Digi Citizen
Kela
Between 2009 and 2012, when I studied in vocational school, I received student aid from Kela. After that, I have not used their services very much. However, I have regularly paid the higher education student healthcare fee to Kela. During my studies, luckily I have not needed these healthcare services.
According to Kela’s website, my accumulated annual deductible for medicine in 2026 is 9,13e, and the annual deductible limit is 636,12e, so there is still quite a long way to reach the limit. In 2025, my accumulated deductible was 99,79e, so it is unlikely that I will exceed the limit this year either.
I have a Kela card, which means I am entitled to Kela reimbursements, meaning health insurance compensations paid by Kela. I need the Kela card to prove my right to reimbursement at private doctor and private dentist appointments that cannot yet check my information through the digital services.
Although I do not personally use Kela’s services very much, my work as a social instructor in substance abuse rehabilitation means that I am in daily contact with Kela. For most of my clients, their main source of income consists of Kela benefits.
I did not have a European health card before this assignment, but now I ordered it from KELA. I’m not a big traveller outside of Finland, so I have not needed one. I understand the value of having one, especially from my friends and my relatives who travel alot in Europe and accidents happen, especially to them.
Omakanta
When logging in to Omakanta, I was directed to Suomi.fi identification, where users can choose a suitable electronic identification method, such as banking credentials. I logged in using my online banking credentials with the help of my bank’s mobile application.
In Omakanta, you can view your own social and healthcare information and easily submit requests, for example, prescription renewals etc.
As I work in the social and healthcare sector, Kanta.fi also organizes training and helps to make client and patient work smoother only if the client has given permission for this. Through the Kanta-service, it is also possible to see entries made by different organizations that use different patient information systems. This helps communication and helps professionals get an updated picture of the client’s situation.
Kela
Retiring at the age of 63 is not possible for me. My earliest retirement age is 67 years and 9 months. If I retired then, my pension would not be very high. The calculator uses a lower monthly income than my actual salary, so I truly hope the estimate is too low.
Online shopping
I explored the Zalando website to learn more about how it works.
Zalando is an online fashion retailer that sells clothes, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. Unlike other websites, Zalando is a real online store where customers can buy products directly from the website and pay there.
On the website, users can find product descriptions, prices, sizes, customer reviews, different delivery options, and return policies. The site shows pictures of the products, which helps customers make decisions.
Zalando offers different payment methods, such as credit cards and other safe online payment options. The website uses secure connections to protect customer information, which increases trust in the website. Also, Zalando has clear return policies, and customers can return products if they are not fully satisfied.
Zalando is a well-known company in Europe. Based on its transparency, customer reviews, and security features, it can be considered a reliable online store.
Mielenterveystalo.fi
From my own field, I chose the Mielenterveystalo (Mental Hub) website. I selected it because I work in substance abuse rehabilitation, and the service provides reliable information and support related to mental health. It can be useful both for the clients and their helpers.
My experiences with the service have been positive. The website offers clear information about different mental health topics, self-care, and available services. It is easy to use and provides verified content. I find it useful in my work because it supports what I discuss with clients and provides more information when I need it. I have also found the self-help programs particularly helpful for some clients.
Overall, I believe Mielenterveystalo is a valuable and reliable service in the field of mental health and substance abuse work.
Digitalization and the Digital Divide
Digitalization has changed many services, for example banking, shopping, communication services and healthcare. However, not everyone uses digital services. This can create a digital divide between people who have access to technology and those who do not.
People who do not use digital services may face several risks and challenges. Many important services are now almost only available online, which can make it difficult to manage daily tasks without digital skills or access to digital devices. For example, booking appointments, paying bills, or applying for services can require internet access. This may lead to difficulties in accessing essential services.
Another challenge is that a lack of digital skills can cause anxiety or can cause a drift. Also, access to information, education, and job opportunities may be limited. Not all services are available in paper form anymore, which can increase inequality to those who do not have access to digital devices. In my own field, I see this issue almost every day. Clients in substance abuse rehabilitation are often in a more vulnerable position because everyone doesn’t has a mobile phone or access to digital services. That is why I can see the inequality aspect of digitalization very closely in my daily work.
Although digitalization brings many benefits, it is important to help people who do not use digital services in order to reduce inequality and the digital divide.
Self-assessment
From this digital competence test I learned that I have the basics learned, but a lot to learn from especially the production section. In my work in health and social services, we use a lot of different digital tools, but in my everyday life, I stick with what I know and feel comfortable using. I could learn a lot by just exploring different sites and using different tools, but I’d rather be comfortable being very good at a few, rather than being okay with a lot of them. Also, I feel that I can teach my clients on the basics of how to use these simple digital tools in their life, and for me that is more important, because some of my clients don’t have everyday access to digital services.
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