Kela will reimburse occupational health care costs starting January 1, 2026, immediately upon signing an employment contract
Kela will reform its occupational health care reimbursement practices from the beginning of 2026. In future, employers will receive reimbursement for costs immediately upon signing an employment contract, even if the work does not commence until later.
With the reform, employers can apply to Kela for compensation for statutory health examinations and other occupational health care activities that the employer and occupational health care consider necessary for the employee even before the employee's first day of work.
– Currently, health examinations have been limited before starting work, partly because all costs incurred have been fully borne by the employer. The change will make it possible to undergo a health examination at the beginning of an employment relationship, such as an initial or pre-employment examination, without delay, and the examination can be carried out immediately after the employment contract has been signed. The costs of examinations carried out before the start of work will no longer be entirely the responsibility of the employer, says Pauliina Passila, Chief Occupational Health Physician at Terveystalo.
The prerequisite for compensation is that an employment contract has been signed. The employer must also notify occupational health care of the new employee.
– Terveystalo's corporate customers have access to the Suunta service, for example, which makes it easy to report employee information. In situations where, in addition to a health check-up, it is advisable to discuss the need for other occupational health services for the new employee before they start work, it is a good idea to contact your designated occupational health nurse, Passila adds.
