Health Insurance in Latvia, Europe

Information expatriation

Capital City: Riga
Total area: 64,600 km2
Population: 2,269,600 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +371 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Latvia

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Latvia has a universal healthcare system that is primarily publicly financed through general taxation and social health insurance contributions.

·      Care is provided through family doctors, outpatient clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. access to healthcare is mandatory for all residents.

·      The system includes primary care, outpatient specialist visits, hospitalization, dental care (limited scope) and prescription drugs.

·      Private health insurance plays a small role in covering services outside the mandatory package.

·      Healthcare spending is around 6.5% of GDP, lower than most Western European countries.

·      There is a focus on developing family medicine and integrated primary/preventative care services.

·      Quality of care is generally considered high though underfunding impacts some areas like infrastructure and wages.

·      Reforms aim to reduce copayments, cut wait times and modernize facilities across the country.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      All residents must register with a family doctor and pay monthly health insurance contributions.

·      Bring any needed prescription medications as availability/costs vary between public and private pharmacies.

·      Consider private dental coverage if not included under public options.

·      Understand any copayment requirements and what's fully covered under public insurance.

·      Address chronic conditions through checkups to navigate care responsibilities.

·      Comprehensive travel/expat health insurance provides valuable coverage additions.

·      Latvian or Russian widely understood, but learn basic medical terms for rural/less common language areas.

·      Utilize top-quality public options where possible to minimize costs vs private facilities.

·      Quality is high nationwide but wait times may be longer in certain specialties/regions.

Hospital Network :
Diplomatic Service Medical Centre
Riga, Latvia