For foreign workers and expats
Everything you need to get healthcare in Estonia as a foreign worker, expat, or resident in Tallinn - in English.
Ready to register?
Fill out the registration form online.
How does primary care work in Estonia?
In Estonia, primary healthcare is provided through a family doctor system. Every resident can choose a family doctor and register on that doctor's patient list (nimistu in Estonian).
Your family doctor (and family nurse) is your first point of contact for:
- non-emergency health issues and illness
- repeat prescriptions and medication renewals
- sick leave certificates (töövõimetusleht)
- referrals to specialist doctors
- preventive care and screenings
- health certificates (driving licence, work health checks, etc.)
Being on a patient list is not mandatory but is strongly recommended - it ensures you can access covered services for free (or at reduced cost) under Estonian health insurance.
Who can register with us?
- Estonian residents with an Estonian ID (isikukood) - everyone is welcome.
- EU/EEA citizens living and working in Estonia - if registered in the Estonian population register, you will have an isikukood.
- Non-EU nationals with a valid residence permit - you will have an isikukood issued with your permit.
- Short-term visitors (<3 months) - you can be seen as an uninsured patient at the fee-paying rate (see price list).
What does Estonian health insurance cover?
Estonian health insurance (Tervisekassa) covers most primary care services at no cost to the patient, provided you are insured. You are insured if:
- you are employed in Estonia and your employer pays social tax on your behalf, or
- you are registered as a self-employed person (FIE) and pay social tax yourself, or
- you are a dependent family member of an insured person (spouse, child), or
- you are on a registered parental leave, pregnancy benefit, or other qualifying status.
If you are not insured, you can still be seen at the fee-paying rate - see our price list. A GP visit for an uninsured patient costs 55 €.
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card): EHIC covers medically necessary care during temporary visits to Estonia. It does not replace Estonian health insurance for residents. If you live and work in Estonia long-term, you should register with Tervisekassa rather than relying on EHIC.
How to register - step by step
Get an Estonian personal ID code (isikukood)
You need an isikukood to join the patient list. EU citizens can register their residency in Estonia at the local government office or the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). Non-EU residents with a valid permit already have one.
Choose your doctor and fill in the registration form
Fill out our online registration form. Choose one of our four family doctors. The form takes about 5 minutes.
Registration is confirmed
We will contact you within a few working days to confirm. The formal registration with Tervisekassa is handled via eesti.ee or in person at our reception (3rd floor, cabinet 104).
Set up your patient portal account
Once registered, create an account on e-Perearstikeskus - the national patient portal. This is where you book appointments, request prescriptions, send messages to your doctor, and see your test results. No phone queue, available 24/7.
e-Perearstikeskus - your patient portal
Book appointments, request repeat prescriptions, message your doctor - 24/7, no phone queue.
After-hours care
Our clinic is open Monday to Friday, 8:00-18:00. Outside these hours:
Life-threatening emergency
Call 112. Ambulance service available in Estonian, Russian, English.
Serious, not life-threatening
EMO - Hospital Emergency Department. Nearest: North Estonia Medical Centre (Sütiste tee 19, Tallinn).
Need a doctor visit today (after hours)
Valvekliinik - 5 911 0909. Walk-in clinic in the same building (Ülemiste Tervisemaja 2). Open Mon-Sat. Fee applies.
Need medical advice (non-emergency)
1220 - GP advice line. Daily 8:00-22:00. Estonian language only. Free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
You need an Estonian personal identification code (isikukood) - an 11-digit number assigned to all Estonian residents. You do not need an Estonian ID card (the physical card) to register online. However, to log into digital services like e-Perearstikeskus, you will need a compatible authentication method (Mobile-ID, Smart-ID, or an ID card reader).
If you are from an EU country and have moved to Estonia, register your residence at your local government office to get an isikukood.
Yes. Uninsured patients can be seen at our clinic at fee-paying rates. A GP appointment costs 55 €, a nurse appointment 30 €. Payment by card only, on-site. See the full price list.
EHIC provides cover for medically necessary treatment during temporary visits to Estonia (generally stays under 3 months). For residents living and working in Estonia long-term, EHIC does not replace Estonian health insurance. You should register with Tervisekassa based on your employment status.
Request a repeat prescription via e-Perearstikeskus (the patient portal). Standard repeat prescriptions are processed within 5 working days. You can also call us at +372 613 8887.
Prescriptions in Estonia are electronic - you do not receive a paper prescription. Your pharmacist can look up your prescription using your ID code.
Sick leave (töövõimetusleht) must be opened on the same day you fall ill - it cannot be backdated. Contact us via e-Perearstikeskus or by phone on the first day of illness. The sick leave certificate is electronic and goes directly to Tervisekassa - your employer will be notified automatically.
Yes, as fee-paying (uninsured) patients. A GP visit costs 55 €. If you have an EHIC card, it may cover medically necessary care - bring it to your appointment and we will help process it.
Our location
SL Tervisekeskus
Sepapaja 12/1, 3rd floor
11415 Tallinn, Estonia
Ülemiste Tervisemaja 2 (von Baeri maja), Ülemiste City
+372 613 8887 - Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00
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