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Latvia
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Health Care

Description

The health care system in Latvia is based on the residence principle.The state pays for all services except those that are excluded from the scope and patient should pay a contribution in order to receive health care. Health care services are available at the state, municipal and private inpatient and outpatient health care institutions.

The medical assistance guaranteed by the state is provided to citizens of Latvia, non-citizens, persons with permanent residence permits, EU, European Economic Area and Switzerland Health care system persons who are employed or self-employed in Latvia and their family members.

NB! Foreign students and persons, whose remuneration is provided by fellowships, as well as their family members, are not embraced by the state compulsory health insurance.

 
Woman doctor using tablet computer in hospital

Health care in Latvia

The first stage of interaction or contact between patients and the provider of health care services (family doctor, assistant of the doctor, nurse, accoucheuse or midwife, dentist, assistant of the dentist, nurse of the dentist and sanitarian).

 

 

 

Medicine can be bought only at Pharmacies (called Aptieka) in Latvia and there is an extensive network of pharmacies around the country. They can also be found inside some hospitals and health centres, shopping malls, stations etc. For some medicines, the prescription from general practitioner or medical specialist required.

 

 

 

​​​​​​Comprehensive health care insurance. Insurance companies offer programs, covering patient charges, "payable" health care services, vaccination, medications, dental services and other health care services. Covering of charges and offered services depend on the selected insurance program and insurance payment. Several insurance companies offer comprehensive health care insurance programs only for organizations (legal persons), which allow employers to provide comprehensive insurance for employees. Please consult your current or provisional employer regarding the possibility to join such comprehensive health care insurance during your stay in Latvia.

 

For detailed information and advice please contact:
  • The National Health Service - the National Health Service (NHS) is the operating direct administrative institution subordinate to Ministry of Health.
  • Ministry of Health - the leading government authority in the health sector and it is responsible for public health, health care and pharmacy.