Latvia, nestled in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, offers a healthcare system that blends affordability with quality. Whether you’re a resident, an expat, or a visitor, understanding how healthcare in Latvia works can help you make informed decisions about your medical care.
In this guide you will learn about:
- Overview of healthcare in Latvia
- Who can access healthcare in Latvia?
- Registering for healthcare in Latvia
- What is covered by Latvian healthcare?
- Cost of healthcare in Latvia
- Quality of healthcare in Latvia
- Private healthcare in Latvia
- Health insurance in Latvia
- Emergency medical care in Latvia
- Hospitals and clinics in Latvia
- Pros and cons of healthcare in Latvia
Overview of Healthcare in Latvia
The healthcare system in Latvia operates through a mix of public and private sectors. It is overseen by the Ministry of Health, which regulates medical services, policies, and health initiatives across the country.
The public healthcare system in Latvia is funded by taxes, offering universal coverage for Latvian citizens and eligible residents.
Who Can Access Healthcare in Latvia?
Latvian Nationals
Latvian citizens (those with a Latvian passport) benefit from the universal healthcare system, which covers essential medical services. They access care through public healthcare facilities, and some services may require co-payments.
Expats and Foreign Nationals
To access Latvia’s public healthcare, expats and foreign nationals need to hold a residence permit and register with the National Health Service (NHS).
Many foreign nationals opt for private health insurance to complement public healthcare, especially to avoid wait times or gain access to private facilities. Latvia healthcare for expats is generally accessible to those with residency.
Luckily, the Latvia Golden Visa offers foreign nationals a way to obtain Latvian residency through investment into the country. The options for investment include:
- Real estate: €250,000
- Business investment: €50,000 (less than 50 employees) OR €100,000 (more than 50 employees)
- Government bonds: €250,000
- Bank deposit: €280,000
Read our Latvia Golden Visa Guide
Registering for Healthcare in Latvia
To access public healthcare, eligible residents must:
- Step one: Obtain a residence permit: This is mandatory for non-citizens.
- Step two: Register with the NHS: Once registered, you receive a health card that grants access to state-funded health care services.
- Step three: Choose a primary care physician: General practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact for non-emergency medical needs.
What is Covered by Latvian Healthcare?
The Latvian public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage, including:
- Primary health care services
- Specialist consultations
- Hospital care
- Emergency medical services
- Maternity and childcare services
- Prescription medications (partially subsidized)
While public healthcare covers essential needs, private insurance may be required for certain specialist treatments or quicker access to services in private facilities.
Cost of Healthcare in Latvia
Public healthcare in Latvia is funded by taxes, making basic medical services free or low-cost. However, co-payments are required for some paid services, such as specialist visits or diagnostic tests.
According to the 2023 State of Health in the EU’s country health profile on Latvia, the public spending on out-of-pocket medical expenses was 27%, whereas the average in the EU was 15%.
The cost of healthcare in Latvia is as follows:
General practitioner | €15-€40 |
Specialist consultation | €50-€100 |
Hospital stays per day | €100-€500 |
Diagnostic tests (MRI, X-rays etc.) | €50-€300 |
Private health insurance | €50-€150 per month |
Quality of Healthcare in Latvia
Latvia’s health system is steadily improving, with investments in medical infrastructure and staff training. According to the 2021 Global Health Security Index, Latvia ranked 14th out of 195 countries, reflecting its progress in healthcare quality and access.
In urban areas like Riga, you’ll find modern hospitals and clinics equipped with advanced technology. However, rural regions may have limited resources, requiring travel for specialized care.
Private Healthcare in Latvia
Private healthcare is a popular choice for expats and locals who seek:
- Reduced wait times
- Multilingual staff (English-speaking professionals are more common in private facilities)
- Enhanced comfort and personalized care
Private hospitals and clinics are prevalent in major cities and provide services such as dental care, dermatology, reproductive care for adult patients, and physiotherapy.
Health Insurance in Latvia
Health insurance is essential for non-citizens and recommended even for residents relying on public healthcare. There are two primary options:
- Public Insurance: Funded through taxes, it covers basic services but may involve co-payments.
- Private Insurance: Offers broader coverage, including access to private facilities and a better benefits package, and is customizable to individual needs.
Annual premiums for private health insurance range from €250 to €800, depending on coverage.
Emergency Medical Care in Latvia
In case of a medical emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance. Emergency care is free for everyone, including visitors. Be prepared to provide basic information about the patient’s condition and location. Emergency healthcare in Latvia is readily available.
