Sosiaalivakuutusjärjestelmät

Sosiaalivakuutus, often translated as social insurance, is a system designed to protect individuals and families against various risks that can lead to financial hardship. In Finland, the social security system is comprehensive and funded through a combination of employer and employee contributions, as well as state funding. This system covers a wide range of benefits, including pensions, healthcare, unemployment benefits, parental leave allowances, and sickness benefits.

The Finnish social insurance system is administered by Kela (Kansaneläkelaitos), the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, which is responsible for granting and paying out many of the benefits. Other institutions, such as the Finnish Centre for Pensions (Eläketurvakeskus), handle specific aspects like earnings-related pensions. The core principle behind social insurance is to provide a safety net, ensuring a basic standard of living and access to essential services regardless of an individual's employment status or health. This system plays a crucial role in promoting social equality and economic stability within the country.