Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Lithuania
- PSD (Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas) is mandatory—6.98% of income for employed, fixed rate for self-employed.
- Vilnius has modern hospitals (Santaros Klinikos) and growing private sector (Northway, Kardiolita).
- No digital nomad visa—unlike Estonia/Latvia. Startup Visa available for tech entrepreneurs.
- Growing fintech/tech hub—Vilnius attracts remote workers, but legal residence requires proper visa.
- Affordable costs—private GP €30-40, specialists €40-70, well below Western European prices.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Lithuania?
Lithuania requires mandatory health insurance (PSD) for all residents. Employed workers pay 6.98% of gross income (withheld by employer). Self-employed pay a fixed monthly amount (~€55-70/month depending on category). Non-EU citizens need health insurance for residence permits—international insurance accepted initially, but once you have legal residence and income, you'll enter the PSD system. EU citizens with employment automatically join; those without income need private coverage or voluntary PSD enrollment.
Insurance is required for:
- All workers—PSD enrollment is automatic through employment
- Self-employed/freelancers—must register and pay fixed PSD contribution monthly
- Non-EU visa applicants—insurance required for residence permits
- EU citizens without employment—need private insurance or voluntary PSD (€55/month)
- Those wanting faster care—public specialist waits can be 2-8 weeks
Public vs Private Healthcare in Lithuania
Public Healthcare
PSD (Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas) via TLK
- Access: All residents paying PSD contributions; EU citizens with EHIC for temporary stays
- Cost: 6.98% of gross income (employed); ~€55-70/month fixed (self-employed); €55/month voluntary
Lithuania's public healthcare has improved significantly since EU accession. Main hospitals in Vilnius: Santaros Klinikos (largest, university hospital—good for complex cases), Vilnius University Hospital, Republican Vilnius University Hospital. Kaunas has LSMU Kauno Klinikos. Public system covers GP visits, specialists, hospital care, and most medications with copays. Wait times: GPs same-day to 3 days, specialists 2-8 weeks, non-urgent surgery months. Emergency care is prompt. English increasingly common among younger doctors in Vilnius.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €50-100/month (local plans); €80-180/month (international)
Private clinics have grown rapidly: Northway Medical (multiple locations, comprehensive), Kardiolita (cardiac specialty, also general), Gijos Klinika, Medcentras. Private care offers same-day appointments, modern facilities, and guaranteed English. Affidea provides imaging. Local insurers (Lietuvos draudimas, ERGO, Gjensidige) offer supplemental plans €30-50/month for private access. International insurance useful for travel and regional evacuation—Warsaw and Helsinki both within 1.5 hours by air.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Lithuania. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Startup Visa holders needing comprehensive coverage and regional evacuation
Not ideal for: Employed expats—PSD system provides good coverage already
Allianz Care
Best for: Tech/fintech workers wanting pan-European coverage from Vilnius base
Not ideal for: Self-employed paying PSD—local insurance is more cost-effective
BUPA Global
Best for: Mental health coverage (important given dark winters) and pre-existing conditions
Not ideal for: Budget-focused—Lithuania's private sector is already affordable
IMG Global
Best for: Short stays under 90 days; affordable basic coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting Northway/Kardiolita private clinic access guaranteed
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Lithuania
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Startup Visa holders needing | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Tech/fintech workers wanting pan-European | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Mental health coverage (important | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Short stays under 90 | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Lithuania
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- No digital nomad visa: Unlike neighbors Estonia and Latvia, Lithuania hasn't introduced a DN visa. Remote workers must use Startup Visa (for founders), employment visa, or stay under 90 days. Working remotely on tourist status is technically illegal.
- Startup Visa option: Lithuania's Startup Visa is genuinely accessible—valid for innovative businesses, 1-year initial, renewable. If you're building a tech company, this is your path. Otherwise, options are limited for non-EU remote workers.
- Fintech hub reality: Vilnius has a genuine fintech cluster (Revolut, Vinted, TransferGo have operations), but employment is competitive and Lithuanian work permits require employer sponsorship.
- Winter considerations: Lithuanian winters are cold (-10°C to -20°C) and dark (16+ hours). If you have seasonal affective disorder or cold-related health conditions, factor this in. Mental health coverage becomes more valuable.
- Regional healthcare gap: Vilnius and Kaunas have good facilities; smaller towns have basic care only. If living outside major cities, ensure your plan covers transport to Vilnius for specialist care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lithuania's PSD health insurance work?
PSD (Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas = mandatory health insurance) covers all residents. Employed workers pay 6.98% of gross income, automatically withheld. Self-employed pay a fixed monthly rate (category A ~€70/month, category B ~€55/month—most freelancers are B). The system is managed through TLK (Territorial Health Insurance Funds). Once enrolled, you get a European Health Insurance Card and access to public healthcare. Coverage includes GPs, specialists, hospitals, and medications with copays.
What is Lithuania's Startup Visa and who qualifies?
Lithuania's Startup Visa lets non-EU founders build innovative businesses. Requirements: innovative/scalable business concept, business plan evaluation by Startup Lithuania, proof of funds (minimum ~€6,000), health insurance. The visa is initially 1 year, renewable for 2 more years, then you can apply for temporary residence. It's one of Europe's more accessible startup visas—approval rates are reasonable if your business is genuinely tech/innovation focused. Fintech, SaaS, and deep tech have good track records.
Is Vilnius healthcare good enough for expats?
Vilnius healthcare has improved substantially. Santaros Klinikos (the main university hospital) handles complex cases competently—oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery. Private clinics like Northway and Kardiolita offer excellent outpatient care with modern equipment and English-speaking staff. For routine care and most serious conditions, you'll be well-served in Vilnius. Limitations: some cutting-edge treatments, rare specialists, and transplants may require travel to Western Europe. Overall, Vilnius punches above its weight for a city its size.
How do I register as self-employed in Lithuania?
Self-employment options: 1) Individual Activity Certificate (individuali veikla)—simplest, register online via VMI (tax authority), pay fixed PSD (~€55-70/month) plus 5-15% income tax. Good for freelancers earning under €45,000/year. 2) Small partnership (MB) or UAB (LLC) for larger operations. For individual activity: register at VMI, then Sodra (social insurance), then TLK (health insurance). Process takes 1-2 weeks. Non-EU citizens need valid residence permit first—can't register business on tourist visa.
How much does private healthcare cost in Lithuania?
Private costs in Lithuania: GP consultation €30-40, specialist €40-70, MRI €150-250, ultrasound €40-60, blood panel €30-50, minor surgery €500-2,000. Northway offers subscription packages (~€20-40/month) for discounted access. Dental: cleaning €40-60, filling €40-80, crown €200-400—Lithuania has growing dental tourism. These prices are roughly 30-50% of Western European equivalents. Private insurance (local) adds €30-50/month for comprehensive private access.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.