunstall represent the heavier-duty line, often geared toward professional use or provided through the municipality, there are excellent challengers on the market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Sensorem \u2013 The Modern Choice for Caregivers and Active Seniors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSensorem has rapidly gained popularity in the consumer market because it can be purchased directly by the consumer without going through a municipality-approved service process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Appearance and features:<\/strong> It looks exactly like a regular, stylish smartwatch. It includes built-in GPS tracking and a 4G connection, meaning it works anywhere (including at the grocery store or out in the woods).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Safety functions:<\/strong> The watch features an emergency button and automatic fall detection. When the button is pressed, the watch calls family members directly and sends their location on a map. If family members do not answer, the call is forwarded to Sensorem\u2019s own 24\/7 emergency response center.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- App integration:<\/strong> It comes with an excellent app for relatives, allowing them to track the senior’s location and set up “safe zones” (geofencing), which is incredibly helpful if a person with a memory disorder has a tendency to wander and get lost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Suvanto Care \u2013 Discreet Home Monitoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSuvanto Care approaches the matter from a different angle: they offer a solution where the senior does not necessarily need to wear anything on their wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small, discreet sensors (smart motion detectors) are installed around the home to learn the resident\u2019s daily routines (e.g., what time they wake up, whether they use the bathroom, or when the front door is opened). If a sensor detects an anomaly\u2014for instance, if the resident goes to the bathroom at night and does not return within 45 minutes\u2014the system concludes that they have fallen and alerts a caregiver or a relative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Consumer Smartwatches (Apple Watch \/ Samsung Galaxy Watch)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMany people nowadays purchase a standard smartwatch for their aging parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Pros:<\/strong> Both Apple and Samsung watches feature excellent, medically tested fall detection and SOS emergency call functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cons:<\/strong> They require a paired smartphone (or a more expensive cellular eSIM subscription for the watch) and need to be charged almost daily. Furthermore, they do not connect to an official safety dispatch center\u2014only to emergency services (112) or to a designated relative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Summary: Which System Suits Which Situation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSystem<\/strong><\/td>Where Does It Work?<\/strong><\/td>Best Features \/ Pros<\/strong><\/td>| Who Is It Best For?<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead> | | | |
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogi.savonia.fi\/marjaaronia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15261\/2026\/06\/image-11.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n