Healthcare

Lithuania's health system is funded through mandatory contributions to SODRA, the State Social Insurance Fund Board. Employed residents have SODRA contributions deducted by their employer; self-employed and company owners pay voluntary contributions. Once enrolled, the compulsory health insurance (PSD — privalomasis sveikatos draudimas) covers GP care, specialist visits with referral, hospital treatment, and prescribed medications at reduced cost.

The main reason most expats choose private clinics is not cost (public is cheaper) but speed and language. Private clinics in Vilnius offer same-day or next-day appointments, English-speaking doctors across all specialties, and modern diagnostics. Costs are dramatically lower than Western Europe — a private GP consultation costs €25–50 versus €100+ in London or Dublin.

EU citizens living and working legally in Lithuania are enrolled in SODRA health insurance automatically through employment. Non-EU residents on a residence permit must either demonstrate SODRA coverage or hold private health insurance as part of their visa requirements. Even those with full SODRA access often take out a supplemental private plan to cover faster specialist access, dental, and international coverage for travel.

Enrolling in Lithuania's health insurance system is straightforward once you have your asmens kodas (personal code) and Lithuanian address registration. Employees are enrolled automatically by their employer. Self-employed people and company owners register voluntarily. Once enrolled, you select a family doctor (šeimos gydytojas) from the local polyclinic (poliklinika) nearest to your registered address.

Mental health services are available through the public system, though waiting times for specialists can be long. English-speaking therapists and psychologists are available privately in Vilnius and increasingly in Kaunas. The long, dark Lithuanian winters are a known challenge for expats — particularly those arriving from sunnier climates.