Some of the temporary changes to the Health Insurance Act due to COVID-19 will remain in effect
Kela continues reimburse travel expenses to a COVID-19 vaccination or testing site. Reimbursement of the costs of PCR and antigen tests by private healthcare providers will also continue.
Several temporary changes have been made to the Health Insurance Act due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Based on these changes, Kela has reimbursed travel expenses to COVID-19 vaccination or testing locations as well as costs related to COVID-19 tests performed by private healthcare providers. Parliament has approved the amendment to the law, according to which Kela will continue to reimburse these expenses until June 30, 2023.
Travel to COVID-19 vaccination or testing sites
Kela will continue to reimburse travel expenses to the COVID-19 vaccination or testing site until June 30, 2023. For round trips to the drive-in style testing or vaccination location, one deductible per trip is charged. Otherwise, compensation will be paid under the same conditions as other healthcare provider visits.
The compensation is calculated as the cheapest way to get to the vaccination or testing site. Customers who for health reasons prevent the use of public transport or are not available can receive compensation for using a taxi.
Reimbursement for COVID-19 tests
The reimbursement rate for tests performed by a private healthcare provider remains at 100 euros for tests from the People’s Republic of China and 36 euros for antigen tests. The compensation is valid until June 30, 2023.
As of January 1, 2023, Kela will no longer replace other COVID-19 detection tests.
Reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccinations
Kela will continue to reimburse employers for the costs of the COVID-19 vaccination until June 30, 2023. The compensation is 16 euros per vaccination. No compensation is paid for the vaccinations themselves, as they are available to service providers free of charge.
Municipalities and welfare service municipalities are responsible for the delivery of vaccines from January 1, 2023. They coordinate the arrangements related to vaccinations.
HT
Source: Kela