Medicine & Veterinary Lithuania

In Lithuania, the medical insurance system includes two main types: mandatory medical insurance and voluntary (private) medical insurance.

Mandatory Medical Insurance (PSD):

PSD is a state system providing basic medical care for all residents of Lithuania. Those insured under PSD include:

Permanent residents of Lithuania, including citizens and foreigners with a permanent residence permit.

Foreign citizens with a temporary residence permit working in Lithuania or engaged in individual activities, as well as their minor children.

Socially vulnerable groups for whom contributions are paid by the state: children under 18, pensioners, unemployed registered at the employment office, disabled persons, and others.

PSD is funded by mandatory monthly contributions:

Those employed under an employment contract: contributions are deducted from the salary and transferred by the employer.

Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors: pay contributions independently through the "Sodra" system.

Unemployed residents not in privileged categories: are obliged to pay contributions independently.

Persons insured under PSD are entitled to free medical services in public and municipal healthcare institutions, as well as in private clinics that have agreements with territorial health insurance funds. However, some services, such as certain tests or procedures, may not be covered and may require additional payment.

Voluntary (Private) Medical Insurance:

Private medical insurance provides additional medical services not covered by PSD and offers a wider range of medical care:

Additional services: coverage of dental services, purchase of medicines, preventive check-ups, rehabilitation, services in private clinics without waiting lists, and others.

Flexibility: the ability to choose an insurance plan depending on individual needs and financial capabilities.

Employers often offer private medical insurance as an additional bonus for employees.

The largest insurance companies in Lithuania offering private medical insurance:

Lietuvos draudimas: offers various health insurance plans covering outpatient and inpatient care, dental services, and medicines.

BTA: specializes in employee health insurance, including diagnosis, treatment, dental and optical services.

Gjensidige, Ergo, If, and others: provide a variety of voluntary medical insurance programs.

It is important to note that having private medical insurance does not exempt residents from paying mandatory medical insurance contributions. Thus, a combination of PSD and private insurance ensures more comprehensive access to medical services in Lithuania.

In Lithuania, medical services are provided by both public and private institutions. Regardless of your mandatory medical insurance status, you can visit any medical institution in the country. However, payment conditions and service availability may vary.

Public Medical Institutions

State and municipal medical institutions provide a wide range of medical services. If you are insured under PSD, most services at these institutions will be free or require a minimal co-payment. The main public medical institutions include:

Polyclinics: provide primary medical care, including consultations with family doctors and specialists.

Hospitals: provide specialized and inpatient medical care.

To receive medical services in a public institution, you need to:

Select a medical institution: such as a polyclinic, primary health care center, or family health center.

Visit in person: present an identity document and fill out the necessary forms.

Choose a family doctor: decide on a specific specialist who will be your primary physician.

Please note that only individuals insured under the mandatory health insurance policy can register with a specific healthcare institution, regardless of whether it is a public or private facility.

Private Healthcare Institutions

Private clinics and medical centers operate based on licenses issued by the State Accreditation Service for Medical Activity under the Ministry of Health of Lithuania. Services in these institutions are paid, and prices are set internally by each institution.

Some private healthcare institutions have contracts with territorial health insurance funds, allowing those insured under PSD to receive certain services free of charge or at a discount. Additionally, some private clinics work with private insurance companies, providing compensation for paid medical services.

Popular private clinics in Lithuania:

"Kardiolita" Clinic: A multidisciplinary clinic in Vilnius offering a wide range of medical services.

Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Center: Specializes in surgery, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and diagnostics.

"Northway" Clinic: Provides a variety of medical services in Vilnius and other cities.

Language Support:

The official language in public medical institutions is Lithuanian. However, many doctors, especially young specialists, speak English, Russian, or Polish. In private clinics, the likelihood of finding English-speaking staff is higher. It is recommended to confirm whether the doctor speaks your preferred language when making an appointment.

Important to Know

Payment for services: If you are not insured under PSD, all medical services received in both public and private institutions will be paid.

Thus, a wide range of medical services is available in Lithuania in both public and private institutions. Those insured under PSD have the advantage of receiving free or partially paid services, especially in public institutions. However, private clinics may offer shorter waiting times and additional services.

Registration with a Family Doctor

Every resident of Lithuania insured under the mandatory health insurance (PSD) has the right to choose a family doctor at a polyclinic, medical center, or family doctor's office with a contract with a territorial health insurance fund. To do this, you need to:

Select a medical institution: Determine the polyclinic or medical center where your desired family doctor works.

