The healthcare services for exchange students are provided by the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa's (Pirha) Student Health Care Services for the citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA countries (and a few exceptions) and by private clinics for the citizens of non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries. More details can be found below.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.pirha.fi/palvelupaikkahakemisto/tullinkulman-opiskeluterveydenhuolto-tampere" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Student Health Care Centre Tullinkulma</a>*, Hammareninkatu 5 B, 3rd floor</li>
	<li>Book an appointment by calling +358 40 806 2454, Monday - Friday 8:15 - 12:00</li>
	<li>Walk-in service for advice or making an appointment, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 - 11:00</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
*The website is available only in Finnish at the moment, the English version will be published at some point
</blockquote>

<h3>Basic health care services</h3>

The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa's (Pirha) Student Health Care Centre Tullinkulma will provide basic healthcare services for exchange students of all campuses. The healthcare centre is located in the city centre close to Tampere railway station and the city centre campus. To see a public health nurse or a doctor you need to book an appointment by phone first. Doctor's appointments are subject to a charge, but nurse's appointments are free of charge. Exchange students are charged over 50 € for a missed appointment (public health nurse or a doctor) that has not been cancelled on time.

<ul>
	<li>Student Health Care Centre Tullinkulma, Hammareninkatu 5 B, 3rd floor
	<ul>
		<li>Book an appointment by calling +358 40 806 2454, Monday - Friday 8:15 - 12:00</li>
		<li>Walk-in service for advice or making an appointment, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 - 11:00</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Contact online: <a href="https://lomakkeet.pirha.fi/s.aspx?Q=00400128240&amp;CV9=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Contact request with the student health care services</a>
	<ul>
		<li>The online service is available partly in Finnish only (as on 24 August 2023)</li>
		<li>The service is available only for some EU countries with eIDAS login</li>
		<li>Click the link above, scroll down and click Ulkomaalaisen tunnistustavat</li>
		<li>Click your country's flag, if it is available and login with your national eIDAS</li>
		<li>The contact form is also in English, select Exchange student and Tampere University in the form</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Closed in summer and during Christmas holidays, 1 July - 31 July and 22 December - 1 January</li>
</ul>

The available basic services include services of nurse/doctor. Oral health care is offered by <a href="https://www.pirha.fi/en/web/english/oral-health-care" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa</a>. To use the services you do not need to be a member of a Student Union or to have a Finnish personal identity code right away, however, you need to <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/exchange-studies/information-exchange-students-university/registration-authorities-new-exchange-students" rel="noopener" target="_blank">complete the DVV registration</a> once you have arrived to Tampere. In addition to necessary medical treatment, exchange students also receive necessary preventive health care services, such as advice on contraception.

<blockquote>
A health care professional assesses the service need when the student contacts the service.
</blockquote>

Student Health Care Centre Tullinkulma is closed in the evenings and on weekends, so if you need medical attention during such times, contact either <a href="https://www.pirha.fi/en/web/english/contact-information" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa</a> or a private medical service (remember the proper health insurance policy). If you need urgent medical attention, see more information below.

<h3>You have to prove your entitlement to public health care services</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Students from the Nordic countries receive health care by presenting their national identity card or passport</li>
	<li>Citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries are entitled to necessary medical treatment through public health care if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card has to be ordered from their home countries before coming to Finland</li>
	<li>Students arriving from Australia are entitled to necessary medical treatment through public health care. Their right to public health care is proven with the Australian or another country’s passport which demonstrates their unlimited right of residence in Australia</li>
	<li>Students coming from Quebec in Canada have to apply for Kela’s Certificate of Entitlement to Medical Care in Finland in order to demonstrate their entitlement to public health care in Finland and receive it at the same fee as Finnish residents. Please see <a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/from-other-countries-to-finland-medical-care" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Medical care in Finland</a> for more details</li>
</ul>

<h3>Student health insurance and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)</h3>

An international health insurance is highly recommended to the EU/EEA/EFTA citizens as <a href="https://www.pirha.fi/en/web/english/contact-information" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa's</a> health care services have limited services for exchange students. If you do not have a European Health Insurance Card, a relevant valid document nor a proper health/travel insurance, you will be charged the full costs for the services (the actual expenses of medical care).

