Healthcare

Healthcare in Saaremaa and Estonia

Estonia has a well‑organised public healthcare system, where the family physician (GP) is the first point of contact for most health concerns. Residents are not automatically assigned a family doctor — once you have a registered address in Estonia and valid health insurance, you can apply to a family physician yourself.

Health insurance depends on your status:

• EU citizens are covered during temporary stays with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you live and work in Estonia, insurance is usually provided through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund.
• Non‑EU citizens typically receive health insurance through employment (via social tax paid by the employer) or through private insurance required for a residence permit.

Your employer usually assists with arranging health insurance and explains how access to healthcare works in practice.

Until you are registered with a family doctor:

• In a medical emergency, call 112.
• For medical advice, the Family Physician Helpline (1220) is available (service in English daily from 9:00–17:00; from abroad +372 634 6630).
• In Saaremaa, urgent medical care is provided by the Emergency Medicine Department at Kuressaare Hospital.

Saaremaa offers essential healthcare services close to home, with additional specialised care available on the mainland when needed.