Lithuania Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Lithuania

Expats living and working in Lithuania who secure a private international health insurance plan will have coverage for the more advanced, up-to-date, and clean medical facilities in the private healthcare sector. An international plan will also provide medical coverage no matter where they travel.

Are you a foreign national living or working in Lithuania? Are you needing help discovering your health insurance options?

This short guide explains the health insurance options for expats residing or traveling in the country, as well as a summary of Lithuania’s healthcare system.

Read on to learn more or click the button below to obtain a no-obligation, free health insurance quote.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Lithuania

Global Medical Coverage in Lithuania for Expats

Expats who get international medical coverage in Lithuania can be covered anywhere they travel. This is a great option for individuals living in Lithuania who know they will travel. International plans come with comprehensive inpatient benefits, and many plans offer add-ons.

Some of the add-ons available can include coverage for:

• Outpatient care
• Emergency and ambulatory care
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation to your country of origin
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Maternity care
• Pre-Existing medical conditions
• Travel Insurance

Some plans will include the above benefits in your original package with no extra charge. It depends on which provider and level of coverage you select.

Lithuania’s Healthcare System: Explained for Expats

Since gaining full independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the Republic of Lithuania has inherited a public healthcare system based on the former Soviet Union model. The model itself was over-centralized, and it offered little choice to patients or respect for patients’ rights.

Since then, the Lithuanian healthcare system has gone through rapid reforms. The current healthcare system in Lithuania consists of both public and private sectors.

The Public Healthcare Sector in Lithuania

Free, state-funded healthcare is provided to all Lithuanian citizens and registered long-term residents, including expatriates. Doctors are the first point of contact within the Lithuanian healthcare system. Patients can choose to register with any general practitioner (GP) of their choice.

General Practitioners in Lithuania

GPs are responsible for prescribing drugs, treating acute and chronic illnesses, providing preventive care, and promoting health education to the general population of Lithuania. Compared to other developed countries, Lithuania has a high number of physicians in the country.

There are roughly 51 physicians per 10,000 people.

Healthcare Centers

Healthcare centers in Lithuania provide primarily outpatient care and a wide range of specialist services. Healthcare centers are staffed with qualified doctors and medical professionals.

Medical services offered by healthcare centers include, but are not limited to:

• General practice
• Maternity care
• Child healthcare
• Dental care

Public Healthcare Challenges in Lithuania

Like in any healthcare system, issues and dilemmas can affect the standards and delivery of care. The public healthcare sector in Lithuania has the following challenges:

• Corruption is known within the public healthcare system, which makes it rather ineffective at delivering the required services.
• The overall job satisfaction of doctors working in primary healthcare in Lithuania is relatively low. The key factors include poor compensation, low social status, and heavy workload, which has resulted in a high turnover of physicians in Lithuania.
• The standard of healthcare in the country is not quite on par with the standard that some foreigners are used to in their home country, and the system may require more investment.
• There is an uneven distribution of doctors across the country with fewer general practitioners available in rural areas.
• The aging health workforce means more people are retiring and leaving vacancies and positions open.
• Net emigration contributes to fewer health workers within the healthcare sector and this puts pressure on existing workers to meet demands.

The Private Healthcare Sector in Lithuania

Private healthcare is available in Lithuania for expats. The private sector offers a higher quality of healthcare, more advanced technology, and a more satisfying patient experience. Due to its higher costs, however, only a small group of people can afford treatments in this sector.

People who can afford private healthcare either pay out-of-pocket for services rendered or purchase private medical insurance.

Here are the benefits of getting medical care from private facilities:

• Receiving care in English is more readily available
• State-of-the-art facilities and equipment are common
• There are little to no wait times
• Private medical insurance (if you get some) frequently covers most of the cost
• Healthcare of the highest quality is available
• Medical tourism is on the rise for cosmetic surgery, dental work, and cardiac procedures

Health Insurance Options for Expats Living in Lithuania

Expats in Lithuania can choose to get health insurance through the government-funded compulsory health insurance system or a private health insurance company. Basic healthcare services are free for registered residents and expats in Lithuania’s PSD program, but this won’t cover everything.

Some expats may choose to purchase a private health insurance plan to get coverage for additional medical needs and to obtain access to the benefits available only in the private sector.

Public Health Insurance

Lithuania’s public health insurance scheme Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas (PSD) covers basic healthcare and treatments for free. This will be sufficient for some residents and expats. PSD will not cover medical costs that go above the standard level of care, however.

