Kela reimbursements of people aged 65 and over
Freedom of Choice pilot for people aged 65 and over begins – Lähilääkärit joins the pilot
Starting from 1 September 2025, people aged 65 and over can visit a private general practitioner by paying the same client fee as in public healthcare – around €28. In addition, Kela will reimburse half of the cost of certain examinations and laboratory tests ordered by a GP, for which maximum prices have been set.
The aim of the trial is to improve access to healthcare services and strengthen customers’ freedom of choice. No assessment of the need for care is required to see a GP. Lähilääkärit wants to make access to GPs easier and will participate in the Freedom of Choice Pilot at all its locations. From 1 September 2025, people aged 65 and over can see a Lähilääkärit GP for the same fee as in public healthcare.
What's included in the Freedom of Choice pilot?
- 20-minute general practitioner appointment at the clinic or by phone
- Certain examinations ordered by the doctor:
- Common laboratory tests
- Standard urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest X-ray
How much will the visit cost?
- For a GP appointment, the customer’s co-payment is around €28.
- For laboratory sample collection, the customer pays €15.
- For examinations covered by the trial, the customer pays half of the cost (see the price list at the bottom of the page for details).
- If tests are needed that are not covered by the trial, you can take advantage of our affordable laboratory services, or we will refer you to the appropriate place for the tests.
- There is no separate outpatient clinic fee or Kanta fee.
- Kela’s reimbursement is provided as a direct settlement, so the customer only pays their co-payment.
What should customers know about the pilot?
- In 2025, you can visit a GP twice under the pilot. In 2026 and 2027, you can visit a GP three times per year.
- You must track yourself how many visits you have made in total each year at Lähilääkärit or with other private providers participating in the pilot. You can see your trial-related GP visits in OmaKela.
- You can always use public healthcare services, even if you take advantage of the opportunity to see a private GP through the trial.
Read more about the Freedom of Choice Pilot on Kela's website: https://www.kela.fi/kaynnit-yksityisella-yleislaakarilla-65-vuotta-tayttaneille
How can I see a GP through the Freedom of Choice Pilot?
At Lähilääkärit, all our GPs participate in Kela’s Freedom of Choice Pilot. You can choose the GP you prefer. Meet our doctors here.
Book an appointment either through our online booking system or by calling us.
Bring a valid ID to your appointment. We also recommend bringing an up-to-date list of your medications.
Kela 65 Freedom of Choice trial pricing
General practitioner consulation (in-person) 20 min: 28,20 €
Without Kela reimbursement 100 €
General practicioner telephone consultation: 28,20 €
Without Kela reimbursement 50 €
Sample collection fee: 15,00 €
Without Kela reimbursement 30,00 €
Usein kysyttyä 65 vuotta täyttäneiden valinnanvapauskokeilusta
