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How to get a KELA direct-reimbursement agreement — step by step

This guide walks you through obtaining a KELA direct-reimbursement agreement (suorakorvaussopimus), which lets your patient see the KELA deduction automatically when paying for an appointment on Omply.

You can choose between two routes:

  • Route A — Via the Finnish Medical Association (Suomen Lääkäriliitto ry) (recommended for most independent private-practice doctors). The Medical Association holds a framework agreement (runkosopimus) with KELA, under which you sign your own accession agreement (liittymissopimus). Membership also gives you access to template contracts and patient liability insurance.
  • Route B — Directly with KELA, without an interest organisation. Use this route if you do not wish to join the Medical Association or membership is not currently right for you.

The end state is the same in both cases: an active KELA direct-reimbursement agreement.

1. Prerequisites — check these before you begin

Regardless of which route you choose, you must have the following in place:

  • Right to practise medicine in Finland (a Valvira-issued licence)
  • Business ID (Y-tunnus) — sole trader (toiminimi), partnership, or limited company
  • Soteri registration either pending or completed (a temporary rule in force 1 February 2025 – 31 December 2026 lets you start the KELA process while your Soteri application is open)
  • Bank account details (IBAN) for KELA to pay reimbursements into
  • Practice location details (e.g. your home office for Omply remote appointments)

NOTE:

  • You must have your own agreement with KELA. You cannot use your employer's, clinic's, or colleague's agreement.
  • KELA does not charge a fee for the agreement itself, but you will need to subscribe to an approved data system for settlement transmission.

2. Route A — Via the Finnish Medical Association

2.1. Join the Finnish Medical Association

  • Complete the application and attach the required documents (licence, ID).
  • Submit the application electronically.
  • The Association's board reviews applications at its meetings. Your application must arrive at least one week before the next board meeting to be considered.
  • You will receive an approval notice and an invoice for the membership fee.

Membership fee (2025): €484 per year at the full rate. Reduced fees are available for unemployed members, those on parental leave, sick leave, or living abroad, and retired doctors.

Contact:

  • Email: laakariliitto@laakariliitto.fi
  • Phone: +358 (0)9 393 091
  • Private-sector legal questions: lakimiehet@laakariliitto.fi (Mon/Wed/Fri 10:00–14:00)

2.2. Download and complete KELA's preliminary information form

  • Download the form "Suorakorvaussopimuksen esitiedot – palveluntuottaja" (Preliminary information for the direct-reimbursement agreement — service provider). If your Soteri application is still pending, use the version "esitiedot — tilapäinen sääntely" (preliminary information — temporary regulation).
  • Complete the form carefully. State on the form that you are joining under the Finnish Medical Association's framework agreement.
  • Sign the form and attach:
  • Proof of right to practise medicine
  • ID
  • Bank account details (IBAN)
  • Soteri registration certificate or pending-application confirmation

2.3. Submit the application to KELA

  • Send the completed preliminary information form and attachments to sh_suorakorvaussopimukset@kela.fi.
  • Use secure email or encryption, because the attachments contain personal data.
  • KELA processes the application and returns an accession agreement (liittymissopimus) for you to sign, attaching you to the Finnish Medical Association's framework agreement.
  • Sign the accession agreement and return it to KELA.

2.4. Set up your settlement system

  • Authenticate to the transmission service using Suomi.fi identification.
  • Complete the KELA-supervised testing phase, which verifies that settlements transmit correctly.
  • Once the test is approved, electronic settlement begins automatically.

2.5. Update your information in Omply

When the agreement is active, update your Omply doctor profile so that the direct-reimbursement deduction appears automatically for the patient. See instructions: [Doctor registration on Omply].

3. Route B — Directly with KELA, without an interest organisation

This route is for you if you do not want to join the Finnish Medical Association.

3.1. Download and complete KELA's preliminary information form

  • Download the form "Suorakorvaussopimuksen esitiedot – palveluntuottaja" (or the temporary-regulation version if your Soteri application is pending).
  • Complete the form carefully. Do not reference any framework agreement — you are contracting with KELA directly.

3.2. Submit the application to KELA

  • Send the completed form and attachments to sh_suorakorvaussopimukset@kela.fi.
  • Attach the same documents as in Route A, section 2.2.
  • KELA returns a direct-reimbursement agreement for you to sign. Sign and return.

3.3. Set up your settlement system

Same as Route A, section 2.4. Subscribe to an approved data system, authenticate via Suomi.fi, complete the testing phase, and electronic settlement begins.

3.4. Update your information in Omply

Same as Route A, section 2.5.

4. Timeline

KELA's own processing typically takes a few weeks. The total time depends on the status of your Soteri registration, the Finnish Medical Association's board meeting cadence (Route A), and how long the data-system testing phase takes.

NOTE: Omply cannot promise you a specific timeline, because KELA and the Medical Association are responsible for their own processing times. Check the current timelines directly with KELA and the Medical Association before opening appointment slots to patients.

5. What to do if your application is denied

If the Medical Association or KELA denies your application, you can:

  • Contact the case handler directly and request the reasoning.
  • Correct the issues and submit a new application.
  • Switch routes — if Route A does not work, you can try Route B.

If you have questions about the process, contact the relevant organisation directly (KELA or the Medical Association). Omply cannot influence the approval decision.

NOTE: Information verified on 27 May 2026. KELA and the Finnish Medical Association may update their processes, forms, or email addresses — always verify current procedures from the original sources.

Sources:

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.