Lithuania operates a universal healthcare system, known as the Lithuanian National Health System (LNHS), which provides both personal and public health services. It is primarily funded through compulsory health insurance contributions, called Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas (PSD), managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), alongside state taxation. The system is structured into three levels: primary care (family doctors), secondary care (specialists and diagnostics), and tertiary care (advanced hospital treatment). For expats, access to the public system is generally tied to legal residency and contributions, while private healthcare offers an alternative for faster access and broader services. Lithuania has also been recognized for its health tourism, indicating a commitment to high-quality medical and wellness services.

The cornerstone of Lithuania's public healthcare is the Compulsory Health Insurance (PSD) system. This mandatory scheme is funded by contributions from employers and employees, with economically active residents contributing approximately 9% of their income. For those insured under PSD, basic healthcare services are largely free at the point of use. This includes consultations with a family doctor (General Practitioner or GP), specialist referrals, hospital treatment, and subsidized prescription medicines.

To access public healthcare, individuals must have a declared place of residence and enroll in the national health insurance scheme, which involves paying contributions and registering with a family doctor at a primary care institution contracted with a Territorial Health Insurance Fund (TLK). Patients have the right to choose their family physician and healthcare institution. While the public system provides comprehensive coverage, some sources indicate that waiting times for specialist consultations and elective procedures can be a drawback. The quality of care in public facilities, particularly in major cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, is generally considered good and is improving, though some older facilities may require investment.

Parallel to the public system, Lithuania has a growing private healthcare sector, particularly in major cities. Private clinics and hospitals often boast modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a higher prevalence of English-speaking medical staff, making them an attractive option for expats. Many physicians work in both public and private sectors.

Private healthcare provides benefits such as shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures, more personalized care, and a wider range of services, including those not fully covered by the public system like certain dental and vision care, or advanced treatments.

Typical costs for private services can vary: a basic medical consultation might range from €20 to €100. Hospitalization costs depend on the length of stay and type of care, with daily rates potentially ranging from €50 to €200 or more for premium services. Lithuania's private sector is also a recognized destination for medical tourism, highlighting its quality and competitive pricing.

Foreigners' access to healthcare in Lithuania depends on their residency status and origin.

• EU/EEA Citizens (Short-term): Visitors from EU/EEA countries can access medically necessary public healthcare services using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). This covers care from GPs, specialists, and hospitals with agreements with territorial health insurance funds. The EHIC does not cover private healthcare or elective treatments.
• Residents (EU/EEA and Third-Country Nationals): If you hold a residence permit and are employed in Lithuania, you will automatically be included in the Compulsory Health Insurance (PSD) system. Your employer registers you with the National Health Insurance Fund, and contributions are deducted from your salary. Self-employed individuals must make their own monthly contributions. Family members of professionals from third countries working in Lithuania are also eligible for PSD coverage.
• Registration: Once insured under PSD, you can choose and register with any family doctor at a primary care institution that has an agreement with your Territorial Health Insurance Fund. This family doctor acts as your first point of contact and provides referrals to specialists.
• Uninsured/Visitors (Non-EU/EEA): Those without PSD coverage or an EHIC will generally need to pay for all medical services out-of-pocket or through private health insurance. Emergency medical assistance is provided free of charge to anyone working in the country and EU citizens with an EHIC. Citizens from outside the EU without private insurance will be charged for treatment.

Expats in Lithuania have several health insurance options to consider:

• Compulsory Health Insurance (PSD): This is mandatory for all residents who are employed or self-employed in Lithuania. Contributions are deducted from salaries or paid directly by self-employed individuals. PSD covers a broad range of public healthcare services, including GP visits, specialist care (with referral), hospital treatment, and subsidized medications.
• Voluntary Private Health Insurance: Many expats choose to supplement their PSD coverage with private health insurance or opt for it entirely if not eligible for PSD. Private plans offer benefits like shorter waiting times, access to private clinics with modern facilities and English-speaking staff, and coverage for services not fully included in the public system (e.g., extensive dental care, elective procedures, medical evacuation). Typical monthly premiums for basic private coverage can range from €20 to €100. Providers like Allianz Care and Cigna Global are often recommended for international plans.
• International Health Insurance: This is a popular choice for expats who travel frequently, offering comprehensive coverage both within Lithuania and globally. These plans can include inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, vision, and emergency evacuation benefits.
• Employer-Provided Plans: Some employers in Lithuania offer supplementary private health insurance as part of their benefits package, which can be a valuable addition to PSD.
• Visa/Residence Permit Requirements: For non-EU/EEA citizens, private health insurance is legally required for visa applications (minimum €30,000 coverage for emergency medical treatment and repatriation) and temporary residence permits (minimum €10,000 medical coverage for at least the first year).