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/exchange-studies/pre-arrival-information-exchange-students/student-health-insurance-exchange-students" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Student health insurance for exchange students</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>Private medical services in Tampere</h3>

Your travel/health insurance may also cover medical consultation in private clinics. In case of minor injuries, private clinics are able to provide you with the assistance you require. Most of the private clinics are located in the city centre and are closed in the evenings and on weekends:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.terveystalo.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Terveystalo</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.pihlajalinna.fi/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pihlajalinna</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.pirte.fi/briefly-in-english/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pirte</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.mehilainen.fi/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mehiläinen</a></li>
</ul>

Before your visit, we recommend you to contact your insurance company first, which should direct you to a possible insurance partner, checks what your insurance policy covers when you use private medical services and provides you with a payment decision immediately. At the appointment, you will only pay the deductible for the treatment, if there is a deductible.

<ul>
</ul>

Citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA countries, Australia and Quebec

<h3>Basic healthcare services in the private medical services</h3>

Since you were required to take out <a href="https://migri.fi/en/insurance" rel="noopener" target="_blank">an insurance policy</a> when you applied for a residence permit, you are entitled to use only private medical services in Tampere. To see a nurse or a doctor you need to book an appointment by phone or online (if eligible) first. Please also remember to <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/exchange-studies/information-exchange-students-university/registration-authorities-new-exchange-students" rel="noopener" target="_blank">complete the DVV registration</a> once you have arrived to Tampere, but you can visit a doctor also before the DVV registration.

Your health insurance policy should cover basic medical consultation in private clinics. In case of minor injuries, most private clinics are able to provide you with the assistance you require. Most of the private clinics are located in the city centre and are closed in the evenings and on weekends:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.terveystalo.com/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Terveystalo</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.pihlajalinna.fi/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pihlajalinna</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.pirte.fi/briefly-in-english/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pirte</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.mehilainen.fi/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mehiläinen</a></li>
</ul>

Before your visit, we recommend you to contact your insurance company first, which should direct you to a possible insurance partner, checks what your insurance policy covers when you use private medical services and provides you with a payment decision immediately. At the appointment, you will only pay the deductible for the treatment, if there is a deductible.

The only exception are the citizens of the Province of Quebec in Canada and Australia, who are also eligible for The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa's (Pirha) Student Health Care Services and some other benefits. Please see <a href="https://www.kela.fi/web/en/from-other-countries-to-finland-medical-care" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Medical care in Finland</a> for more details and check the section above.

<ul>
</ul>

Citizens of the non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries

Tuberculosis is a rare disease in Finland. It has been almost completely eradicated due to good medical care. If you come from a <a href="https://thl.fi/documents/533963/1449651/Maaluettelo+17.3.2022.pdf/">country categorised in a risk group</a> (.pdf, in Finnish) where the occurrence of tuberculosis is high, you may have the disease and infect those around you without knowing. Here is a sample list of some countries whom exchange students this affects:

<ul>
	<li>Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Ukraine</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
Also tuberculosis screening is highly recommended for all exchange students studying medicine at Tampere University and spending time at the hospital area
</blockquote>

Finland conducts tuberculosis screening. In this way tuberculosis can be detected in time, and its spread 
can be prevented. Diagnosis of possible tuberculosis does not affect the right to study or stay in the country and you have the right to a free chest X-ray. The X-ray is voluntary. Its purpose is to examine whether your lungs show any changes indicative of tuberculosis. Even if a thorax X-ray was clear in the past, or now, the disease can still flare up later. If symptoms such as a persistent cough, weight loss, lack of appetite, intermittent fever, coughing up blood, etc. appear, medical attention must be sought. 