Hospitals and Clinics in Latvia
There are a range of medical facilities available throughout Latvia, here are some of the options:
Public hospitals in Latvia
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital (Riga)
- Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (Riga)
- Daugavpils Regional Hospital (Daugavpils)
Private clinics in Latvia
- American Clinic (Riga)
- Health Centre 4 (Riga)
- VIA Una Medical Center (Jurmala)
Pros and Cons of Healthcare in Latvia
Pros of healthcare in Latvia
Latvia has improved its health care systems immensely over the last ten years, with life expectancy increasing dramatically and more funding becoming available to obtain high quality facilities, with trained health professionals.
Here are some of the pros of the healthcare system in Latvia:
- Affordable public healthcare: Public healthcare is funded by taxes, making basic services either free or low-cost for residents and expats with residence permits.
- High-quality medical professionals: Latvia has well-trained healthcare workers who meet EU standards, ensuring good quality care.
- Modern facilities in urban areas: Major cities like Riga have hospitals and clinics equipped with advanced medical technology and offer a wide range of services.
- Free emergency care for all: Emergency medical services are available for free, including for visitors and non-residents.
Cons of healthcare in Latvia
- Long wait times in public hospitals: Public healthcare often involves long waiting times for non-urgent services (lower health risks) and specialist consultations.
- Limited resources in rural areas: Rural areas may have fewer medical facilities and resources, requiring travel to urban centers for specialized care. This may be due to the lower health expenditure compared to other European countries.
- Language barriers in public facilities: Latvian is the primary language, and non-Latvian speakers may face communication challenges, especially in public hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare in Latvia
How good is healthcare in Latvia?
Healthcare in Latvia is generally of good quality, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities, especially in urban areas. However, there can be differences in service quality between major cities and rural regions.
What is the quality of healthcare in Latvia?
Latvia’s healthcare system is continuously improving, with investments in medical infrastructure and technology. The quality is high in cities like Riga, where modern hospitals and clinics are available, though rural areas may have limited resources.
How does public healthcare work in Latvia?
Public healthcare in Latvia is funded through social security taxes and provides universal coverage to those with Latvian citizenship and eligible residents. It covers essential medical services like family doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency treatment, with some co-payments for certain services.
What are the costs of private healthcare in Latvia?
Private healthcare in Latvia tends to be more expensive than public options. Consultations with private doctors typically range from €30 to €60, while more advanced treatments and diagnostics can cost much more. Many expats opt for private health insurance to cover these costs.
How accessible is healthcare in Latvia for residents and visitors?
Healthcare is generally accessible to residents with a residence permit, who are registered with the National Health Service (NHS). Visitors can access emergency healthcare free of charge. Expats often choose private insurance to ensure faster access to treatment.
How does Latvia’s healthcare system serve expats?
Expats can access both public and private healthcare in Latvia. To use the public system, they need to hold a residence permit and register with the NHS. Private health insurance is also commonly used to cover additional services or reduce waiting times.
What healthcare benefits do Latvian citizens receive?
Latvian citizens benefit from universal healthcare coverage, including free or subsidized medical services like general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, hospital care, and emergency treatment.
Is emergency healthcare readily available in Latvia?
Yes, emergency healthcare is readily available in Latvia. Expats, residents, and visitors can access emergency care at no charge by dialing 112 for an ambulance. Emergency services are generally efficient and have the necessary medical equipment.
What recent healthcare reforms have been implemented in Latvia?
Latvia has been implementing reforms aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services, reducing wait times, and upgrading medical infrastructure. Recent changes include the introduction of new health insurance schemes and enhanced investment in healthcare technology.
Does Latvia provide healthcare services for non-citizens?
Yes, non-citizens can access healthcare services in Latvia, but they must be registered with the NHS and may be required to pay a fee. Many expats also opt for private health insurance for more comprehensive coverage.
Are there any specialized healthcare services for expats in Latvia?
While there are no specific healthcare services exclusively for expats, many private clinics offer multilingual staff and services tailored to the needs of expats, such as English-speaking doctors and international insurance coverage.
How do healthcare standards in Latvia compare to other EU countries?
Healthcare standards in Latvia are comparable to other EU countries, though there may be regional variations. Major cities have healthcare facilities that meet EU standards, while rural areas may experience lower levels of service availability.
Can you use the European Health Insurance Card in Latvia?
Yes, you can use the European Health Insurance Card in Latvia for urgent or necessary medical care at a state-funded medical institutions.
