European health insurance card

What is the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a document certifying the right of a person covered by compulsory health insurance (CHI) to receive state-provided necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland and the United Kingdom under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in those countries.

What is covered by the European Health Insurance Card?

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holders can receive medical care provided by family doctors, (FDs) or specialists, hospital treatment and subsidized medicines prescribed for out-patient care.

EHIC holders can apply for medical care directly to a primary healthcare institution which has an agreement with the Territorial Health Insurance Fund – THIF (Teritorinė ligonių kasa). The EHIC as well as proof of identity must be provided to FD during your visit. 

Visiting an FD is free of charge. If the FD considers it necessary, then he/she will refer a patient to a specialist and this consultation will then be provided by the specialist free of charge too. The costs of treatment provided by private doctors who do not have an agreement with the THIF are not covered based on 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 on the basis of EHIC. However, as most of the dentists work privately you will have to pay for the costs of treatment yourself.

EHIC holders are eligible to receive subsidised medicines for outpatient treatment purposes. There are 2 reimbursement levels for medicines: 100%, and 50% of reference price. Subsidized medicines can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. In order to get the prescribed medicine, the person must provide his/her EHIC and proof of identity in the pharmacy.

Admission to the hospital takes place after referral by an FD or specialist. In the case of an emergency, the person can go directly to the hospital and provide his/her EHIC as well as proof of identity.

Remember to check that your European Health Insurance Card is still valid before you travel!

What is not covered by the European Health Insurance Card?

  • The European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute or replacement for private travel insurance. You should always take out an appropriate private policy in addition to carrying your card.
  • It will not cover the costs of private healthcare or services that are not part of the state healthcare system.
  • It will not cover the costs of being repatriated to your home country.
  • It will not allow you to go abroad specifically to receive treatment (including going abroad to give birth).
  • It does not guarantee free services. As each country's healthcare system is different, services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.

How to order the EHIC in Lithuania? 

The EHIC application form can be obtained from the THIF or the THIF representative in the municipality. The application form can be found here or by logging in to the NHIF information system and filling in the electronic form. Upon request, the EHIC can be delivered free of charge by registered mail to the customer's address in Lithuania or a temporary electronic certificate can be issued.

What to do if I forget to bring my EHIC?

If medical treatment becomes medically necessary during your stay in Lithuania, but you forgot to bring your EHIC card with you, you might have to pay for the treatment and later claim reimbursement. Make sure you keep all the receipts and bills. You will have to provide them in your country of insurance. Check the possibility of ordering an electronic certificate of the EHIC in your home country.

More about EHIC.

Prepared based on the information of the National Health Insurance Fund.

Information updated: 2024-02-15
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