A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holder can receive medical care provided by general practitioners (GPs) or specialists, hospital treatment and subsidised medicines prescribed for out-patient care.

An EHIC holder can apply for medical care directly to a GP who has an agreement with the Territorial Health Insurance Fund – THIF (Teritorinė ligonių kasa). In addition to the EHIC proof of identity must also be provided. The addresses of THIFs are listed below. The addresses of affiliated doctors can be obtained from the THIF.

The GP visits are free of charge. If the GP feels it is necessary, then he will refer a patient to a specialist and this consultation will then be provided by the specialist free of charge. The costs of treatment provided by a private doctor who does not have an agreement with the TPF are not covered by the EHIC.

Dental treatment services themselves are free of charge for patients under age 18 in primary care institutions which have signed agreements with the THIF. The costs of the material substances used for the dental treatment are not covered by the EHIC. However, as most dentists work privately you will have to pay for the costs of treatment yourself.

EHIC holders are eligible to be reimbursed for the costs of subsidised medicines prescribed for out-patient treatment purposes. There are 4 reimbursement levels for medicines: 100%, 90%, 80% and 50% of reference price. Subsidised medicines can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. A person must show his EHIC and proof of identity in the pharmacy.

Admission to hospital takes place after referral by a GP or specialist. In the case of an emergency a person can go directly to the hospital and show his EHIC and proof of identity.

Should you need health care while visiting Lithuania?

• Check that your EHIC is still valid

• Check that your health care service provider has a contract with the Territorial Health Insurance Funds (private care is not refundable)

• Present your EHIC and proof of your identity

• If you do not have an EHIC, ask the relevant institution in your home country to fax the Certificate provisionally replacing the EHIC

• If you do not have an EHIC and there is no possibility of getting the Certificate provisionally replacing the EHIC, the doctor has the right to charge you for your visit. Make sure you get a medical extract or doctor’s explanation form (list of the health care services received)

• The reimbursement of healthcare costs which you have actually borne during your temporary stay in Lithuania cannot be requested directly from the Territorial Health Insurance Funds as Lithuanian legislation does not provide for such reimbursement.

• If you need to be reimbursed, present the paid bills, documents proving the payment and doctor’s explanation form to your relevant institution when you return home.

• Remember, only the costs of necessary medical care are reimbursed