Visit the registry: Go to the registry of the chosen institution with an identity document and fill out an application to register with the family doctor.

Choose a family doctor: Indicate the selected family doctor in the application. If you do not make a selection yourself, the administration may assign a doctor automatically.

Note that from 2023, two factors are considered when choosing a family doctor: the number of patients per doctor and the patient's place of residence. This means preference is given to choosing a doctor located closer to your declared place of residence.

Scheduling an Appointment with the Family Doctor

After registering with the family doctor, you can schedule an appointment in the following ways:

By phone: Call the medical institution's registry and arrange a convenient appointment time.

In person: Visit the registry and schedule an appointment on-site.

Online: Many medical institutions offer online booking through their official websites or the platform esveikata.lt. Confirm if the doctor speaks your language when scheduling.

Getting a Referral to a Specialist

In most cases, a referral from the family doctor is required for a specialist consultation. The process is as follows:

Consultation with the family doctor: Visit your family doctor, who will assess your condition and, if necessary, provide a referral to a specialist.

Scheduling with a specialist: With the referral, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in the same or another medical institution. Booking can be made by phone, in person, or online, depending on the capabilities of the specific institution.

Online appointment with specialized doctors:

Some medical institutions provide the option to book appointments with specialists online. To do this:

Visit the official website of the institution: Many clinics have online booking systems.

Use national platforms: The platform esveikata.lt allows you to book appointments with doctors, view medical documents, and pay bills online. Registration and identity verification are required for access.

In Lithuania, the emergency medical care system is organized to ensure a rapid and effective response to life or health-threatening emergencies. Regardless of your compulsory health insurance (PSD) status, you are entitled to free emergency medical care.

Emergency medical assistance call

Single emergency services number: 112. You can call an ambulance, police, or fire service with this number.

Alternative numbers: Although 112 is the primary number, the following numbers may be used in some cases:

Ambulance: 03, 103, 033

Police: 02, 102, 112, 022

Fire service: 01, 101, 011

Organization of emergency medical care

Emergency calls: When you call 112, your call will be processed at one of two territorial centers - in Vilnius or Klaipeda, which serve the entire territory of Lithuania.

Composition of ambulance teams: Ambulance teams usually consist of two or three specialists with varying levels of training, including doctors, paramedics, and paramedic drivers.

Service availability and payment

Free assistance: Emergency medical care is provided free of charge to all permanent residents of Lithuania, irrespective of having a compulsory health insurance policy. These services are paid from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

Foreign citizens: Foreign citizens without resident status may be required to pay for emergency medical services unless otherwise specified by international agreements or special programs.

Features of emergency assistance provision

Without a doctor's referral: A referral from a family doctor is not required when seeking emergency medical assistance.

24-hour operation: Emergency departments in hospitals operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring continuous medical care.

Recommendations for immigrants:

Knowledge of local numbers: Memorize 112 to call emergency services.

Language support: When calling emergency services, try to speak in Lithuanian or English. In some cases, operators may know other languages, but this is not guaranteed.

Documents: Always carry identification and, if applicable, your health insurance policy.

In Lithuania, the process of taking medical tests and undergoing examinations is organized to ensure accessibility and efficiency of medical care. Depending on your compulsory health insurance status and the type of medical institution (state or private), the procedure may vary.

Taking medical tests

Through a family doctor: If you have PSD, consult your family doctor, who will issue a referral for laboratory tests if necessary.

Conducting tests: With a referral, you can take tests at a laboratory associated with your medical institution. For those insured under PSD, most standard tests will be free or require a minimal co-payment.

In private laboratories

Without a referral: You can independently contact private laboratories for necessary tests without a referral.

Payment: Services in private laboratories are subject to fees, and the cost depends on the specific test. It is recommended to check prices in advance.

Undergoing medical examinations

Through a family doctor: Contact your family doctor, who will assess your condition and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist or for diagnostic procedures. With a referral, you can book an examination at the respective medical institution. For those insured under PSD, such services are often provided free of charge or with a minimal co-payment.

In private clinics: You can directly contact private medical centers for examinations without a referral. All services in private clinics are paid for by the patient. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check the cost in advance.

Online appointment booking for tests and examinations

Through public institutions:

eSveikata platform: Many public medical institutions use the eSveikata system for online appointment booking and examinations. Registration and identity verification are required for access.

Through private clinics:

Own booking systems: Many private medical centers offer online booking through their official websites.

