"K" is for Kela

Kela as previously mentioned is the social service system here in Finland. Such things are covered by Kela: maternity/paternity leave, compensation, un-employment, the massive maternity package with the clothing in it etc.
The big thing also covered by Kela is the health insurance as well. You get a little card with your name on it and the pharmacy (Aptekki) only bills you what is remaining to be owed that the Kela does not cover.
I was not covered until now. I will be receiving my documents some time next week - but it has been an ongoing battle with them because at first we were both (Tim and I) rejected. I was able to deliver V�in� without charge and stay at the hospital without charge - but the specialist appointments (while still pregnant) I later found out, cost me 25 Euros and some change. Got the bills in the mail. We were rejected at first because Kela didn't understand Tim's position at the university. He's doing his phD program here in Finland - however he's technically doing research for the university and therefor deemed an employee of the school too. So that's where the confusion was.
Then Tim got his lovely Kela card in the mail - and I did not. We thought for awhile maybe we were supposed to share. But that wasn't the case - I was still on the chopping block for coverage. I ended up paying full price for my inhaler anyways - as I was in desperate need of it prior to V�in�'s arrival. Thankfully they have forms that you can fill out and the Kela can credit your bank account once you file a claim. And I won't have to pay those bills from the clinic - just show them my Kela stuff and I'll be free!

OH and best part - the orthodontist gets covered by the Kela too (not sure of exact amount)!! I had no idea. We were under the assumption that Kela wouldn't cover braces - because how many insurance companies in Canada actually do?! Blue Cross does, Great West Life covers a portion and so does Sunlife (military). That's all that I know of - and braces in Canada were 205$/month or about $6000 over a span of 2-2.5 years. And the above mentioned companies only cover up to $1500.00.