Patient satisfaction declined across Finland's private healthcare sector this year, while public healthcare improved from last year, according to poll results. The shift narrowed the gap between the two sectors, although private providers continue to enjoy a clear lead in patient perceptions.
Public healthcare's satisfaction score rose to 60.6, according to the latest report on Finnish healthcare from Stockholm-headquartered market research company EPSI Rating Group. Private healthcare remained significantly higher at 70.2, but the sector's overall score weakened compared with 2025 as two of its largest providers lost ground. The study is based on interviews with over 870 Finnish healthcare users conducted in spring 2026.
The sharpest declines were recorded by the listed operators. Terveystalo's satisfaction score fell to 67.7 from 71.4 a year earlier, while Pihlajalinna dropped to 68.4 from 72.3. Mehiläinen, which is not listed, moved in the opposite direction, improving to 74.6 from 74.1 and strengthening its position as the sector leader.
The results suggest that Finland's private healthcare market is becoming increasingly divided. While Mehiläinen has managed to improve patient perceptions despite a challenging operating environment, both listed rivals are seeing customer satisfaction weaken at the same time as financial performance comes under pressure.
Terveystalo reported an 11 percent decline in first-quarter revenue to EUR 308.2 million, while adjusted EBIT fell 30 percent. Earnings per share dropped 49 percent to EUR 0.14. Pihlajalinna's revenue declined 22 percent to EUR 142.1 million following the expiry of outsourcing agreements, while earnings per share fell 24 percent to EUR 0.35.
Investors have responded cautiously. Over the past 12 months, Terveystalo's share price has fallen roughly 35 percent and Pihlajalinna's around 26 percent.
While customer satisfaction is only one measure of performance, EPSI notes that academic research has found a relationship between satisfaction levels and long-term financial outcomes. The latest results suggest patient experience is becoming an increasingly important indicator of competitive strength in Finnish healthcare.
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