The University of Eastern Finland has insured you against accidents and certain damages during your studies. This page explains what the insurance covers, when it is valid and what to do if something happens.
For health insurance information, check student health care-page.
Accident insurance
As a student, you have statutory accident insurance while studying (460/2015). The insurance is valid when you are taking part in practical teaching or unpaid work placement included in the curriculum — either on university premises or at an external placement site.
When is the insurance valid?
- During practical teaching (e.g. laboratory work, field courses, clinical training)
- During unpaid work placement, including abroad, if the placement is part of your curriculum at UEF
- The insurance is valid worldwide
When is the insurance not valid?
- During lectures, breaks or your regular commute to the university
- During paid work placement — in that case, you are covered by the employer’s accident insurance
Does the insurance apply to me?
- Degree students: Yes, when you take part in practical teaching or unpaid work placement.
- Open University students: Only if your studies include practical training that is part of a faculty curriculum.
- International degree students: Yes, when you are registered as a degree student at UEF in Finland.
Remember when going abroad
Accident insurance only covers accidents that occur during practical training. If you go abroad for a work placement or study trip, always take out travel insurance as well. Travel insurance provides additional cover for, for example, illness during travel, trip cancellation and repatriation costs.
Travel insurance for study trips
UEF’s travel insurance covers curriculum-based study trips abroad organised by the university, when the university pays for travel costs (e.g. travel tickets or accommodation).
The insurance covers:
- trip cancellation
- damage to luggage (breakage, theft)
- the purchase of essential items if your luggage arrives at the destination more than 4 hours late
Liability insurance
UEF’s liability insurance protects you in situations where you cause damage while working at the university or at a placement site.
When does the liability insurance apply to you?
- When you are working on university premises under the supervision and direction of paid university staff — in this case, you are treated as equivalent to an employee.
- The insurance also applies to incoming exchange students in the same situation.
Liability insurance during work placements
At the placement site, the primary liability insurance is the placement provider’s own insurance. UEF’s liability insurance applies as secondary cover in the following situations:
- liability damages caused by exchange students on work placement
- liability damages during work placement
- liability damages during placement as part of an employability course
In these situations, the insurance excess is €2,000 (i.e. your personal liability is up to €2,000). The insurance covers the placement provider’s property as well as property in the placement provider’s possession or under their duty of care. The insurance is valid worldwide except in the United States and Canada.
What to do if something happens
- Seek medical care if needed.
- Fill in the accident report form — you can find the form and the insurance certificate on the Intranet (UEF login required, opens in a new tab.
- If needed, contact your campus contact person.
Contact details
Joensuu campus HR Specialist Kari Reinikainen, [email protected], tel: +358 50 572 8955
Kuopio campus HR Controller Tarja Saastamoinen, [email protected], tel: +358 50 571 1063
Liability insurance matters Legal Counsel Paula Jussila, [email protected]