%20(1200%20x%20280%20px).png?width=300&height=70&name=Kopio%20When%20a%20cough%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20sound%20right%20(300%20x%20150%20px)%20(1200%20x%20280%20px).png)
Frequently asked questions — KELA direct reimbursement and Omply
This page answers the most common questions Omply doctors have asked about KELA direct reimbursement. If you cannot find an answer here, contact Omply support — we cannot influence KELA's or the Finnish Medical Association's decisions, but we can help direct you to the right party.
General questions
Do I need a KELA direct-reimbursement agreement to become an Omply doctor?
Yes. We currently require Omply doctors to hold a valid KELA direct-reimbursement agreement. We want to guarantee every patient the best possible customer experience at a cost-effective price — and direct reimbursement is an essential part of that: the patient sees the KELA deduction immediately at booking and does not have to pay the full fee and claim the reimbursement themselves afterwards.
If you do not yet have a KELA direct-reimbursement agreement, getting one is straightforward. See the guide How to get a KELA direct-reimbursement agreement — step by step to get started.
NOTE: On Omply's roadmap, we will later also welcome doctors who do not yet have KELA eligibility. We will announce separately when this option opens.
Is Omply a party to the KELA agreement?
No. The agreement is always between you and KELA. Omply is an intermediary platform that automatically displays the KELA deduction to the patient once your agreement is active and you have updated your details in your Omply doctor profile.
Can I use my employer's or clinic's KELA agreement?
No. Every independent practitioner must have their own accession agreement with KELA. Even if you work at the same physical location as another doctor or have an employment relationship with a clinic, on Omply you operate as an independent practitioner and need your own agreement.
Do I need a Business ID (Y-tunnus)?
Yes. You need a Business ID (sole trader, partnership, or limited company) to enter into a direct-reimbursement agreement and to work as an Omply doctor.
What if I am on parental leave, working part-time, or semi-retired?
You can still apply for the direct-reimbursement agreement. The agreement does not require a full-time private practice — it is enough that you meet the professional requirements (Valvira licence, Business ID, Soteri registration). The Finnish Medical Association also offers a reduced membership fee for members on parental leave, sick leave, unemployed, or retired.
Is any specialty training required?
No. The direct-reimbursement agreement is available to all licensed doctors. KELA's reimbursement levels do, however, vary by specialty — for example, the general-practitioner reimbursement is lower from 1 January 2026 than the specialist or psychiatrist reimbursement.
How does the reimbursement-level change effective 1 January 2026 affect me?
KELA has reduced the reimbursement for a general-practitioner appointment from the previous €30 to €8 (remote appointments €25 → €8). Gynaecologist (€70) and psychiatrist (€50–60) reimbursements remain unchanged. This affects how much KELA pays you per appointment — but the patient still automatically receives the KELA deduction through the direct-reimbursement agreement.
How long does the entire process take?
The timeline depends on your Soteri registration status, the Finnish Medical Association's board meeting cadence (if you join via that route), and the duration of the data-system testing phase. Omply cannot promise you a specific timeline. Check the current processing times directly with KELA and the Medical Association.
Questions about Route A — via the Finnish Medical Association
Do I need to be a member of the Finnish Medical Association to get a direct-reimbursement agreement?
Not required, but membership is the recommended route for most private-practice doctors. Under the Medical Association's framework agreement, the contractual terms are standardised, and you receive the Association's support services (template contracts, patient liability insurance, legal advice).
How much is the Finnish Medical Association membership fee?
The full membership fee is €484 per year (2025). Reduced fees are available for unemployed members, those on parental leave, sick leave, or living abroad, and retired doctors. Check current fee categories: https://www.laakariliitto.fi/jasenyys/tietoa-jasenyydesta/
Can I apply for membership as a student, while on parental leave, or in retirement?
Yes. The Finnish Medical Association accepts licensed doctors, medical students from the 4th year onward, and retired doctors. Each situation has its own reduced fee.
Where do I get the Medical Association's template contracts and KELA guides?
As a member, you have access to the members-only "Yksityislääkärin tietopankki" (Private practitioner's knowledge bank), which includes a KELA section and template contracts for private practice. You can access these only after your membership is confirmed.
Does the Finnish Medical Association also include patient liability insurance?
Yes. Membership in the Medical Association includes patient liability insurance (potilasvakuutus, via Potilasvakuutuskeskus), which you need to work on Omply. This is one reason membership is often cost-effective — without membership you must arrange patient liability insurance separately, typically €200–500 per year.
Questions about Route B — directly with KELA
Do I need to be a member of any organisation to get a direct-reimbursement agreement?
No. You can sign the agreement directly with KELA without belonging to any interest organisation. This route does, however, require more independent work to review the contractual terms.
Is there a separate fee for the KELA direct-reimbursement agreement?
KELA does not charge a separate fee for entering into the agreement. You will, however, need to subscribe to an approved data system for settlement transmission — the cost varies by system.
Can I get help interpreting the contractual terms?
Through the direct route, you do not receive the Finnish Medical Association's legal support. You may consult your own lawyer or ask KELA directly. If you feel you need help interpreting the contract, consider Route A (via the Finnish Medical Association).
What if my Soteri registration is not yet complete?
You can begin the KELA process while your Soteri application is pending. Use the form "Suorakorvaussopimuksen esitiedot — tilapäinen sääntely" (preliminary information — temporary regulation). The rule is in force until 31 December 2026.
Which email address do I send the application to?
KELA's address for direct-reimbursement agreements is sh_suorakorvaussopimukset@kela.fi. Use secure email or encryption for the attachments, because they contain personal data.
NOTE: Information verified on 27 May 2026. KELA and the Finnish Medical Association may update their processes, membership fees, and reimbursement levels — always verify current information from the original sources.
Sources:
- KELA — Direct reimbursement scheme: https://www.kela.fi/yhteistyokumppanit-terveydenhuolto-sairaanhoitokorvaukset-suorakorvausmenettely
- KELA — Concluding the agreement: https://www.kela.fi/yhteistyokumppanit-terveydenhuolto-sairaanhoitokorvaukset-suorakorvausmenettely-sopimuksen-tekeminen
- Finnish Medical Association — Membership: https://www.laakariliitto.fi/jasenyys/tietoa-jasenyydesta/
Omply's role: This article is informational guidance. Omply is not a party to the agreement and is not responsible for the organisation's membership process, KELA's decision to grant or deny the agreement, timelines, or contractual terms. KELA eligibility is not automatic — the organisation and KELA make their own determinations.
If you have other questions, contact Omply's doctor support, or KELA / the Finnish Medical Association directly.