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Medical information and Services in Estonia
It’s always advisable to take medical insurance before travelling abroad so speak to your travel agent or insurance provider about that.
If you take, or are likely to require, medication regularly then it’s also advisable to carry a letter from doctor explaining your needs.
Pharmacies are well stocked with basic and prescription medicines but note that some medicines that are available in stores and supermarkets in other countries - such as Aspirin and various ointments - are only available in pharmacies in Estonia.
Herbal remedies and other organic products are also available in some supermarkets and nature shops.
Estonia’s medical services are as good as, if not better, than those in most other EU countries. After independence, we were able to combine the Soviet idea of free care for all with Western standards of knowledge and hygiene. We can now be proud of our national health service. There are private clinics if you want to use them but really there is no need. In any case, most of them only work during office hours.
Citizens from other EU countries are treated as well as we treat ourselves – for nothing. However when you go to an outpatients clinic, do take your passport with you to prove your EU identity. You will have to pay for prescribed medicines but charges are not high.
Charges are made to non EU citizens but unless you are critically ill and have to stay in hospital, these will usually be so low that you will not need to claim them back on insurance.
Do consider spa treatments whilst you are here. It may well prevent you from falling ill on a future visit! This you will need to pay for but the after-effects are so good that you will happy you did.
Should you need an ambulance or any emergency help, call 112. The operators will speak English but for speed it will obviously help if an Estonian helps with the call. The number for the family doctor helpline is 1220, but again ask locals to make the call since there is no guarantee that the doctor on call will speak English.
Police are very helpful and trained to give first aid.
