Mental health support for British nationals in Estonia
Information about support for British nationals experiencing mental health difficulties in Estonia.
Read guidance on mental health abroad for broader advice on mental health issues while travelling or living abroad.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency or for urgent medical attention call 112 and ask for the ambulance or police or go to the emergency department at any general hospital.
For less urgent medical attention visit the Estonia state healthcare website or call 112 to make an appointment with a doctor. See our list of doctors and medical facilities in Estonia.
The national emotional crisis support line can be contacted on 116 123 locally or +372 116 123 internationally. You can also turn to a psychiatric duty unit for help. The duty units are available 24 hours a day in Estonia’s major cities. Read information on duty units support, including direct telephone numbers, on the website of Estonian Health Board.
Not all medical or emergency services staff speak English. You may need to consider using a local translator or interpreter.
Prescriptions
Bringing medicines into Estonia
Read guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK and Estonia travel advice health guidance.
Accessing medicines in Estonia
If you take regular medication, you should bring at least enough to last for your stay. Consider bringing extra in case your stay in Estonia is extended for any reason.
If you need a repeat or replacement prescription while you are in Estonia, you should approach a local pharmacy who can provide advice and a list of local doctors.
Bring a copy of your prescription to Estonia. This can help doctors find the exact or similar medication.
Admission to hospital for mental health reasons
Hospitals with mental health facilities are available in Estonia.
To access inpatient care voluntarily in Estonia, contact one of the hospitals providing inpatient psychiatric care: Pärnu Hospital Psychiatric Clinic:
- Viljandi Hospital Psychiatric Clinic
- Tartu University Hospital Psychiatry Clinic
- North Estonia Medical Centre Psychiatry Clinic
People experiencing a mental health crisis may be detained in hospital and treated against their wishes if they are thought to be a risk to themselves or others.
In Estonia this is called “tahtest olenematu psühhiaatriline ravi”. More information about “tahtest olenematu psühhiaatriline ravi” in Estonia is published on the website of the North Estonian Regional Medical Centre (in Estonian).
This is comparable to ’sectioning’ in the UK . UK mental health law is non-transferrable to other countries so even if a person is sectioned in the UK, this cannot be used to admit them to hospital abroad. The same applies to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws.
To assist health professionals treating you, you may be asked to provide a medical history or help in accessing UK medical records.
Outpatient treatment
You may also be able to access outpatient care in Estonia. You can find a list of hospitals that offer outpatient mental health care in our list of doctors and medical facilities for Estonia.
The Health Board’s Digital Registration system provides a searchable directory of psychiatric services by specialty and location in Estonia. The portal also allows users to book appointments.
Medical bills and insurance
Hospital bills and other medical fees may be high in Estonia without adequate travel insurance. If you are treated in hospital against your wishes, you may still be charged medical fees.
The cost of hospitalisation may be covered by your travel insurance or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
You may be entitled to non-urgent medical attention. Check with your provider before receiving care.
Make sure you declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurance provider to ensure your insurance is valid. Enquire where possible ahead of any treatment about likely cost and whether it will be covered by your insurance or GHIC.
If you do not have adequate insurance, you will need to cover costs from your own personal funds.
Read about medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalisation abroad and foreign travel insurance.
Making decisions on behalf of someone lacking mental capacity
To make decisions on behalf of someone ‘lacking mental capacity’, speak to a lawyer in Estonia for advice. In the UK, you can apply to become someone’s deputy if they ‘lack mental capacity’ but UK deputies are unlikely to be recognised in Estonia without a court order.
Support from agencies and organisations in Estonia
Contact these organisations in Estonia for mental health support and advice:
There are also some social support organisations in Estonia that you may wish to contact.
International organisations
These international organisations may be able to help you whilst you are overseas:
Returning to the UK
If you are abroad and need help to return to the UK, the FCDO can try to assist in making plans for your return. See what the FCDO can and cannot do.
You may not automatically be entitled to state benefits if you have never lived in the UK, or if you have lived abroad for some time. This includes free NHS hospital treatment. See the returning to the UK guidance for more information, including on healthcare.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this guide is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. For more information, read our consular information disclaimer.