Estonian citizens and foreign nationals

What should I keep in mind when planning a trip abroad?

• Before going on a trip, acquaint yourself with possible travel restrictions in your destination country: see the information on the Reisi Targalt web page (in Estonian), at the European Union ReOpen portal and, if necessary, contact a foreign representation of the destination country to work out the details.
• Consider whether travelling to a country that has a high infection rate is absolutely necessary or whether you could postpone the trip. Countries may enact restrictions that could make returning home complicated without prior warning. It is also now always known how it would be possible to help those in trouble if the buren on the health care system of the country is high.
• When going on a trip, it is recommended to take along a valid vaccination certificate because the obligation to present one might be enacted while you are already travelling, including for returning home.
• It is recommended to take along protective masks, disinfectants, medicines for reducing fever and, if possible, the combined antigen tests that detect both COVID-19 and the flu.
• Register your trip (in Estonian) on the Reisi Targalt web page so that you could be notified of travel restrictions.
• Upon becoming symptomatic, postpone your trip and contact your family doctor.
• Get travel insurance and acquaint yourself thoroughly with the insurance conditions so that the insurance would also cover the compensation for travel disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and treatment for a disease due to the coronavirus in a foreign country.
• At your country of stay, follow the instructions of the authorities and keep yourself up to date on possible restrictions.

Which coronavirus test is accepted when travelling?

• If a certificate proving a prior negative test is a precondition to entering the destination country, it is necessary to do a paid test which can be done at testing sites located at different regions across Estonia.
• The test results will be given to you in the agreed manner and people who have an Estonian ID code can view them at the portal digilugu.ee.
• If you are unable to generate a digital test certificate yourself, the person who tested you will issue a certificate that’s suitable for travelling.
• Testing on the basis of a doctor’s or close contact’s referral is free of charge for people and the cost is covered by the state, so travelling with the result of this test is not allowed. It’s possible to check on the border whether the person who goes travelling paid for the test themselves or has used a doctor’s referral.

How can I get medical care in Europe?

• In the case of minor health issues, you can get primary medical advice by calling the Estonian GP helpline, which is available 24h a day and offers help in Estonian and Russian. You should contact your next of kin and then your insurance company if you fall ill or suffer an accident. If necessary, the consul can advise you on where to get the medical care you need in your country of location and inform your next of kin in Estonia at your request.
• In most European countries, people who have Estonian health insurance are given necessary medical assistance on the same grounds as the people living in these countries (incl. in the case of the coronavirus).
• Necessary medical assistance means that you developed an unexpected medical condition when abroad and need treatment (i.e. you didn’t go abroad specifically to receive treatment).
• In order to receive treatment, go to a doctor in a national medical institution, as the European Health Insurance Card is only accepted in medical institutions belonging to the national system.

• Bring your identity document and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a replacement card. If you don't have either of these, you must apply for a replacement of the European Health Insurance Card as soon as you go to the hospital or doctor.
• You must pay certain expenses related to necessary medical assistance (appointment fee, daily bed charge) as well as transport between countries, etc., which will not be reimbursed.
• You should always have travel insurance with medical assistance cover when you travel abroad, as it will cover any unexpected medical expenses.
• If you have the European Health Insurance Card as well as travel insurance, you will only be billed for the cost-sharing, which you can then submit to your private insurer.