15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Lithuania
Last updated on Sep 24, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Lithuania is generally considered to be good, although it may not be as advanced as in the United States. Emergency services are generally reliable and efficient, and ambulances can be called by dialing 112. The response time is usually quite fast, and the medical staff are well-trained and experienced.
How are healthcare services Lithuania?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Lithuania, they replied:
"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," wrote one expat.
What are medical services in Lithuania like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Lithuania, they replied:
"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," said one expat.
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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Lithuania?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Lithuania are generally considered to be affordable. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens, and private health insurance is available for those who wish to access more specialized care. Private health insurance plans are typically more expensive than public plans, but they offer more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the cost of medical services in Lithuania is generally lower than in other European countries," remarked one expat in Lithuania.
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What are emergency services like in Lithuania?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Lithuania wrote:
"Emergency services in Lithuania are provided by the State Fire and Rescue Service. In the event of an emergency, the public can call 112 to request an ambulance. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is able to provide assistance in Lithuanian, English, and Russian. The call center will dispatch an ambulance to the scene of the emergency and provide medical assistance," said one expat living in Lithuania.
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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Vilnius and Kaunas have the best facilities, but health care in Scandinavia or a more civilized country would be preferable," wrote an expat living in Lithuania.
"The capital city of Vilnius is home to some of the best medical specialists in Lithuania, with a wide range of specialties available. Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania, also has a great selection of medical specialists, with many of the same specialties as Vilnius. Other cities such as Klaipeda, Siauliai, and Panevezys also have a good selection of medical specialists. Additionally, the coastal region of Lithuania, including the cities of Palanga and Neringa, is home to a number of highly qualified medical specialists," said an expat in Lithuania.
Are common prescription medications available in Lithuania?
"Yes - most of them, although you may find it difficult to find or obtain effective medicines or prescriptions," wrote an expat living in Lithuania.
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Lithuania. Pharmacies in Lithuania are well-stocked with a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in Lithuania are the same as those available in other European countries. In addition, some medications that are not available in other countries may be available in Lithuania. Patients in Lithuania can also access medications through online pharmacies, although it is important to ensure that the online pharmacy is legitimate and that the medications are safe to use," said an expat in Lithuania.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Lithuania?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Lithuania are of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of modern medical services available. Lithuania has a high number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers and hospitals, which offer a wide range of treatments and services. In addition, Lithuania has a number of private clinics and medical centers, which provide a range of medical services at competitive prices," remarked one expat in Lithuania.
As a foreigner living in Lithuania, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Lithuania, you will have access to public healthcare. Lithuania has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and legal residents are entitled to free or low-cost healthcare services. The quality of healthcare in Lithuania is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and supplemented by private health insurance," wrote an expat living in Lithuania.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Lithuania if they have access to public healthcare in Lithuania. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Lithuania. The government has implemented a number of measures to protect the public, including the introduction of a national contact tracing system, the closure of schools and universities, and the implementation of social distancing measures. Healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to provide care to those affected by the virus, and the government has provided additional funding to support the healthcare system. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Lithuania has been able to provide quality care to those affected by the virus," wrote an expat living in Lithuania.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Lithuania?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Lithuania about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Lithuania before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife who speaks your language and is familiar with your culture. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the maternity leave policies in Lithuania, as well as any other benefits or services available to new parents. Additionally, it is a good idea to connect with other expat parents in Lithuania to get advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to enjoy the experience of having a baby in Lithuania and to take advantage of the unique cultural opportunities available," said one expat in Lithuania.
Are healthcare services good in Lithuania?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Lithuania. They wrote:
"Lithuania has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as private medical facilities. Primary care is provided by family doctors, while specialized care is available at hospitals and clinics. Lithuania also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the National Cancer Institute and the National Cardiology Institute. The country also has a number of health insurance plans that cover a variety of medical services. In addition, Lithuania has a number of health promotion and disease prevention programs, such as the National Health Promotion Program and the National Immunization Program," wrote a person living in Lithuania.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Lithuania Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Lithuania
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Lithuania
- Best Places to Live in Lithuania
- Guide to Real Estate in Lithuania
- Pros & Cons of Living in Lithuania
- Cost of Living in Lithuania
- 15 Best Places to Live in Lithuania
- Essential Guide to the Health System in Lithuania
- Guide to Residency in Lithuania
- Pros and Cons of Living in Lithuania 2024