Below are some of the most popular laboratories for medical tests and examinations:

Medical Center "Kardiolita": A leading multidisciplinary private hospital in Vilnius, offering a wide range of laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostic and Treatment Medical Center: Provides over 1800 types of medical services, including laboratory tests and diagnostic examinations.

Medical Centers "Northway": A network of medical centers offering a wide range of laboratory studies, including clinical, immunological, biochemical, and other tests.

Laboratory "Baltic Medics": Located in Klaipeda, provides services for various medical tests.

Online service "Telesante": Offers the possibility to order blood tests at a discount and take them in partner laboratories throughout Lithuania. The service provides convenience and affordable prices, as well as online consultations with family doctors.

Laboratory "E. Gulbja Laboratorija": Offers a wide range of laboratory tests in cooperation with the clinic.

"Baltic Medical Centre": Provides blood and urine tests, as well as X-ray and MRI examinations. The center offers a wide range of tests for general health checks and the diagnosis of various diseases.

Choosing a hospital and doctor

Medical institutions:

State hospitals: Provide a wide range of obstetric services. However, for foreign citizens without mandatory health insurance (PSD), services will be paid.

Private clinics: Offer an individual approach and comfortable conditions. The cost of childbirth in such facilities is higher, but the service is often more personalized.

Choosing a doctor: It is recommended to familiarize yourself with reviews and the qualifications of specialists in advance. In private clinics, you usually have the option to choose a specific doctor.

Medical insurance

Mandatory health insurance:

Permanent and temporary residents of Lithuania are required to pay PSD contributions, which ensures access to free or partially reimbursed medical services.

Foreign citizens who are not residents are not entitled to PSD and must pay for medical services themselves.

Private medical insurance:

To cover childbirth expenses, foreign citizens are recommended to take out private medical insurance. The insurance policy should cover expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth, so it is important to carefully study the terms when choosing a program.

Organizational aspects

Arrival dates: Expectant mothers are recommended to arrive in Lithuania no later than 36 weeks of pregnancy for necessary prenatal examinations and birth planning.

Documents: You need to have a passport, visa (if required), medical documents confirming the course of pregnancy, and an insurance policy.

Accommodation: Arrange housing in advance for the period before and after delivery. Some clinics or specialized companies offer assistance in arranging accommodation.

Partner births

Partner births in Lithuania, involving the presence of a loved one during childbirth, are becoming increasingly popular. It is necessary to find out in advance whether the chosen medical institution supports the practice of partner births and what conditions are provided for this.

Vaccination of newborns

In Lithuania, vaccination of newborns is carried out according to the national vaccination schedule, which includes mandatory and recommended vaccines for children of various age groups. According to the Ministry of Health of Latvia, newborns receive a vaccine against tuberculosis at hospital discharge. At 6 weeks old, vaccination against rotavirus infection begins. At the ages of 2, 4, and 6 months, children are recommended to receive combined vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, type B Haemophilus infection, and hepatitis B, as well as a vaccine against pneumococcal infection at 2 and 4 months.

However, in Lithuania, vaccination is not strictly mandatory for all citizens. The Ministry of Health of Lithuania has stated that mandatory vaccination for everyone is not yet planned. Nevertheless, vaccination of newborns and children is strongly recommended according to the national vaccination schedule to ensure protection against serious infectious diseases.

Parents have the right to make decisions regarding the vaccination of their children; however, in the case of refusing vaccination, healthcare workers must explain the potential health risks to the child.

In the event of the death of a foreign citizen on the territory of Lithuania, the following actions must be taken:

1. Confirmation of death:

If the death occurred outside a medical institution:

Immediately call the emergency assistance number 112. The arriving medical team will confirm the death and organize the transportation of the body to the morgue. If there are suspicions of violent death, the police will initiate an investigation and appoint a forensic examination.

If the death occurred in a medical institution:

The attending physician confirms the death and issues the relevant medical documents.

2. Notification of the consulate:

It is recommended to contact the consular department of the embassy of the country of which the deceased was a citizen to receive consultations and assistance in organizing further actions.

3. Registration of death:

Apply to the civil registry offices: The death must be registered within 5 days from the date of occurrence. Registration is conducted in the civil registry office at the place of death.

4. Organization of burial, cremation, or repatriation:

Choosing a funeral bureau: Relatives or representatives of the deceased must choose a licensed funeral bureau, which will handle the organization of the burial, cremation, or repatriation of the body to the homeland.

