Latvia
In emergencies, call 112 or 113 (ambulance) for help.
Accessing care in Latvia
With a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are entitled to medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay in Latvia. Medically necessary treatment refers to treatment that cannot wait until you return home. You may need such treatment, for example, in the event of a sudden illness or an accident.
You can also receive treatment for pregnancy, childbirth, or chronic conditions. If you have a medical condition that requires regular treatment during your stay abroad, contact a healthcare provider in advance to make the necessary arrangements for your care.
The European Health Insurance Card does not guarantee free treatment; you will pay the same cost for healthcare as local residents. We recommend carrying additional copies of your card with you. If you do not have a European Health Insurance Card, or if it is not accepted, you will have to pay for the treatment yourself. You can then apply for reimbursement from Kela.
In Latvia, the public health system is managed by the National Health Service (Nacionālais veselības dienests, NVD). If a healthcare service provider has a contract with the NVD, the treatment costs are reimbursed directly to the provider, and the patient pays only a small standard fee at the point of care. Information about EU citizens’ entitlement to hospital treatment in Latvia can be obtained by calling +371 67045005 or by emailing nvd@vmnvd.gov.lv.
Private health services are also available in Latvia. These providers often do not have a contract with the NVD, and therefore the costs of treatment are not reimbursed in Latvia.
Sudden illness in Latvia
Doctor
See a general practitioner who has an agreement with the NVD. Show your European Health Insurance Card and ID at the appointment. You will be charged a patient contribution. In order to receive treatment from a specialist, you will usually need a referral from a general practitioner. The patient contribution is slightly higher for a specialist appointment than for a general practitioner visit.
Treatment by general practitioners and specialists is free of charge for:
- patients under the age of 18
- pregnant persons receiving treatment related to pregnancy
- certain groups of patients with specific diagnoses
Dentist
In Latvia, state-funded dental care is available only for children. Adult patients pay the full cost of treatment.
Medication
To obtain medication, you need a special prescription form issued by a doctor who has a contract with the NVD. Special prescriptions are valid for three months. You can be reimbursed for medication obtained with a special prescription. Regular prescriptions are valid for one year. To collect the medication, go to a pharmacy that has a contract with the NVD. In addition to the prescription, show your European Health Insurance Card and ID at the pharmacy. The level of reimbursement depends on the nature of the illness being treated and the reference prices established in Latvia. Some medicines are not eligible for reimbursement at all. You can apply for reimbursement afterwards from either Latvia or Kela.
Hospital treatment
You can access hospital treatment with a referral from a doctor. In emergencies, you can go directly to a public hospital. For in-patient treatment, a patient fee is charged starting from the second day of your hospital stay. Additional fees may apply for diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRI. Show your European Health Insurance Card and ID at the hospital.
Emergency ambulance transport is free of charge if the ambulance is dispatched by the 113 service and you present your European Health Insurance Card.
If your illness requires special transport to return to Finland, you will be responsible for the full cost of the travel. It is recommended that you take out travel insurance that covers these costs.
Read also: Falling ill abroad.
Patient data
Remember to ensure that your patient data is transferred between countries. You can provide those responsible for your follow-up care or your healthcare provider with the patient records related to the treatment you received abroad. If the patient records need to be translated, you will be responsible for arranging the translation yourself.
Quality and safety of treatment in Latvia
The Health Inspectorate supervises healthcare services provided in the country. In particular, the quality and availability of treatment. as well as the competence of healthcare professionals, are subject to supervision.
If you feel that you have received incorrect or inadequate treatment in Latvia, you should first try to resolve the matter directly with the healthcare provider that gave the treatment. If the issue requires further action, you can file a complaint with the Health Inspectorate. Additional information about the complaint procedure is available on the website of the Latvian Contact Point.
Healthcare system in Latvia
Latvia’s statutory healthcare system is based on general, tax-funded healthcare services provided by both public and private service providers. The National Health Service (Nacionālais veselības dienests, NVD) is a key institution responsible for implementing health policies, administering sate financial resources, defining the benefits package, and contracting with healthcare service providers.
The NVD enters into contracts with a variety of service providers, which may be either public or private. Most primary care physicians work as independent professionals and operate their own practices. Almost all dental practices and pharmacies are privately run.
Useful websites
If you are planning to travel to Latvia to use healthcare services, you should first read the general information about seeking treatment abroad on our website. Additional useful information is available on the website of the Latvian Contact Point.