Lithuania Health Insurance

The Republic of Lithuania is the largest of the Baltic republics in northern Europe. The former Soviet Republic gained independence from the USSR in 1990 as the Cold War was ending. Lithuania is now a member of the European Union, NATO, the WTO and the Council of Europe. Lithuania is one of the most successful of the “transition economies” with an estimated GDP per capita of USD 18,278 on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis in 2011. A low corporate tax rate has attracted investment from around the globe. The country’s climate is relatively mild and temperate, although winter lows can reach -40 degrees Celsius. Demographically, Lithuania is Europe’s most homogenous country, with over 80 percent of the population made up of ethnic Lithuanians who are native speakers of the language. Poles, Russians and Belarussians make up the most significant minorities.

The country of 3.3 million people has average life expectancy of just 68 years for men, although women enjoy an average life expectancy of 79 years from birth. Lithuania spends about 6.6 percent of GDP on health care; average annual per capita health expenditure is about USD 1,097 on a purchasing power parity basis. Government expenditure makes up 68.3 percent of overall health care spending in Lithuania. Private Lithuania health insurance based locally represents less than two percent of private health care spending. Most of the rest comes from out-of-pocket expenditure. As Lithuania’s economic growth has continued, the country’s reliance on bilateral aid and NGOs in the provision of health care has decreased dramatically.

Lithuania Health Insurance & Health Indices

As with many countries which have made the transition to “developed” status, Lithuania’s burden of communicable disease has declined relative to other causes of mortality and morbidity. According to World Health Organization calculations, 6 percent of total years of life lost in Lithuania can be attributed to communicable disease. HIV infection rates are just one fourth of the European average, and one eighth of the global norms. While tuberculosis infection rates are slightly higher than those in Europe, they are less than one half of the global average. Major health risks include alcohol abuse, obesity and smoking; nearly half of all Lithuanian males smoke.

Lithuania’s health care workforce is well staffed, with 36.6 doctors and 73.2 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people. Maternal mortality rates are very low, and births are universally attended by skilled healthcare personnel. Although the standard of care has risen in the past few years, in 2006, Lithuania was rated as having the worst health care system in the EU. The WHO also operates a Collaborating Centre at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas, which specialises in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the WHO has signed an agreement with the Lithuanian Ministry of Health setting out several priority areas for collaboration, including: strengthening the health care system, improving prevention and control of disease, fostering environmental safety, and responding to communicable disease outbreaks.

Given the severe limitations of Lithuania health insurance, which serves a very small proportion of the wealthiest Lithuanians, the state-run system is proportionally more crucial to the provision of care for local residents, though this may not always be the case with expatriates and tourists.

Lithuania Health Insurance & Tourist and Expatriate Health Care

As a thriving transition economy with a strong emphasis on modern services and technology, Lithuania is an important destination for international business. But with its rich history and culture and friendly citizens, it is also an increasingly popular tourist destination. While Lithuania is in many ways a safe and modern developed country, there are a number of health risks that travelers should be aware of.

The first preventative step prospective visitors should make is an appointment with a travel medicine specialist in their home country to update routine immunizations, including those for hepatitis and rabies for inidviduals planning to visit the countryside. It is also suggested that visitors bring any prescription medicines they may require, as well as over the counter medication against the common travelers’ complaint of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Other serious health risks include tickborne encephalitis, which is common to hikers in the summer months. Using insect repellent with DEET is strongly recommended. Traffic accidents are also fairly common in Lithuania. Remember that traffic drives on the right and observe all local rules of the road.

In Lithuania, the State Patient Fund (VLK) oversees the provision of healthcare. Bear in mind that treatment at private clinics is non-refundable by the state-run system. Visiting a doctor in the public system is free of charge upon presenting a passport and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and there is a list of approved prescription medications which are subsidized by the state run system. Although there have been several improvements in public health care in Lithuania, its hospitals and health clinics are still among the least developed in the European Union. Furthermore, under the public system there are several shortcomings in the provision of care, and private Lithuania health insurance is nearly non-existent. Hence, an international health insurance plan is strongly recommended.

Lithuania Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

With so many different international medical insurance plans on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best option for you and your family. Selecting coverage for your company or tour group can also be daunting. Fortunately Expat Medical Insurance has a team of trusted advisors to help you make your decision. With a broad range of plans on offer, the experienced representatives at Expat Medical Insurance will advise you on the best option for you. Our advisors are available around the clock, so contact Expat Medical Insurance today for more information.