Haigekassaga

Haigekassa, or Eesti Haigekassa, is a public authority under the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs that administers the country’s health insurance system. It finances and pays for medically necessary health care for insured residents and oversees related benefits. The Fund operates nationwide and serves as the main payer in the Estonian health system.

Establishment and scope: Haigekassa was established during the reform of health care financing in the early 1990s and functions as a state agency responsible for health insurance administration and funding. Its work covers the majority of residents who are covered by health insurance and ensures access to services through contracts with public and private providers.

Responsibilities and activities: The agency collects health insurance contributions from residents and employers, processes claims, and reimburses or pays healthcare providers for insured services. It administers social benefits connected to health insurance, including sickness, maternity, and related allowances, and handles subsidies for medicines and other approved health services where applicable. It also maintains information systems and digital processes used to manage entitlements and payments.

Governance and oversight: Haigekassa operates under the Ministry of Social Affairs and is governed by a management board and a chief executive. Its activities are regulated by Estonian law and subject to parliamentary and financial audits. The agency maintains information for insured individuals through its websites and services.