Insurance-related appeals

A policy holder, who is unhappy with an insurance company's decision, should first take the matter up with a representative of their insurance company.

Policy holders may request a statement from one of the following insurance industry boards, if they are involved in a dispute with an insurance company or instance, or if there is any ambiguity in matters related to their insurance.

District courts resolve disputes

Disputes between insurance policy holders and insurance companies concerning claims and other matters related to insurance policies will be resolved by the local district court.

Parties can file an appeal on decisions by the district court to a court of appeal. Decisions by a court of appeal can be appealed in the Supreme Court, provided that the Supreme Court grants leave to appeal.

Appeals on social insurance

It is a two-step process to submit an appeal against a decision by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) or by an unemployment fund, employee pension institution or accident insurance institution. The insured party must first submit the appeal to the appeals board. After the board has made its decision the insured party can then appeal this decision to the Insurance Court.

Appeals on decisions by employee pension institutions can be submitted to the Employee Pensions Appeal Board. In cases of accidents, appeals can be submitted to the Accident Appeal Board.

Appeals on decisions by Kela can be submitted to the Social Security Appeal Board, except for decisions concerning social assistance (income support) or student subsidies.

The Insurance Court is the highest court instance in matters concerning social insurance. In some cases of accidents and occupational diseases, appeals to decisions by the Insurance Court can be submitted to the Supreme Court.