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
Latvian citizens have access to free healthcare services. The country’s healthcare system is overseen by the Ministry of Health and operates through a combination of tax-funded legislation, a social insurance institution, and a network of public and private providers.
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
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
For those living 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 is 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
- Capital Clinic Riga (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.
