Health examinations for the unemployed people

No. A health examination for the unemployed is a preventive visit that focuses on assessment and guidance. During the examination, your overall health, wellbeing, work ability and functional capacity are assessed. The purpose is to identify any health-related challenges and, if necessary, refer you for a multiprofessional assessment of your work ability and functional capacity, further care or other services.

Not directly. A health examination does not in itself lead to a disability pension. If significant health challenges are identified during the examination, they can be investigated further as part of follow-up care. Any disability pension is always based on a separate medical assessment and on a decision by Kela or an earnings-related pension provider.

No. If laboratory tests or X-ray examinations are needed to assess or monitor your overall health, you will be referred to your own health station.

During the examination, you will discuss your health, wellbeing and current situation, as well as any factors that may affect your ability to work. You will also receive advice on healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, substance use and ways to support your wellbeing in everyday life. If necessary, you will be referred for further care, rehabilitation or other services that meet your needs.

A health examination for the unemployed focuses on assessing your health and supporting your ability to work. It consists of a one-off appointment with a registered nurse or public health nurse and does not include diagnosing illnesses, changing your medication, carrying out laboratory tests or taking X-rays. Its main purpose is to assess your health and provide health advice.

A health examination can still be useful even if you feel completely healthy. It may identify aspects of your health or wellbeing that you have not noticed yourself. You will also receive advice on maintaining your health and support your ability to work.

No. The health examination is a healthcare service. Its purpose is to support your health and ability to work, not to determine whether you are entitled to unemployment benefits.

Healthcare information is confidential. Information will not be disclosed without a legal basis or your consent. 

Unidentified or untreated health problems can sometimes make it more difficult to find work. The health examination can help identify ways to improve your ability to work and function and, if necessary, connect you with appropriate support and services.

Yes. We recommend having your health and overall situation assessed as soon as possible after you become unemployed. 

Yes. Prolonged unemployment can affect your health, mood, wellbeing and ability to cope with everyday life. If you remain unemployed, we recommend having a health examination approximately once a year.

No. The health examination is not a comprehensive medical examination but a one-off appointment with a registered nurse or a public health nurse. The purpose is to assess your overall health and identify whether you need any further examinations.

No. You do not need a referral. You can book an appointment yourself in Lunna or by calling the customer service centre. Employment services, social welfare services or healthcare services may also refer you for a health examination.

The health examination for the unemployed is free of charge. However, standard client fees may apply to any follow-up examinations or further care.

You will receive instructions on who to contact if you need further care. A summary of the health examination will be recorded in your client and patient information, and you can view it in MyKanta. If you have consented to the disclosure of information to the authority that referred you, brief feedback on the health examination will also be sent to the referring authority.

Yes. During the health examination, you can also discuss your mood, how you are coping and wellbeing in everyday life, and assess what kind of support could be useful for you.

Appointments are usually available at short notice.