Lithuania Healthcare Guide
Everything you need to know about healthcare as an expat in Lithuania.
Healthcare System Overview
Lithuania operates a mixed public-private healthcare system. The compulsory health insurance system (PSD) is administered through SODRA. Life expectancy improved 4.3 years between 2010-2024. Hospitals are well-equipped with high-tech capabilities; doctors are well-trained and sought by Western hospitals. However, Lithuania spends less on health than many EU countries.
Public Healthcare
Access for expats through employment (6.98% of salary automatically deducted) or self-employed must register directly with SODRA. Non-working expats cannot access public system and must buy private insurance. Coverage includes medical consultations, prescribed medicines, hospital care, and preventive dental. Wait times can be long for specialists and elective procedures. Co-payments under €5.87 per package for reimbursed medicines. Quality in urban hospitals (Vilnius, Kaunas) significantly better than rural areas.
Private Healthcare
Major private facilities include Kardiolita Hospital (Vilnius, Kaunas)—JCI-accredited, first Baltic facility with international certification; Baltic American Clinic (Vilnius)—highly recommended for expats; Northway Medical Center (Vilnius)—excellent English services. English-speaking availability common in private clinics but limited in public hospitals, especially among nursing staff.
Healthcare for Expats
Access & Eligibility
Automatic enrollment through employment (6.98% of salary); self-employed must register directly. Non-working expats cannot access public system and must purchase private insurance. €30,000+ minimum coverage required for residence permit applications.
Recommended Approach
For employed expats, public healthcare provides adequate coverage for routine care. Consider supplemental private insurance for faster access to specialists and English-speaking care. Non-working expats should purchase comprehensive international health insurance. Private clinics offer excellent value compared to Western Europe.
Typical Costs
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Health Insurance
Requirements
Residence permit requires minimum €30,000 health insurance coverage. Working expats automatically covered through SODRA contributions (6.98% of salary). Non-working expats must purchase private insurance meeting €30,000 minimum.
Recommended Insurance Providers
- Cigna Global (basic) - $100-150/month international comprehensive
- Cigna Global (premium) - $350-500/month full coverage with $1-2M annual max
- International family plans - $800-1,500+/month comprehensive
- Local Lithuanian insurance - $5-14/month (€50-150/year) basic local coverage
Medical Tourism
Lithuania is popular for medical tourism, particularly cosmetic surgery, dental work, and cardiology. Savings of 40-70% compared to Western Europe and US. Kardiolita Hospital holds JCI international accreditation.
Popular Procedures
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
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Compare Healthcare Systems
See how Lithuania's healthcare compares to other countries.