While healthcare services covered under Lithuania's compulsory health insurance (PSD) are generally free at the point of use for insured residents, certain out-of-pocket costs apply.

• GP Visits & Specialist Consultations: These are typically covered by PSD, provided you have a referral from your family doctor for specialist care.
• Hospital Stays: Covered by PSD for insured individuals.
• Prescriptions: Patients usually cover the cost of prescription medicines. Co-payments for subsidized medications are capped at €5.87 per pack or 20% of the reference price for lower-cost medicines. Uninsured individuals or those using private healthcare will pay the full cost.
• Dental and Vision Care: While emergency dental care may be covered by PSD (excluding material costs), most routine dental and vision services are often accessed through the private sector and paid out-of-pocket or via private insurance.
• Private Healthcare Costs: For those paying out of pocket or using private healthcare, a basic medical consultation typically costs between €20 and €100. Hospitalization costs in private facilities vary, with daily rates ranging from €50 to €200 or more for premium services. Without PSD or private insurance, all medical services must be paid for directly.

In Lithuania, the single emergency number for all services, including medical emergencies, is 112. This number connects you to the Emergency Response Centre, which dispatches police, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services. Assistance via 112 is available in Lithuanian, English, Russian, and Polish. You can also send a text message to 112 if unable to speak, though messages should ideally be in Lithuanian.

Upon calling 112 for a medical emergency, an ambulance will be dispatched. Ambulance teams typically consist of physicians, nurses ('feldsher'), and paramedics/drivers. In major cities, licensed specialist physicians may be part of private ambulance services. For serious medical emergencies, it is advised to go directly to a Grade 3 hospital, which provides a full package of emergency medical services.

Cost of Emergency Treatment: Emergency medical assistance is provided free of charge to anyone working in Lithuania (whose healthcare costs are covered by taxes) and to citizens of the European Union in possession of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Citizens from countries outside the EU are strongly advised to have private health insurance, as without an EHIC or private insurance, they will be charged for any medical treatment received. Uninsured individuals will need to pay for services upfront.

Lithuania offers a well-structured and reliable healthcare system, with a high number of doctors per capita and modern medical facilities, particularly in major cities. The country has been recognized internationally, receiving the ITB Health Tourism Award 2025 for its high-quality medical and wellness services, indicating a growing standard in specialized care.

Strengths:

• Accessibility: The universal PSD system ensures broad access to essential care for insured residents.
• Technology: Lithuanian hospitals are generally well-equipped with high-tech gear, capable of performing complex surgeries.
• Staffing: Lithuania has a relatively high number of medical professionals.
• Digital Health: The national e-health system (esveikata.lt and mobile app, launched in 2025) allows residents to manage health records, e-prescriptions, and appointments, enhancing accessibility.

Weaknesses:

• Waiting Times: Long waiting times for specialist consultations and elective operations can occur in the public system, sometimes leading patients to seek private care.
• Rural vs. Urban Disparity: The quality and availability of care are substantially better in larger cities like Vilnius and Kaunas compared to smaller towns and rural areas.
• Infrastructure: While improving, some public facilities may still require investment to meet modern standards.
• Language Barriers: While many doctors in major cities and private clinics speak English, language can be a barrier, especially with older generations of medical staff in public facilities.

Comparison: In 2025, Lithuania performed better than the OECD average on 2 out of 10 key indicators measuring access to and quality of care. However, life expectancy remains below the OECD average, and preventable and treatable mortality rates are higher. Government healthcare spending per inhabitant is less than half the EU average, and a significant portion of care (roughly one-third) is privately funded, which is above the EU average.