Kela to compensate clients for Covid-19 vaccination travel costs

The Finnish Social Security Institution (Kela) will provide compensation for travel costs associated with getting vaccination against the Covid-19 disease.

The Finnish Parliament has approved a bill authorising Kela to provide compensation for trips made between 27 March and 31 December 2021 for the purpose of getting vaccinated against coronavirus.

From 27 March, Kela will begin to provide compensation under the same terms as for any other trip visit to a healthcare provider, the social security agency said in a press release.

There is a maximum copayment of 25 euros for each one-way trip.

According to Kela, the compensation is calculated based on the least expensive way of reaching the vaccination site. Clients who for health reasons are prevented from using public transportation, or it is not available, can get a reimbursement for using a taxi.

How to request compensation

To qualify for compensation, customers must call the regional dispatch number to book a taxi, with the exception of the Åland Islands, where it can be booked directly with the taxi operator.

Clients who use public transport or a private car must claim compensation afterwards. The easiest way to claim is to visit Kela's e-services. 

Clients who have the right to use a taxi are reimbursed right away in the taxi. Trips made by taxi cannot be reimbursed after the fact.

If a client needs someone to accompany them, that person too can claim compensation for travel costs.

"The purpose of the compensation is to ensure access to Covid-19 vaccine for all clients," Kela says.