Insurance for entry into Lithuania: who needs it, rules for obtaining it for different categories of visas, and where to purchase it?

A valid medical insurance policy is mandatory for travel to Lithuania for employment, study or tourism. Before travelling, familiarise yourself with the conditions of compulsory medical insurance for entry into the country, the criteria for choosing a reliable insurance company, and the procedure for obtaining a policy in accordance with the requirements of your visa category

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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Are you planning to travel to Lithuania for employment, education or tourism? Or perhaps you are planning to obtain temporary protection in this country? This article will help you understand all the intricacies of medical insurance and key aspects of your trip so that you can feel confident and at ease.

You will learn about the mandatory requirements for obtaining a residence permit or long-term visa, which will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure smooth entry. If your trip is short and does not require a visa, we will provide comprehensive recommendations on how to obtain medical insurance for your peace of mind and safety during your stay.

We will pay special attention to medical support for refugees, taking into account their specific healthcare needs. We will also consider all the nuances of the mandatory ‘Green Card’ for motorists, without which it is impossible to cross the border in your own vehicle, ensuring that you are fully prepared for your trip.

Planning a trip to Lithuania? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Who needs insurance to enter Lithuania?

According to current Lithuanian legislation, medical insurance requirements for entry into the country depend on the person's citizenship and purpose of stay.

Who needs medical insurance to enter Lithuania?

Based on official sources and information regulating entry into Lithuania (as a member of the Schengen area), medical insurance is mandatory for the following categories of persons:

Persons who need a short-term Schengen visa (type C)

All persons applying for a Schengen visa for a short stay (up to 90 days within 180 days) are required to provide a valid medical insurance policy.

Persons entering under a visa-free regime (e.g. Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports)

Although such persons do not require a visa, medical insurance for entry into the Schengen area (including Lithuania) is a mandatory requirement. Border control has the right to request a valid policy. This is regulated by both the Schengen Area rules and the internal legislation of Ukraine (the Law of Ukraine ‘On Tourism’), which provides for compulsory insurance when travelling abroad.

Persons applying for a long-term national visa (type D)

Although holders of national visas (in particular, D visas) are not always automatically included in the Lithuanian compulsory health insurance system (PSD – Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas), they are required to have private health insurance that covers medical services in accordance with the conditions set out in the insurance policy. An exception may be made if they are employed in Lithuania, in which case their employer will usually include them in the PSD system.

Students who are not EU citizens

Students arriving from countries that are not part of the EU are not covered by compulsory state health insurance (PSD) and are required to take out private health insurance. If a student is legally employed in Lithuania, they may be included in the PSD system.

Follow the link to find out when Ukrainians need a visa to Lithuania and how to apply for one.

Who should have medical insurance to enter Lithuania?

Based on official sources and general travel recommendations, medical insurance for entry into Lithuania, although not always a mandatory legal requirement for certain categories of persons, is strongly recommended for all travellers. This is particularly relevant for:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Although the EHIC provides access to medically necessary public services in Lithuania under the same conditions as for local residents, it is not a complete replacement for comprehensive travel insurance. The EHIC does not usually cover:

– repatriation costs (return home for medical reasons);

– private medical services;

– costs related to theft, loss of luggage, trip cancellation, flight delays, etc.;

– medical services that are not considered ‘medically necessary’ (e.g. routine check-ups, some dental services).

– high-risk activities (e.g. extreme sports), unless covered by additional insurance.

That is why, even if you have an EHIC, it is recommended that you take out additional travel insurance to ensure full coverage.

Persons entering under a visa-free regime for whom insurance is not a strictly enforced requirement by border guards (e.g. some countries with no strict checks)

Although Schengen rules stipulate that border guards have the right to require insurance for visa-free travellers, in practice this is not always checked 100%. However, it is not worth taking the risk. Any unforeseen medical situation (even a common cold, injury or allergic reaction) can lead to significant financial costs, which you will have to cover yourself without insurance.

Foreigners who come for a long-term stay without employee or student status, or before they are integrated into the compulsory health insurance system (PSD)

Persons awaiting a residence permit or family reunification and who do not yet have official employment or other status entitling them to PSD.

Self-employed persons who may not yet be paying contributions to the PSD.

Persons who have arrived with the intention of seeking employment but have not yet found work. For such persons, private health insurance is critical to cover medical expenses until they are covered by the public system.

Any traveller, regardless of status, who wishes to avoid unexpected financial expenses

Medical services abroad, especially in private clinics or if hospitalisation and transport are required, can be very expensive. Even a minor injury or illness can cost hundreds or even thousands of euros. Insurance guarantees financial protection in such cases.