Repatriation of the body: To transport the body outside of Lithuania, special documents must be prepared, including a death certificate and a permit for the export of the body. The funeral bureau can assist in preparing these documents and organizing the transportation.

Funeral allowance: In some cases, the state provides a funeral allowance. To receive it, it is necessary to apply to the social support department at the place of residence of the deceased or the person arranging the funeral, providing the relevant documents.

Financial and legal issues:

Insurance payments: If the deceased had valid insurance covering funeral or repatriation expenses, contact the insurance company to settle payments.

Inheritance matters: Relatives are recommended to contact a lawyer to resolve issues related to the inheritance and property of the deceased in Lithuania.

Timely completion of the specified actions will ensure the legality and correctness of the procedures related to the death of a foreign citizen in Lithuania.

In Lithuania, there are certain mandatory procedures and vaccinations for pets such as dogs, cats, and ferrets to ensure their health and the safety of others.

Mandatory procedures

Identification and registration:

Microchipping: As of May 1, 2022, mandatory microchipping of pets has been introduced in Lithuania. Each animal must be equipped with a microchip containing a unique identification number.

Registration: After microchipping, the animal must be registered in the State Register of Pets. This measure allows tracking of information about pets and their owners, which is particularly important in cases of the pet being lost or stolen.

Mandatory vaccinations

Rabies vaccination: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats. For ferrets, rabies vaccination is recommended, especially if the animal has contact with wildlife or participates in exhibitions.

Recommended vaccinations

Dogs: Canine distemper, parvovirus enteritis, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis.

Cats: Calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia.

Preventative measures: Regular deworming is recommended every 3–6 months. Preventative treatment for fleas and ticks is conducted depending on the season and risk of infection.

Travel and Exhibitions

Rabies Antibody Titer Test: When exporting an animal outside Lithuania, especially to the European Union countries, a rabies antibody titer test conducted in an accredited laboratory may be required. This test should be performed no earlier than 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.

Additional Vaccinations: Depending on the destination country's requirements or exhibition conditions, additional vaccinations may be required.

Regular consultations with a veterinarian will help determine the optimal vaccination schedule and preventive measures for your pet.

In Lithuania, pet owners have access to various services, including animal hotels and shelters.

Animal Hotels:

Animal hotels provide temporary accommodation and care for pets when owners cannot care for them themselves. According to the State Food and Veterinary Service, 14 officially registered animal hotels operate in Lithuania.

An example is an animal hotel in the Trakai district, offering luxury rooms and terraces for pets.

Animal Shelters:

Shelters provide temporary refuge for homeless or abandoned animals, offering them care and assistance in finding new owners. Several shelters operate in Lithuania, including:

"Nuaras": Shelters located in Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Alytus. All animals are vaccinated, most are sterilized, and receive professional care.

"Lese": A shelter in Vilnius, known for its cat houses and the ability to watch pets through webcams.

"SOS Gyvūnai": One of the largest shelters in Lithuania, having saved over 8,000 animals in 12 years of operation.

For more detailed information about specific hotels or shelters, it is recommended to contact the selected establishments directly or visit their official websites.

In Lithuania, pet keeping is regulated by legislative acts aimed at ensuring their well-being and the safety of others.

1. Mandatory identification and registration.

2. Vaccination.

3. Conditions of keeping:

Space and safety: Animals must be kept in conditions that ensure their physical and psychological well-being. This includes sufficient space, access to clean water and food, and protection from adverse weather conditions.

Hygiene and health: Regular veterinary check-ups, hygiene procedures, and parasite prevention are mandatory to maintain the health of the pet.

4. Owners' responsibility:

Behavior control: Owners are required to control the behavior of their animals in public places, preventing aggression and disturbance to others.

Cleaning up after the pet: Maintaining cleanliness in public places, including cleaning up excrement after one's pet, is the owner's responsibility.

5. Restrictions and bans:

Animal breeding: Breeding of pets is regulated by law, and special permission may be required.

Banned breeds: In Lithuania, there may be restrictions on keeping certain dog breeds recognized as potentially dangerous.

6. Travel and import of animals:

Documents and vaccinations: When importing animals into Lithuania from other countries, a veterinary passport with necessary vaccination marks, including rabies, is required.

Customs procedures: Owners must comply with customs rules when importing animals, including possible declaration forms and fees.

It is recommended to regularly consult with veterinary specialists and stay updated on legislation changes to ensure proper care for pets.