How to Find an English-Speaking Family Doctor (Perearst) in Estonia

Navigating a new country is a thrilling adventure filled with discovery, from mastering a few words of the local language to finding your favourite neighbourhood kohvik (café). But when a sudden fever hits or you need a routine check-up, that sense of adventure can quickly turn into anxiety. Where do you go? Who do you call? And most importantly, will they understand you? If you’re an expat in Estonia, this feeling is probably all too familiar.

Finding an English-speaking family doctor, or perearst as they are known locally, is one of the most crucial steps to feeling truly settled and secure here. The system can seem a bit opaque at first, but don't worry. As someone who's been through it, I can tell you it's entirely manageable. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, using the most up-to-date information for 2025.

Understanding the Estonian Healthcare System: The Role of the Perearst

First things first, let's get acquainted with the star of the show: the perearst. In Estonia's healthcare system, the family doctor is the gatekeeper. They are your first point of contact for almost all non-emergency medical needs.

Your perearst is responsible for:

• Diagnosing and treating common illnesses.
• Writing prescriptions.
• Administering vaccinations.
• Providing referrals to specialists (like dermatologists, cardiologists, etc.).
• Issuing sick leave certificates (töövõimetusleht).
• Handling preventative care and health monitoring.

Essentially, you can't just book an appointment with a specialist; you almost always need a referral from your registered family doctor. This makes finding and registering with one a top priority. The entire system is managed by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, now officially called the Tervisekassa.

Are You Eligible for a State-Funded Doctor?

Before you start your search, you need to confirm you're covered by the Tervisekassa. You are generally eligible for state-funded healthcare if:

• You are a resident of Estonia with a valid residence permit and an employment contract. Your employer pays social tax, a portion of which funds the health system. Coverage usually begins after a 14-day waiting period from the start of your employment registration.
• You are a registered board member of an Estonian company paying the required social tax.
• You are registered as unemployed with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa).
• You are an EU/EEA citizen staying in Estonia temporarily and hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card covers medically necessary care but doesn't allow you to register with a permanent perearst. It's for emergencies and urgent needs.

You can check your health insurance status anytime on the state portal, eesti.ee, by logging in with your ID card, Mobile-ID, or Smart-ID. If you're not covered by the Tervisekassa, you'll need to rely on private health insurance and private clinics for your medical needs.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Registering with a Perearst

Ready to begin? Grab a coffee, and let's break down the process.

Step 1: Find a List of Available Doctors

Your primary tool for this search is the official Tervisekassa list of family doctors. This database allows you to search for doctors by region (maakond) and service area.

When you look at the list, you’ll see the doctor's name, the name of their practice (nimistu), and their clinic's address and contact information. The most important piece of information here is the status of their list. A doctor's patient list can be:

• Open: They are accepting new patients. This is what you're looking for!
• Closed: Their list is full, and they are not accepting new patients unless you are moving to their service area and a family member is already on their list.

Unfortunately, the official list does not specify which languages a doctor speaks. This is where the real detective work begins.

Step 2: The Hunt for an English Speaker

This is often the biggest hurdle for expats. Since the official database won't tell you, you'll need to use a few different strategies:

1. Visit Clinic Websites: Many larger medical centres (tervisekeskus) list their doctors on their website. Sometimes, these profiles include a short bio or a list of languages spoken. Look for the English flag or "EN" next to a doctor's name.
2. Call the Clinic Directly: This is the most effective method. Call the reception of a clinic with an available doctor and simply ask: "Tere, vabandust, kas teil on perearste, kes räägivad inglise keelt?" (Hello, excuse me, do you have any family doctors who speak English?). The receptionists in major cities like Tallinn and Tartu usually speak enough English to help you.
3. Leverage the Expat Community: Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask in Facebook groups like "Expats in Tallinn/Estonia" or on platforms like Reddit. People are often happy to recommend their own English-speaking perearst, though be prepared that their list might be full.
4. Contact an International House: The International House of Estonia (in Tallinn and Tartu) offers free consultations for newcomers and can often provide guidance or point you toward known expat-friendly resources.