How is medical assistance provided to refugees in Lithuania?

Medical assistance to refugees in Lithuania is provided in accordance with their legal status and humanitarian principles. Based on information from the UNHCR, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and other official sources, the following main aspects can be highlighted:

Asylum seekers (persons who have applied for asylum)

Urgent and emergency care: Asylum seekers, including children, are entitled to free urgent medical and dental care. No referral from a doctor is required to seek urgent care.

Medical care that may become urgent: They are also entitled to treatment if their condition could become urgent if left untreated. A family doctor determines whether the condition could become urgent.

Initial medical examination: Asylum seekers are entitled to an initial medical examination.

Psychiatric care: In cases of serious mental disorders, psychiatric care is provided.

At registration centres: During their stay at the Foreigners' Registration Centre or the Refugee Reception Centre, they are given access to medical services, often through medical centres operating directly in the centres.

Private services: If medical needs go beyond free emergency care, individuals can get extra services at their own expense at public or private medical facilities.

People who have been given temporary protection (including Ukrainian citizens)

Free medical care: Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Lithuania on humanitarian grounds are entitled to free medical care. This right is ensured by including them in the compulsory health insurance system (PSD – Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas), for which the state pays contributions.

Access to services: They can contact the nearest polyclinic or medical facility in the municipality where they are registered.

Emergency services: Emergency medical assistance is called by dialling 112 and is provided free of charge to everyone, including first aid in healthcare facilities (outpatient and/or inpatient services). No referral is required.

Wide range of services: Ukrainians who have registered are eligible for a wide range of medical services: emergency and health services, medical rehabilitation (including for war wounded), vaccinations (including COVID-19), assistance to pregnant women (free eye and dental examinations, childbirth and postnatal care), initial dental care (some dental clinics provide this free of charge).

Registration with a general practitioner (family doctor): It is recommended to register with a family doctor, who will be the first point of contact for most medical needs and will refer you to specialists.

Refugees (persons who have been granted refugee status)

Full health insurance: Once refugee status is granted, the person is fully integrated into the Lithuanian healthcare system. During the integration period, compulsory health insurance is funded by the state.

After integration: Once the integration period is over, they are covered by the regular health insurance system:

Employed: Insurance is covered by the employer.

Self-employed: Insurance is paid independently.

Registered at the employment office: Receive state funding for insurance.

Important! Refugees have the same rights to medical care as Lithuanian citizens.

Which car insurance policy should you choose for entering Lithuania?

If you are planning to travel to Lithuania by car, you will need an international insurance policy ‘Green Card’. This document confirms your civil liability in the event of an accident caused by you and guarantees compensation to the injured parties.

Before travelling, make sure that your Green Card is valid for Lithuania and covers the entire period of your stay in the country. If you do not have this policy or it is invalid, you will have to purchase it directly at the border. This is usually more expensive and causes additional inconvenience. Therefore, it is better to take care of obtaining a Green Card in advance.

All the necessary information about car insurance in Lithuania can be found on the Visit Ukraine portal.

General requirements for insurance policies for short-term and long-term trips

To enter Lithuania, as a member of the Schengen area, foreigners (who are not EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with an EHIC or persons already integrated into the PSD system) are required to have valid medical insurance. The requirements for such a policy, according to official sources (in particular, the Consulates of Lithuania, the Migration Department, national insurance funds and the general rules of the Schengen area), are as follows:

Minimum coverage amount. Your policy must cover at least 30,000 euros (EUR). This amount is necessary to cover emergency medical care, treatment and possible hospitalisation.

Territorial coverage. The insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area, not just in a single country. Lithuania is part of this area, so your policy must be valid in all Schengen countries that you may visit.

Validity period. The policy must cover the entire planned period of your stay in the Schengen area. For short-term visas, this means coverage for the entire duration of the visa, even if the actual duration of the trip is shorter. For long-term visas, the policy must be valid at least for the first period of your stay until you have access to the local insurance system.

Risk coverage. The insurance must cover emergency medical care, urgent hospitalisation, emergency medical evacuation/transport, and repatriation in the event of death. It is important that the policy has no deductible or a minimal deductible that does not affect the effectiveness of the coverage.

Reliability of the insurance company. The policy must be issued by a company that is accredited and recognised in the Schengen area. This guarantees that the insurance company is licensed to operate and is able to make payments abroad.

What kind of insurance can I get for Lithuania?

