As a member of the European Union and a rapidly developing Baltic state, Lithuania has made significant progress in improving its healthcare system over the past two decades. Today, it offers universal health coverage through a national health insurance scheme, supported by a growing private healthcare sector for those seeking enhanced services and faster care.
In this article, we will explore the structure of health insurance in Lithuania, including the public health insurance system (Compulsory Health Insurance - CHI), the role of private insurance, access for expats, and the strengths and limitations of healthcare in the country.
1. Overview of Healthcare in Lithuania
Lithuania provides a universal healthcare system that guarantees medical services to all permanent residents through:
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The Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (CHIF), known as Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas (PSD) in Lithuanian
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Administered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)
The system ensures access to:
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Primary healthcare (family doctors)
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Specialist consultations
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Hospitalization and emergency services
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Maternity and child care
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Rehabilitation
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Prescription medications (partially reimbursed)
Public healthcare is largely free at the point of service for insured residents.
2. Funding and Contributions
The Lithuanian health insurance system is financed through:
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Mandatory contributions from salaries
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State contributions for vulnerable groups (e.g., children, pensioners)
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Voluntary payments by self-employed or unemployed individuals not covered by the state
As of 2025, the standard contribution is 6.98% of gross income, with the employer and employee each covering a portion.
Certain groups (e.g., students, pensioners, disabled individuals, unemployed registered at labor offices) are covered by state-paid contributions.
3. Who Must Be Insured?
The following categories must be enrolled in the Compulsory Health Insurance:
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Lithuanian citizens and permanent residents
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EU/EEA citizens living and working in Lithuania
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Foreign workers with a valid employment contract
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Self-employed individuals
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Unemployed persons not supported by the state must pay contributions themselves
Failing to make required contributions can result in penalties and denied access to some services.
4. Services Covered by Public Health Insurance
The CHI scheme covers a wide range of services, including:
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General practitioner (GP) visits
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Preventive health check-ups
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Hospital and specialist care
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Emergency services
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Surgery and intensive care
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Maternity and childbirth
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Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
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Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
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Mental health treatment
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Partially reimbursed medications
Patients must be registered with a primary healthcare center to access these services under the system.
5. Access to Medication
Prescription medications are partially reimbursed under a reference pricing system. Reimbursement levels vary:
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100% for life-saving medications (e.g., insulin)
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80% or 50% for chronic diseases and other conditions
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Out-of-pocket co-pays apply, but are often modest
Uninsured individuals pay the full price for prescriptions.
6. Private Healthcare Sector
Lithuania has a well-established private healthcare sector, especially in cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Services include:
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Specialist consultations without referrals
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Faster access to diagnostics
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Cosmetic and elective surgeries
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Private maternity care
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Dental and vision services
Private services are paid out-of-pocket unless covered by a private insurance policy.
Popular private healthcare providers include:
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InMedica
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Antėja
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MediCA klinika
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Northway Medical Center
7. Private Health Insurance in Lithuania
While not mandatory, private health insurance is increasingly common among:
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Employers offering health packages
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High-income individuals
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Foreigners and expats
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Patients seeking faster or broader access to services
Private insurance typically covers:
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Outpatient and inpatient services at private clinics
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Dental and optical care
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Maternity services in private hospitals
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Preventive screening
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International emergency assistance (for travel)
8. Insurance Providers and Plans
Several Lithuanian and international insurers offer private health insurance, including:
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Compensa Life
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Gjensidige
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BTA Insurance
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Ergo
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Seesam
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If P&C Insurance
Plans range from basic outpatient coverage to comprehensive international health packages. Annual premiums vary based on age, health, and plan type, generally from €300 to €2,000 per year.
9. Health Insurance for Expats and Foreigners
Foreign nationals living in Lithuania can access the public healthcare system by:
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Contributing to the CHI scheme through employment
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Voluntarily enrolling if self-employed or unemployed
EU/EEA citizens with EHIC (European Health Insurance Cards) can access emergency medical care in public facilities.
Non-EU citizens with a residence permit may be required to show proof of private health insurance upon arrival.
10. Maternity and Family Care
Lithuania provides strong support for maternal and child healthcare, including:
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Prenatal screening and monitoring
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Childbirth (hospital or maternity center)
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Postnatal care and baby check-ups
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Vaccination programs
While public services are free, many families choose private maternity care for added comfort, continuity, and faster service.
11. Dental and Vision Care
Dental and vision care are not fully covered by public insurance. The CHI scheme provides:
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Basic dental services for children and certain adults
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Free preventive dental care in schools
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Emergency dental care for all
Adults typically pay for:
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Fillings, crowns, and cleanings
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Braces and cosmetic dentistry
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Eye exams and glasses
Private health insurance or employer plans often include dental and optical benefits.
12. Mental Health Services
Mental health support is covered under public insurance, including:
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Consultations with psychiatrists
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Inpatient treatment
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Psychotherapy (limited sessions)
However, due to stigma and limited access, many patients seek help from private therapists and clinics, often using private insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
13. Emergency Medical Services
Emergency care is free and available to everyone, insured or not. Dial 112 for ambulance services.
Patients are transported to the nearest public hospital, where treatment is provided without charge for life-threatening conditions.
14. Employer-Based Health Insurance
Many Lithuanian employers now offer group private health insurance as a benefit to attract and retain talent. Coverage typically includes:
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Annual health check-ups
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Specialist visits
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Physiotherapy
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Vaccinations
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Private hospitalization
Such plans are tax-advantaged for employers and valued by employees.
15. Strengths of the Lithuanian Health Insurance System
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Universal access to essential medical care
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Affordable contributions
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Efficient family doctor system
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Integration with EU health systems (EHIC)
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Strong maternal and child health indicators
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Growing private insurance market for better service options
16. Limitations and Ongoing Challenges
Despite its strengths, Lithuania faces healthcare challenges:
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Rural access gaps and doctor shortages in small towns
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Long waiting times for some procedures in public hospitals
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Limited public coverage for dental, optical, and mental health care
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Low health literacy among segments of the population
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Doctor migration to Western Europe
Ongoing reforms aim to improve service efficiency and health outcomes.
17. eHealth and Digital Healthcare
Lithuania is investing in digital transformation through the eSveikata (eHealth) platform, which includes:
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Electronic health records (EHR)
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E-prescriptions
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Telemedicine capabilities
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Online appointment scheduling
Private insurers also offer digital portals and telehealth consultations.
18. Conclusion
Health insurance in Lithuania provides a well-balanced system of universal coverage and private options. While the public system guarantees access to essential care, private health insurance enhances choice, quality, and speed — especially in non-emergency and specialized services.
For residents, expats, and visitors alike, understanding how to navigate Lithuania’s public and private healthcare landscape ensures that they receive the care they need, when they need it.