Finns have understood the purpose of insurance ‒ half already have health related insurance

According to a recent survey, half of all Finns have a health related insurance policy. The survey also indicated a generally positive attitude towards increased freedom of choice regarding health services. The survey was commissioned by the Association for Private Healthcare Services and the Association of Finnish Private Healthcare Providers, and was answered by 3,033 respondents.

Ulla-Maija Rajakangas, Head of Public Affairs at the FFI, considers it important that Finns have understood the essence of insurance. ”An important function of an insurance product is the sense of security it brings – that you can sleep better knowing you have one”, she says.

Almost exactly half of the survey respondents affirmed that either they or their family member have a self-paid insurance policy that is related to their health. Typical examples included personal accident insurance or health insurance. By far the most important reason for having one was the sense of security, as reported by 59% of respondents. Two other popular reasons were faster access to healthcare (39%) and direct access to a specialist (28%).

Finns appreciate freedom of choice

The survey was also used to study Finnish citizens’ attitudes towards the increased freedom of choice that would result from the substantial social welfare and health care reform that is in the works in Finland. Having more freedom of choice between public and private providers was received very positively by 27% and somewhat positively by 38% of respondents.

Respondents also wanted to utilise the service voucher system more extensively: 29% fully agreed and 40% somewhat agreed with this notion.

”Looking at these results, the government seems to be making the right decision on the service vouchers”, Rajakangas notes. The Finnish government has announced it will be launching a state-funded trial run on the vouchers. A voucher system focusing on more comprehensive oral health service packages is also being planned at the municipal level.

The survey was commissioned by the Association for Private Healthcare Services and the Association of Finnish Private Healthcare Providers, and conducted by Aula Research. Respondents included 3,033 Finns aged 18 and above, from all regions of Finland. The responses were weighed according to age and gender, with an error margin of 2% and confidence level of 95%.