Pro Tip: Be prepared for persistence. Many doctors in desirable areas like central Tallinn or Tartu have full lists. You may need to check the Tervisekassa list regularly, as spots can open up unexpectedly.

Step 3: Fill Out and Submit the Application

Once you've found a doctor who is accepting new patients and speaks English, it's time to apply. You need to fill out the standard application form: Avaldus perearsti nimistusse registreerimiseks.

You can download this form directly from the Tervisekassa website. It’s a straightforward, one-page document.

There are two ways to submit it:

1. Digitally (The Estonian Way): Fill out the PDF form on your computer. Sign it digitally using your Estonian ID card and the DigiDoc4 Client software, or with your Smart-ID/Mobile-ID. Then, email the signed container file to the clinic's general email address. This is the fastest and most common method.
2. In-Person: Print the form, fill it out by hand, and take it directly to the clinic's reception desk.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

By law, the doctor's practice has seven working days to inform you whether your application has been accepted or rejected. Rejection typically only happens if the doctor's list is full or you don't live in their designated service area.

If you are accepted, congratulations! You are now officially registered. You won't usually receive a fancy welcome package—you are simply in their system. You can now call them to book your first appointment.

The Reality on the Ground: What If You Can't Find a Doctor?

It's important to set realistic expectations. In 2025, the pressure on the primary care system, especially in urban centres, is significant. Many expats find that every English-speaking doctor they contact has a full list. Don't panic. You have several excellent alternatives.

Option 1: The Family Doctor Advice Line (1220)

This is an invaluable, free service. You can call 1220 (or +372 634 6630 from a foreign number) 24/7 to speak with a qualified nurse or doctor. They provide medical advice, can help you assess the urgency of your situation, and even issue or renew certain prescriptions.

Crucially, they offer service in English every day from 3 PM to 5 PM (15:00-17:00). This is your go-to for immediate advice when you don't yet have a perearst.

Option 2: Emergency Rooms (EMO)

The hospital emergency room, known as an EMO (erakorralise meditsiini osakond), is for urgent and life-threatening conditions only. This includes things like severe injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a very high fever in a child. For minor colds, prescription refills, or chronic issues, the EMO is not the right place. Be prepared for long waits if your condition is not deemed a high priority.

Option 3: Private Medical Clinics

For non-emergency situations where you need to see a doctor quickly and can't find a perearst, private clinics are an excellent solution. They are more expensive, but they offer immediate access to highly professional, English-speaking doctors.

Leading private clinics in Estonia include:

• Confido
• Medicover
• Qvalitas
• Meliva

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Many expats use private clinics as a "bridge" while they continue their search for a public perearst, or even choose to use them for all their primary care needs if their budget or private insurance allows.

Your Digital Health Record: The Power of Digilugu

Once you are registered with a perearst, you gain access to one of the crown jewels of e-Estonia: the national patient portal, digilugu.ee. By logging in with your ID card or Mobile-ID, you can see your entire medical history in one place, including:

• Test results (blood work, imaging, etc.)
• Referrals to specialists
• Summaries of past appointments
• All prescriptions issued to you
• Your vaccination records

Your digital prescriptions are sent directly from the doctor's computer to a central system. You can then go to any pharmacy in Estonia, present your ID card, and the pharmacist will see your active prescriptions and dispense your medication. It's an incredibly efficient and convenient system.

Your Action Plan and Final Takeaway

Finding an English-speaking family doctor in Estonia is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience and a bit of proactive effort, but it is achievable.

Here’s your condensed action plan:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Check your health insurance status on eesti.ee.
2. Start the Search: Use the official Tervisekassa list to identify doctors with open lists in your area.
3. Do the Detective Work: Call clinics directly to ask about English-speaking doctors.
4. Apply Swiftly: Submit the application form digitally the moment you find a match.
5. Have a Backup Plan: Keep the 1220 advice line number handy and know the locations of your nearest private clinic and EMO.

Getting registered with a perearst is a huge milestone in your expat journey. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a trusted medical professional to turn to when you need it most. Welcome to Estonia, and stay healthy