Tuberculosis is no one’s fault. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease. it is caused by a bacterium called 
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis most often presents in the lungs, where a focus of inflammation is formed. From there, the bacteria can spread all over the body, including the lymph nodes, the intestines, the skin, or the central nervous system. Tuberculosis is spread from one human to another by airborne infection. The bacteria are usually spread through the air when a person with respiratory tuberculosis disease speaks, sings, coughs, or sneezes.

More information on:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://tuberkuloosi.fi/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tuberkuloosi.fi - basic information about tuberculosis in several languages</a></li>
</ul>

<h4>Instructions for the thorax X-ray</h4>

The thorax X-rays are administered at the Hatanpää imaging unit. Exchange students may attend a screening X-ray with no referral or prior appointment at the <a href="https://www.tays.fi/en-US/Operational_Units/Tays_Hatanpaa_Hospital">Tays Hatanpää Hospital</a> imaging unit, Hatanpäänkatu 24, Building D, ground floor; Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00. However, you can also contact Student Health Care Services before your visit:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.pirha.fi/palvelupaikkahakemisto/tullinkulman-opiskeluterveydenhuolto-tampere" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Student Health Care Centre Tullinkulma</a>, Hammareninkatu 5 B, 3rd floor</li>
	<li>Book an appointment by calling +358 40 806 2454, Monday - Friday 8:15 - 12:00</li>
	<li>Walk-in service for advice or making an appointment, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 - 11:00</li>
</ul>

Those attending the screening should bring this guideline, as well as identification. The imaging study conducted in the course of tuberculosis screening is always free of charge. If the thorax X-ray is normal, no notification will be sent. If there are anomalies detected in the X-ray, the student will be contacted and the necessary follow-up arranged.

Guidelines for exchange students on tuberculosis screening

<h3>Urgent medical attention</h3>

If you need urgent medical attention, call the general medical helpline first +358 116 117 (24/7) and after a given permission on the phone, go to the <a href="https://www.tays.fi/en-US/Emergency_services/Accident_and_Emergency_Department_Acuta" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Accident and Emergency Department Acuta</a>, located at Tampere University Hospital. Make sure you prove your entitlement to public health care services by showing your passport, a European Health Insurance Card or/and your travel/health insurance.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://digifinland.fi/en/our-operations/general-medical-helpline-116117/">General Medical Helpline 116117</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tays.fi/en-US/Emergency_services" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First aid and emergency services in Tampere</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>In a real, life-threatening emergency call 112</h3>

Call the 112 emergency number in urgent, genuine cases of emergency when someone’s or your own life, health, property or the environment is threatened or in imminent danger, or you have reason to believe so. We also recommend you to use a 112 Suomi mobile application for emergency cases during your exchange studies.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://112.fi/en/erc-number" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Emergency number 112</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://112.fi/en/112-suomi-application" rel="noopener" target="_blank">112 Suomi</a> - mobile application</li>
</ul>

Urgent medical attention or a genuine case of emergency

Anyone in a challenging situation in life can be in need of help. Such situations may include, for example, moving to another country, problems with studies, illness or some other life change. It is not rare for people to seek help for their mental health. In Finland, 20 per cent of people suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Often it helps just to talk about things with family and friends, but sometimes more help is needed.

Talking to a public health nurse (terveydenhoitaja) or a doctor (lääkäri) may help. Together you can discuss what kind of support would suit you best.

<ul>
	<li>Mental healthcare services for exchange students and citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA countries are provided by the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa's (Pirha) Student Health Care Services. A health care professional assesses the service need when the student contacts the service</li>
	<li>Mental healthcare services for exchange students and citizens of the non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries are provided by the private clinics, where you can make an appointment for a psychiatrist or psychologist, but check the coverage of your insurance policy first</li>
</ul>

If you feel that you need help urgently, you can get help at all hours from the medical helpline and from emergency social and crisis services.

