Essential Guide to the Health System in Lithuania

Lithuania has a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical care to its citizens. The public healthcare system in Lithuania is called the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Lithuania, however, it is not commonly used by foreigners. Public hospitals in Lithuania are generally recommended for minor medical issues, but not for serious medical emergencies or major surgery.

Lithuania's Private Healthcare System

Lithuania also has a private healthcare system that provides more comprehensive medical care than the public system. Private medical care in Lithuania is more expensive than public care, but it is often of a higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals for medical care, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Lithuania are typically well-equipped and offer a wide range of services.

Lithuania's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Lithuania include:

• Kaunas Clinical Hospital (public, located in Kaunas)
• Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (public, located in Vilnius)
• Klaipeda University Hospital (public, located in Klaipeda)
• Vilnius Oncology Center (public, located in Vilnius)
• Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (public, located in Vilnius)
• Kaunas Oncology Center (public, located in Kaunas)
• Klaipeda Oncology Center (public, located in Klaipeda)
• Vilnius Cardiology Center (public, located in Vilnius)
• Kaunas Cardiology Center (public, located in Kaunas)
• Klaipeda Cardiology Center (public, located in Klaipeda)
• Vilnius Eye Clinic (private, located in Vilnius)
• Kaunas Eye Clinic (private, located in Kaunas)
• Klaipeda Eye Clinic (private, located in Klaipeda)

Health Insurance Companies in Lithuania

The most popular private health insurers in Lithuania are Eurovaistine, Lietuvos Draudimas, and BTA. These companies provide health insurance to both Lithuanian citizens and expats. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Lithuania: How to Navigate the Health System

"Lithuania has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as private medical facilities, offering a variety of medical services such as general practice, specialist care, emergency services, and preventive health care. Lithuania also has a number of specialized medical centers, providing specialized care in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology. In addition, Lithuania has a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to the development of new treatments and technologies," commented one member living in Lithuania.

"Understand that health care in Lithuania is hit and miss, depending on who you are and where you live - health care providers here are often poorly paid, poorly motivated, and irresponsible," commented one expat living in Lithuania.

"Lithuania offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system in Lithuania is funded by the government and is free for all citizens. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Lithuania can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local municipality and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Lithuanian citizens, although they may need to pay for some services," mentioned one expat living in Lithuania.