What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Universal public healthcare funded by mandatory health insurance. EU/EEA citizens covered with EHIC. Private healthcare available in major cities.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Private clinics in Vilnius and Kaunas offer good care. Public system is functional. Younger doctors speak English well. Private healthcare recommended for tourists.
Lithuania is popular for dental tourism and cosmetic procedures, with prices well below Western European levels.
Where to actually go.
Lithuania's largest and most advanced hospital. Full emergency services. English spoken.
Private clinic catering to English-speaking patients. Walk-in accepted.
Major university hospital. Emergency services 24/7.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies (vaistinė) open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Some 24/7 pharmacies in Vilnius.
Prescription rules: Lithuania follows EU prescription regulations. Many medications require a prescription. EU/EEA prescriptions may be accepted at pharmacies.
Eurovaistinė and Camelia are major pharmacy chains. Green cross marks pharmacies. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak English in Vilnius.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- paracetamol
- cold remedies
- stomach medication
- antihistamines
- band-aids and first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Man reikia vaistų nuo galvos skausmo
- Man skauda pilvą
- Aš esu alergiškas/alergiška...
- Kur yra artimiausia vaistinė?
- Man reikia gydytojo
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol generic or Panadol
Generic 'paracetamol' is the most common name in pharmacies. - ibuprofen → Ibuprom or Nurofen
Both are widely available. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Loperamid
Available OTC at any pharmacy.
What you can't bring in.
EU/EEA travelers should carry a Schengen certificate for controlled substances. Non-EU travelers need a doctor's letter in English. Keep medications in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Codeine · CBD · Xanax · Opioids
Prescription only in Lithuania.
Schengen certificate required for EU travelers; doctor's letter for non-EU travelers.
Cannabis is illegal in Lithuania. CBD products may be restricted.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care in Vilnius and Kaunas at affordable prices.
Cost range: €25-60 for consultation; €40-120 for fillings; €40-150 for extractions
Several dental clinics in Vilnius cater to international patients. Good quality, competitive prices.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $25-50/week
Healthcare is affordable. Insurance recommended for private hospital access and medical evacuation.
Filing a claim
Private clinics provide English-language documentation. Public hospitals provide invoices. EU/EEA citizens present EHIC. Keep all receipts and medical records for insurance claims.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Vienna or Munich
Secondary destination: Berlin or Frankfurt
Typical cost band: $15,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Vienna and Munich are the standard regional referral hubs for Central and Eastern European travelers.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Tick-borne Encephalitis (for rural/forested areas, especially Curonian Spit and eastern Lithuania)
No mandatory vaccinations. Lithuania has tick-borne encephalitis risk in forested areas. Ensure routine vaccinations are current.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink throughout Lithuania.
Food safety
Lithuanian food is hearty and safe. Traditional dishes like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai are well-prepared. Dairy products are of good quality.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 112 for psychiatric emergencies
English-speaking therapists: Available in Vilnius. Expect €40-70 per session.
Mental health services available in Vilnius. English-speaking therapists can be found through private practice.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is improving. Vilnius Old Town has cobblestones that pose challenges, but newer areas are better adapted.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible transport: Vilnius buses are partially accessible. Accessible taxis available with booking.
Vilnius Old Town is hilly with cobblestones. The new city center and shopping areas are more accessible.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask requirements.
Testing availability: Tests available at pharmacies and clinics.
Lithuania has lifted all COVID restrictions.
Lithuania travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Vilnius
- Lithuanian Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health