Health, vaccinations and medical care in Estonia

Cover

• EU and EEA visitors: carry your EHIC. UK visitors: the GHIC does the same job. Neither is travel insurance.
• Travel insurance still matters for repatriation and private care.
• Estonia's health system is digital. Prescriptions are electronic and tied to an identity code, which can complicate matters for a visitor - carry your own medicines rather than assuming you can get a repeat.

Ticks

• Estonia is a tick-borne encephalitis risk area and the risk is higher than in most of western Europe. The season runs roughly April to October.
• The vaccine is worth discussing with a travel clinic, especially if you are hiking, camping or spending time in forests, which in Estonia is most of the country.
• Lyme disease is the commoner tick infection. Cover up in long grass and woodland, use repellent, and check yourself thoroughly after any day outdoors.
• Remove a tick promptly with fine tweezers, straight out, without twisting.

Everyday health

• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Pharmacies (apteek) are well stocked and pharmacists are qualified to advise.
• Care is good in Tallinn and Tartu, thinner in rural areas and on the islands - Tartu has the university hospital and is the main referral centre.
• Bring enough prescription medicine for the trip plus a margin, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.