Background information

All Ukrainian war refugees who have received temporary protection can access health insurance and thus health services on the same conditions as local citizens (e.g. via employment or registration as unemployed). However, all refugees have the right for initial health checks for which €20 million is provided from the state budget.

Content of measure

Upon entering Estonia, the reception points will refer the refugees (adults as well as children) to general free health check-up. The check-up includes interviews, medical examinations, infection checks and tests. The results of the health examination are documented in the health information system. If needed, the patients are referred to specialist care for continuous treatment in case of chronic or on-going condition. It is possible to receive a medical certificate, which is required for employment in certain positions. Refugees are also provided free vaccinations as well as free treatment and help regarding abandoning drug use or continuing treatment for HIV and tuberculosis.

In addition, Ukrainian refugees can buy prescription medicines using their original prescriptions as long as the pharmacists understand which medicine is prescribed to the person. Narcotic and psychotropic drugs are excluded.

Use of measure

The use of the measure is rather low. As at 3 May 2022, there were around 23,000 refugees with living permit in Estonia of whom 1,500 have undergone the medical examination.

By 8 September 2022, the number of refugees who have used the service was 7,976.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement as case not in social partner domain	No involvement as case not in social partner domain
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No involvement.

Views and reactions

Not available.

Sources

• 07 March 2022: Teave Ukraina sõjapõgenikele (Information for Ukrainian refugees) (terviseamet.ee)
• 03 May 2022: Tervisekontrolli on läbinud ainult 1500 Ukraina sõjapõgenikku (1,500 refugees have undergone health check) (epl.delfi.ee)
• 08 September 2022: Ukraina sõjapõgenike tervishoiuteenuste kasutus (Use of health services for Ukrainian war refugees) (www.haigekassa.ee)