<ul>
	<li>
	<a href="https://www.pirha.fi/web/english/mental-health-and-help-with-substance-abuse-problems" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pirha - Mental health and help with substance abuse problems</a>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>University chaplains are at your service</h3>

Do you need a break in the bustle of everyday life? Do you want to have a chat or share your sighs with someone? The university chaplains at the University Chapel (city centre campus, Pinni B building, 5th floor) are at your service! The university chaplains are available to everyone from the university community and are ready to listen to whatever you need to talk about; studies and work, relationships and loneliness, stress, anxiety or spiritual matters. The university chaplains offer a safe space for everyone, regardless of your religious conviction, gender or sexual orientation. They also have professional confidentiality.

We cooperate in the networks of student well-being and are involved in different projects and training sessions. We support various groups and communities that are active on campus, organise events for students and facilitate small groups. Our operations are open to all. You may also ask us to officiate at services such as baptisms, weddings, blessing a marriage or blessing a home etc.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://tampereenseurakunnat.fi/sivustot/uusi_oppilaitostyo/in_english" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chaplain at work - Please disturb!</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://tuni.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=7d935bbf-3ebf-4a25-8656-aca100a31cec" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chaplain at work - Please disturb!</a> (video)</li>
</ul>

Feel free to get in touch to book an appointment. It's also possible to meet the university chaplains without a scheduled appointment during consultation hours.

<ul>
	<li>City centre campus, Student pastor Risto Korhonen

	<ul>
		<li>risto.korhonen [at] tuni.fi, phone +358 50 383 5391</li>
		<li>Office: Pinni B 5110</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Hervanta campus, Student pastor (psychotherapist) Mervi Ulmanen
	<ul>
		<li>mervi.ulmanen [at] tuni.fi, phone +358 50 360 9709</li>
		<li>Office: Festia FA 128</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>Helpful discussion by phone, chat and other support</h3>

Nyyti ry is a national Finnish non-profit organisation founded in 1984. The purpose of Nyyti is to support students’ mental health and ability to study. They aim to improve students’ study skills and ability to cope with everyday life as well as related peer activities. Moreover, they aim to enhance the skills of people in charge of mental health promotion and problem prevention among students and in student communities. The content is intended for university students and young adults. You can participate in their chat conversations also in English, where you can share thoughts, experiences and feelings related to student life.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.nyyti.fi/en/opiskelijoille/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Nyyti ry - For students</a></li>
</ul>

The Crisis Helpline of the Finnish Association for Mental Health (Suomen Mielenterveysseura) offers help in the form of discussion for those in a crisis situation. You can call in English and Arabic.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://mieli.fi/en/home/support-and-help" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health Finland - Crisis helpline</a></li>
</ul>

Osviitta Crisis Center is a place where anyone in need of support can come. You can come to Osviitta at any time during the opening hours, but since not all staff and volunteers speak English, you may need to book an appointment.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.mielenterveysseurat.fi/tampere/in-english/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Association for Mental Health in Tampere - Osviitta Crisis Center</a></li>
</ul>

Mental healthcare and studying

Tampere University offers support to students who need  individual study arrangements to make effective progress towards their studies. Our individual study arrangements policy promotes equality of opportunity by enabling reasonable adjustments to be made to help all students undertake and demonstrate learning. The individual study arrangements policy is included in the Guidelines for the Supervision of Students issued by Tampere University.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/support-studying-and-well-being/accessibility-and-individual-study-arrangements/accessibility-and-individual-study-arrangements-student" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Accessibility and individual study arrangements for student</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/support-studying-and-well-being/accessibility-and-individual-study-arrangements/obtaining-individual-study-arrangements" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Obtaining individual study arrangements</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://intra.tuni.fi/en/campuses-and-facilities/about-our-campuses/campus-accessibility" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Campus accessibility</a> (intranet)</li>
</ul>

