Europe

You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Estonian nationals. Please make sure you have your photographic ID with you together with your European Health Insurance card when applying for medical treatment. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see European Health Insurance Card.

The healthcare facilities in Estonia are very good.  There are two main hospitals in Tallinn, Mustamae hospital and East Tallinn Central Hospital.  There will be staff in both hospitals that speak English.

In the 2000 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,900 adults aged 15 or over in Estonia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.3% of the adult population, compared tothe prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Estonia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Swine Flu

There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Estonia. You can check for the updates through the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs website (in English) and the Estonian Health Protection Inspectorate website (in English). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Depatrment of Health website. The government of Estonia currently have no swine flu related restrictions on entry to Estonia. Travellers who suspect that they may be displaying symptoms should seek advice from their carrier before travelling.