Are you planning a trip to Lithuania for any purpose — leisure, work or study? Then medical insurance is a key element of your peace of mind and financial security. We strongly recommend that you take out a policy before leaving the United Kingdom. Although it is theoretically possible to purchase insurance after arriving in Lithuania, this can cause many problems and inconveniences.

Why should you not buy insurance abroad?

Purchasing an insurance policy in Lithuania has significant disadvantages:

Limited coverage. A policy purchased abroad is often only valid in the country where you purchased it. If you plan to travel to other countries in the Schengen area, you will have to purchase new policies for each subsequent country, which is extremely inconvenient and unprofitable.

Higher prices. As a rule, the cost of medical or travel insurance abroad is significantly higher. Ukrainian insurance companies offer similar programmes at much more attractive prices, allowing you to save money without compromising on the quality of coverage.

Language barriers and difficulties. Not knowing the language and local nuances of insurance legislation can lead to misunderstandings about the terms of the contract, exceptions and the procedure for settling an insurance claim, which can negatively affect the receipt of assistance.

Guide for drivers in Lithuania can be found on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Advantages of purchasing a policy from Ukrainian insurance companies

By choosing a Ukrainian insurer, you get a number of undeniable advantages:

Convenient online registration. Most Ukrainian insurers allow you to quickly and easily purchase a policy online without leaving your home. This saves you time and effort, allowing you to compare the terms and prices of different programmes.

Understanding your needs. Domestic companies have unique experience and are well aware of the specifics of Ukrainian travel. They develop policies that take into account potential risks as much as possible and provide adequate coverage.

Cost savings. The cost of insurance policies from Ukrainian companies is significantly more competitive than foreign counterparts, allowing you to get reliable protection at an optimal price.

Support for the national economy. By choosing a Ukrainian company, you are not only taking care of your own safety, but also making a direct contribution to the development of the national market and supporting Ukraine's economic growth, especially in difficult times.

Transparent and simple settlement. Ukrainian insurers have well-established mechanisms for interacting with customers. This greatly simplifies the process of submitting documents, communicating and receiving payments in the event of an insured event, eliminating language and bureaucratic barriers.

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What does insurance from Ukrainian insurers cover?

Medical and travel insurance policies can be purchased on the Visit Ukraine portal. Before doing so, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the risks they cover.

What are the advantages of a medical insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A standard medical insurance policy covers basic medical emergencies during your trip:

1. Initial examination by a doctor and diagnostic procedures.

2. Outpatient and inpatient treatment.

3. Emergency medical care, including hospitalisation.

4. Compensation for the cost of medicines prescribed by a doctor.

5. Payment for transport to the nearest hospital in an emergency.

6. Emergency dental care.

For maximum protection, choose an extended medical insurance package. It can additionally cover:

1. Vaccinations and emergency surgery.

2. Repatriation of the body in the event of the insured person's death.

In addition, an extended policy may include other risks that arise during travel:

1. Flight delay or cancellation.

2. Loss or damage to luggage.

3. Payment for emergency phone calls.

4. Compensation for damage to your car in the event of an accident.

Take care of your peace of mind and safety on every trip – choose medical insurance at Visit Ukraine!

What are the advantages of a travel insurance policy at Visit Ukraine?

A high-quality travel insurance policy is your financial shield in unforeseen situations abroad. It provides protection in the event of:

Medical expenses. The policy covers the cost of treatment, both outpatient and inpatient, and also provides emergency dental care.

Transportation and repatriation. In the event of serious illness, injury or, unfortunately, death, the insurance will organise and cover the costs of your evacuation, transportation home, as well as repatriation of the body or organisation of a funeral abroad.

Problems on the road. You will receive compensation for losses related to the cancellation or significant delay of a flight, as well as reimbursement for the cost of lost luggage due to the fault of the carrier.

Legal support. The policy will provide the necessary legal advice if the need arises.

Traffic accidents. Provides financial protection in the event of a traffic accident.

Ensure yourself a carefree trip – get travel insurance on Visit Ukraine today!

How much does insurance cost?

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

On the Visit Ukraine portal you can choose a policy for travelling to any country in the world!

Advantages of purchasing from Visit Ukraine

Instant decision. You get everything you need quickly and effortlessly.

Favourable terms. We offer flexible payment options and competitive prices.

Convenience and reliability. Registration is instant, and your data remains completely secure.

Individual approach. You get a service tailored to your needs.

Round-the-clock support. We are always available to help you 24/7.

Get your insurance policy and travel to Lithuania safely!

Reminder! We previously told you how Ukrainians can emigrate to Lithuania in 2025.

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