International cooperation
Cooperation between the Baltic States
In November 2016, the health insurance institutions of the Baltic States signed a trilateral cooperation agreement aimed at fostering trialogue and the exchange of information regarding the development of health insurance. Effective as of 1 January 2017, the agreement is valid for an indefinite period. According to the agreement, the health insurance funds of the Baltic States cooperate in the following priority areas:
- reforms of health insurance systems;
- best practices in allocating health insurance resources;
- management of the register of insured persons;
- principles of contracting and supervision of healthcare providers and pharmacies;
- reimbursement of healthcare services and medicines;
- supervision of healthcare services and pharmacies;
- financing of new technologies;
- other areas of mutual importance.
Under the agreement, representatives of the health insurance funds of the three countries meet at least once a year on a rotating basis and organize joint training sessions for expert groups.
Cooperation with AIM
Association Internationale de la Mutualité (AIM).
As a member of AIM, the International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies, we are able to participate in discussions on European healthcare issues. From the perspective of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, it is important to support health insurance arrangements in the European Union and internationally that promote the insured person’s responsibility for their health, ensure high-quality and accessible medical care, and maintain financial sustainability in both the medium and long run.
AIM’s objective is to protect people’s right to healthcare services through solidarity-based, non-profit health insurance. The Estonian Health Insurance Fund participates in AIM working groups on:
- European affairs;
- pharmaceuticals and medical devices;
- health promotion and disease prevention;
- long-term care and chronic diseases;
- digital health.
The Estonian Health Insurance Fund also engages in close cooperation at the international level with the World Health Organization and the World Bank. Bilateral partnerships and collaboration with other countries form the basis of our external relations. We provide expertise in building and ensuring the functioning of the health insurance system, while also gathering best practices from other countries regarding the operation of their health insurance systems and technological innovations.
Our closest cooperation partners are the corresponding organizations of neighboring countries (Finland and the Baltic states). The aim of this regular cooperation is the exchange of information on health insurance and legislative changes, issues related to providing services to insured persons living in neighboring countries (including the analysis of possibilities for exchanging health data), sharing of best practices, and implementation of the EU Directive on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.
Cross-Border Health Innovation: Data Integration and Cooperation for Valga-Valka Region
Project acronym: eHealth data exchange
Project duration: 01.10.2025 – 31.09.2027
Project partners: AS Valga Haigla is the lead partner. The Estonian project partner is Tervisekassa, the Latvian partners are The National Health Service and Vidzeme Hospital
Total project budget: EUR 182,279.75
Estonian-Latvian programme support: €145,823.80
Estonian Health Insurance Fund's budget: €13,956.25, including programme support of €11,165
Overview
The Valga-Valka border region lacks a common healthcare strategy and action plan, although Estonian and Latvian healthcare institutions face similar problems. Currently, the results of X-ray and ultrasound examinations performed at Valga Hospital are transferred to Latvian patients on USB data carriers, which causes problems related to data security, use and continuity of treatment. It is necessary to find a modern and secure solution for the exchange of health data through cross-border cooperation.
Project objective
To create a common cross-border healthcare strategy and action plan for the Valga-Valka region and implement a pilot solution for the secure transfer of radiology data from Valga Hospital to the Latvian national e-health system.
Main activities
- Creation of a steering group consisting of representatives of Estonian and Latvian healthcare institutions, ministries and municipalities.
- Development of a common healthcare strategy and action plan for Valga-Valka.
- Implementation of a pilot system that enables automated and secure data transfer to the Latvian e-health system through the Datamed medical information system.
Expected outcome
- A pilot system for the transfer of radiology data has been implemented and is functioning.
- Integrated healthcare data exchange solution.
- Cross-border healthcare strategy and action plan for the Valga-Valka region.
- Strengthened cooperation between Estonian and Latvian healthcare institutions.
- Improved continuity of patient care, quality and data security.
Project beneficiaries
- Valga Hospital – new secure digital solution and strengthened role as a cross-border service provider.
- Latvian patients – secure and better access to their medical data.
- Valka municipality – better healthcare conditions for local residents.
- Estonian and Latvian healthcare systems – stronger cooperation and more efficient use of resources.
Why is a cross-border approach needed?
The healthcare problems of the Valga-Valka region are closely linked to the systems of the two countries. The cross-border strategy ensures that solutions meet the requirements of both countries and create sustainable cooperation. Inclusion of international experience and joint solutions strengthen the region’s ability to effectively address healthcare challenges.
Project manager: Jelena Stepanova
E-mail: jelena.stepanova [at] valgahaigla.ee