Children are a particularly vulnerable group, both physically and mentally, so it is important to take additional actions to properly protect children’s right to health. This includes the timely prevention of diseases, access to adequate medical treatment and rehabilitation and measures aimed at reducing mortality at a young age and ensuring a healthy life.
Access to health care
Children with special needs are entitled to the same standard of health care offered to other children in Estonia. Families with children who have special needs may receive additional services, for example, a psychologist’s consultations.
Free health care for children
All children under 19 years of age, whose principal place of residence is in Estonia, as entered in the population register, are covered with health insurance. The insurance cover is valid until the day of their 19th birthday (included).
Read more about State-paid health services in this Guide.
Every child has the right to undergo regular preventive measures:
- visits to a family doctor (general practitioner)
- visit to an ophthalmologist
- dental hygiene
- vaccination per vaccination calendar
The number of State-funded visits depends on a child’s age.
Decision-making concerning a child’s health
Estonian law states that in the situations where a child attends a medical appointment or procedure alone, or does not want to involve their parents in decision-making, their independent judgment should be primarily evaluated. A child patient can only receive healthcare services with their own consent, provided they can responsibly weigh the pros and cons of the decision. If they can't, the decision-making authority lies with their parents or legal guardians. The child's capacity for decision-making in a specific context is assessed by the healthcare worker, and if deemed competent, the child can provide consent for the treatment or procedure, prohibiting the parents from making health-related decisions on the child's behalf.