International Health Insurance for Expats in Lithuania

For expatriates in Lithuania, it is advisable to take out international health insurance, as Lithuanian public health insurance may not provide sufficient coverage. This ensures that you have access to healthcare, including specialist treatment, high-quality medical services with reduced waiting times, and protection in the event of emergency repatriation.

In this guide, we share our advice on how to choose the right cover as an expatriate, how much to budget for, and the key points of the Lithuanian healthcare system.

What you need to know about the Lithuanian healthcare system

The Lithuanian healthcare system is based on the principle of compulsory national insurance for residents, including expatriates. This system is financed by insurance contributions and the state.

All insured persons contribute 6.98% of their gross monthly salary, whether they are employed or self-employed. For employees whose net income is below the Lithuanian minimum wage (€1,038), the employer is required to pay additional minimum contributions.

National coverage guarantees full or partial reimbursement for certain healthcare services. The main categories of care covered are as follows:

• Primary and preventive healthcare
• Specialised care
• Hospital care
• Physical therapy
• Medicines

Reimbursement is provided by the Lithuanian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which also manages the financing of care for non-working persons, including children and pensioners.

A decentralised public healthcare system

The public healthcare system in Lithuania is largely decentralised. Municipalities are responsible for organising and managing primary and preventive healthcare at the local level. They also administer several public institutions, such as small and medium-sized hospitals and retirement homes.

This decentralisation facilitates access to care, even though some public infrastructure, especially outside major cities, may be ageing.

A modern private sector providing support

The private sector plays a key role in healthcare in Lithuania. A significant proportion of primary care is provided by private healthcare facilities that have signed agreements with the public system.

The quality of care offered in the private sector, particularly for dentistry, surgery and certain medical specialities, is often superior to that of the public sector.

Private international health insurance for expatriates in Lithuania

Most expatriates choose to take out private international health insurance to supplement the Lithuanian public healthcare system. This type of insurance, specially designed for people living abroad, provides comprehensive cover for them and their families.

It is valid in Lithuania, in the country of origin and abroad, provides access to quality care and includes repatriation options in case of emergency.

Global Health: the best health insurance for expatriates

Our company specialises in international health coverage for expatriates worldwide. For over 10 years, we have been offering customisable plans designed to protect expatriates.

With us, you benefit from international private health insurance that gives you access to:

• Effective international coverage
• High-quality medical care at the facility of your choice
• Repatriation services throughout the year
• Online second medical opinions
• 24/7 multilingual assistance
• Complementary wellness services, including mental health coaching and a fitness programme

Our priority is to enable you to enjoy your expatriation with complete peace of mind, with the guarantee of reliable cover in all circumstances!

Our health advice for expats in Lithuania

Choose your family doctor (general practitioner): in order to be reimbursed or obtain a prescription for specialised care, you must choose a registered general practitioner. You can ask your colleagues or expatriates who have been living in the country for some time for advice. Word of mouth is usually the best way to find a responsive English-speaking doctor.

There are also official lists of English-speaking doctors in Lithuania:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lithuania-list-of-medical-facilitiespractitioners

Find out about local facilities: once you know where you will be living, contact the local council to find out about nearby health centres. Find out about the best public and private hospitals in your area.

Keep useful contact details handy:

• British Embassy in Lithuania: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-vilnius
• US Embassy in Lithuania: https://lt.usembassy.gov/
• Vilnius University Hospital:https://www.santa.lt/en/
• Emergency number: 112 (assistance available in Lithuanian, English, Russian and Polish)

FAQ from members in Lithuania