Here are some scenarios where the compulsory health insurance scheme may not be sufficient:

• Patients may have to pay up to 50% of the cost of their medications, rehabilitation, and chronic diseases
• Patients may have to cover the difference for medical care that goes beyond basic standards of care
• Patients may have to pay for the cost of the dental materials used for their care
• Private providers may charge additional fees

Compulsory Health Insurance System

Like numerous other European countries, Lithuania has in place a compulsory health insurance system called Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas, or PSD. This means residents of Lithuania are obliged to obtain health insurance coverage by paying compulsory state health insurance contributions.

Individuals who have not made contributions to the PSD are not covered and are required to pay (out-of-pocket or with private health insurance) for healthcare expenses arising from treatment.

Employee and Employer Contributions

The public healthcare system is funded by revenue created through state and social insurance activities, as well as by contributions from employers and employees. It is the responsibility of the employers to register all new employees with the health insurance fund when they are hired.

Coverage for Dependents of Workers

Dependents of employed family members are covered by the public healthcare system. The unemployed, pensioners, people on long-term sickness benefits, or women who are currently on maternity leave do not have to contribute to the healthcare fund.

People who are self-employed are required to make their own contributions towards the healthcare fund.

Private Health Insurance

Lithuania expats can purchase a private health insurance plan from a local insurance company or an international provider. An international health plan will offer comprehensive health insurance plus medical coverage beyond Lithuania. This will be a good fit for expats who know they will travel.

Having a private health insurance plan will help cover the medical costs for healthcare above the basic levels of care that are covered by the government plan. These plans can ensure comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, vision, and emergency care.

Private health insurance may cost more money, but it offers advanced financial protection and access to medical facilities more in line with the quality of care most foreigners are accustomed to.

Top International Insurers for Expats in Lithuania

Among the very best private health insurance providers for expats in Lithuania are the international plans offered by Cigna, AXA, Bupa, Allianz Care, and VUMI. We will introduce you to each insurer below.

To read the full list of top providers, read our blog post The Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global offers international health insurance to expats living in more than 200 markets and territories around the world. Cigna has 1.5 million health professionals and 24/7 customer support workers who speak more than 50 languages. Individuals, families, and businesses can get Cigna coverage.

Here are some more Cigna highlights:

AXA

AXA Global, also known as AXA Group or simply AXA, has more than 55 years of experience. They serve more than 95 million expats, digital nomads, businesses, and others in over 50 countries. Standard in AXA plans are their second medical opinion service and evacuation and repatriation coverage.

Here are some more AXA highlights:

Allianz Care

Allianz Care is a world-leading health insurance provider for expats living globally. As the international health brand of the larger Allianz Partners, Allianz Care offers health, life, critical illness, and disability insurance around the globe in 75 countries and in over 58 languages.

Here are some more Allianz highlights:

VUMI

VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group (VUMI) sells international health, life, and travel insurance policies for individuals and corporations. VUMI is well-known for its high-quality expat maternity insurance, which is included in three of its Global Flex plans. VUMI has 35 years in the industry.

Here are some more VUMI highlights:

Health Information for Travelers to Lithuania

Travelers, expats, and their loved ones headed to Lithuania should visit the local doctor or travel advisor at least 4 - 6 weeks before traveling. The following vaccinations are worth considering when discussing with the doctor:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Measles
• Other routine vaccinations

Each of these diseases is common in Lithuania, and foreign visitors will want to learn how to protect themselves against them.

Secure Private Health Insurance

For peace of mind, private health insurance will ensure medical costs are covered in case of an accident or illness in Lithuania. This will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation in the event of a serious illness or accident.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

With more than two decades of extensive experience gained from across the globe, Pacific Prime can assist with any health insurance needs in Lithuania. By leveraging our close relationships with major international insurers, we offer professional advice and free plan comparisons to our clients.

No matter what your budget is, or what your requirements are, our professional consultants can match you with a policy that best fits you or your group. Our policies can cover a wide range of services including dental, maternity, specialist consultation, health emergency transportation, inpatient services, and many more aspects.

Expatriates with family members can also secure international cover for the whole family. For international students or travelers in search of international health insurance or travel insurance, Pacific Prime is the go-to insurance intermediary for the best impartial advice and guidance.

Contact us today for a free consultation!