Accessibility and individual study arrangements in your studies

Sexual and gender-based harassment and other forms of discrimination, abuse and harassment are strictly prohibited in our community. TREY and Tampere University have two harassment contact persons, who will give advice and support in cases of harassment, assault, discrimination and other cases of inequality students might face. You can contact the harassment contact persons even if you are unsure of your situation or you just want to discuss ways to intervene in cases of harassment.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://trey.fi/en/advocacy/social-affairs/help-regarding-harassment-discrimination-and-bullying" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TREY - Contact persons in harassment situations and further information</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/inappropriate-conduct-harassment-and-bullying-help-students" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tampere University - Inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying – help for students</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/code-conduct" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Code of conduct for the Tampere University community</a></li>
</ul>

Help regarding harassment, discrimination and bullying

The members of our university community have the right to study and work in a safe and equal environment. Appropriate behaviour is therefore expected at all times while on our premises. Threatening, violent, disruptive and aggressive behaviour, physical and verbal abuse, discrimination and harassment are prohibited.

The <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/campus/opening-hours-buildings-and-info-desks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">campus info desks</a> are the first point of contact for anyone who experiences or witnesses inappropriate behaviour on our campuses. You can make reports on <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/rego" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tuni.fi/rego</a> with your TUNI account, or, you can also <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/safety-observations" rel="noopener" target="_blank">report anonymously</a> on any safety observations, danger or “near-miss” situations.

For more information please see:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/emergencies" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Emergencies</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/safety-observations">Safety observations</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/code-conduct" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Code of conduct</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/social-media-guidelines-students" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Social media guidelines for students</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/more-about-security" rel="noopener" target="_blank">More about security</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/crisis-communication" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Crisis communication</a> and <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/university/security/osaava-crisis-communications-system" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Osaava crisis communications system in the event of an emergency</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://tuni.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=faff8f05-b568-4c44-96e7-abea00a48e92" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Safety orientation for students</a> (video from 2022, 5:29), TUNI login required</li>
</ul>

You can also contact our Safety Team by email, turvallisuus [at] tuni.firel="noopener" target="_blank".

Safety guidelines - how to make a report on any safety observations

Take a look on these additional support services that are available in 2023-24:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://intra.tuni.fi/en/content/event/41550" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Get Stuff Done! study sessions</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/support-studying-and-well-being/support-well-being/navigaattori-low-threshold-support-service" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Navigaattori - low-threshold support service</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/support-studying-and-well-being/support-well-being/students-compass-opiskelijan-kompassi" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Student's Compass (Opiskelijan Kompassi)</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguide/curriculum/course-units/otm-34eb8477-e69d-4dd4-9750-7aad34df6017?year=2023&amp;activeTab=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TAU.PSY.000 Student's Well-being and Life Skills, 1–2 ECTS credits</a> - register for the course in Sisu</li>
	<li><a href="https://intra.tuni.fi/en/content/event/43884" rel="noopener" target="_blank">International Students’ Helpdesk</a> (intranet)</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/students-guide/handbook/uni/planning-studies-and-study-guidance/faq-about-guidance-and-well-being" rel="noopener" target="_blank">FAQ about guidance and well-being</a></li>
	<li>Looking for a friend or a lunch companion? Try <a href="https://moodle.tuni.fi/course/view.php?id=23580" rel="noopener" target="_blank">StudyBuddy</a> on Moodle!</li>
</ul>

Tampere University Student's Handbook

Exchange student’s health services, well-being and safety

Tampere University Student's Handbook

Exchange student’s health services, well-being and safety

OpenCitizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA countries, Australia and Quebec

OpenCitizens of the non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries

OpenGuidelines for exchange students on tuberculosis screening

OpenUrgent medical attention or a genuine case of emergency

OpenMental healthcare and studying

OpenAccessibility and individual study arrangements in your studies

OpenHelp regarding harassment, discrimination and bullying

OpenSafety guidelines - how to make a report on any safety observations

OpenAdditional support services for exchange students in 2023-24