Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Settling in Latvia inevitably means taking a serious look at the question of healthcare. The country has a public system that is constantly improving, a dynamic private sector, well-equipped university hospitals in Riga, and telemedicine services in English. But for an expatriate, access, rights, costs, language, and insurance can quickly become a headache if you don’t plan ahead.
This article provides a comprehensive guide based on factual data for expats in Latvia. It explains the steps to enroll in the healthcare system, identifies key hospitals and services, details expected costs, and offers advice on choosing health insurance.
Understanding the Latvian Healthcare System
The Latvian healthcare system is based on a mixed model, combining a large public sector and a rapidly growing private sector. It is managed by the Ministry of Health (Veselības ministrija) and implemented by the National Health Service, the Nacionālais Veselības Dienests (NVD).
Access to the public healthcare system requires a recognized right of residence and registration with the NVD. It is organized into three levels: primary care (family doctor), secondary care (specialists), and tertiary care (hospitalization).
Healthcare professionals are trained according to European Union standards, and the major cities, especially Riga, concentrate facilities with modern technology. Conversely, rural areas suffer from a lack of specialists and resources, sometimes requiring travel for exams or procedures.
The overall quality of care remains rated below the European average, but Latvia nevertheless holds an honorable position (14th out of 195 countries) in the Global Health Security Index 2021, reflecting a good capacity for managing health risks.
Who Is Entitled to Public Care as an Expatriate?
Access to the state-funded system depends closely on residency status and citizenship. Several categories for expatriates need to be distinguished.
Latvian nationals and permanent residents benefit from broad access to public healthcare. For foreigners, the key remains the residence permit and registration with the NVD.
EU, EEA, Swiss, and UK citizens can receive medically necessary care during temporary stays in Latvia by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For a stay with employment and relocation, they must register to be treated as Latvian insured persons and covered by the public system, subject to conditions (employment, residence, and sometimes an S1 form).
For third-country nationals, the rule is stricter. A residence permit is mandatory, and not all permits grant the same rights. Holders of a permanent permit and their children under 18 can access compulsory health insurance; however, foreign students and certain categories of temporary stays are excluded and must rely on private insurance. Refugees, beneficiaries of alternative protection, or recognized stateless persons, along with their children, are covered by the public system.
Minimum health insurance coverage amount required to obtain a Schengen visa or residence permit, including medical emergencies and repatriation.
Registering in the Latvian System: Steps and Procedures
For an expatriate coming to work or settle long-term, the process follows several logical steps.
The first step is to obtain a Latvian residence permit corresponding to the situation (employment, family reunification, investment like the “Golden Visa,” etc.). Without this document, access to public care remains limited to paid emergency services.
After obtaining the permit, registration with the NVD is required. This registration allows you to receive a health card and be entered in the beneficiary register, a necessary condition for accessing state-funded services. To complete this process, you need a Latvian personal identification number (personas kods).
The third step is choosing a family doctor, also called a general practitioner or family doctor. This doctor becomes the gateway to the system: prescriptions, health monitoring, referrals to specialists, access to many tests. Registration can be done directly at the chosen practice or via the e‑veselība or latvija.lv electronic portals. Note that a family doctor may refuse a new patient if their patient list has reached the maximum capacity set by the authorities.
For people already affiliated with the social security of another EU country, such as retirees or cross-border workers, the S1 form allows them to have their rights recognized in Latvia. This document must be registered with the NVD (Nodokļu un muitas dienests) at Cēsu iela 31 k‑3 in Riga, or electronically using a secure signature.
This administrative phase is crucial: without NVD registration and a chosen family doctor, access to public care will be severely restricted, and most consultations will have to be paid at the private rate.
What Public Health Care Covers in Latvia
Once integrated into the system, the expatriate has access to a relatively broad set of benefits. Public funding covers general practitioner consultations, specialist consultations (usually with a referral), hospital stays, emergency care, maternity care, pediatrics, part of prescription medications, as well as laboratory and imaging exams (tests, X-rays, certain CT scans and MRIs).
Children under 18 benefit from very favorable coverage: consultations, specialists (with referral), vaccinations according to the national schedule, basic dental care, all within a network of contracted providers.
For adults, certain services remain very limited, especially dental care, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. In these areas, using the private sector is almost systematic. Access to specialists in dermatology, cardiology, gynecology, or other fields generally requires a preliminary consultation with the family doctor, except for a few specialties with direct access and of course in emergencies.
Health system for adults
An important advantage of the system: free choice of facility, regardless of place of residence, especially to reduce waiting times by targeting the hospital or clinic with the shortest waiting list.
Costs, Co-pays, and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Even for people covered by the public system, care is not entirely free. The Latvian model relies on a set of co-payments, whether for consultations, certain tests, or contributions to hospital costs.
General practitioner consultations in the public sector remain affordable, with amounts around 15 to 40 euros. In the private sector, rates rise quickly, between 25 and 150 euros for a GP, and 40 to over 100 euros for a specialist depending on the field. An “urgent” office visit can exceed 50 euros, and a home visit costs between 195 and 260 euros.
The maximum cost of a colonoscopy, the most expensive diagnostic test mentioned, can reach 339 euros.
Hospitalizations represent a significant expense item. One day of hospitalization can range from 100 to 500 euros, even though within the public system, a cap per episode of care exists: the patient’s maximum contribution for a single stay is limited to 355 euros. Additionally, Latvia applies an “annual cap” on out-of-pocket expenses of 570 euros: beyond that, co-payments are generally waived, provided you request it from the NVD.
Out-of-pocket health spending accounted for 27% of total health expenditure in France, a rate well above the European average of 15%.
This reality explains why expatriates, like Latvians, widely use private health insurance to limit financial impact, especially for the private sector.
Public or Private: Choosing Based on Your Situation
For an expatriate, the question arises very quickly: is it better to stick with the public system, or go private, or even combine both?
The public sector offers a foundation of essential care at a controlled cost, but suffers from long waiting times for non-urgent care, difficulties accessing certain specialists, and a frequent language barrier. Most family doctors and public specialists practice in Latvian and Russian; English is less common, which sometimes complicates medical exchanges for newcomers.
The private healthcare sector, mainly located in Riga, Jurmala, and other major cities, is preferred by expatriates. It offers shorter waiting times, greater comfort, advanced technology, and free choice of practitioner. A major advantage is that most doctors and staff speak English, and sometimes other European languages. Although rates are higher than in the public sector, they generally remain lower than in Western Europe.
It is common for expatriates to combine both systems: rely on the public system for emergencies, maternity, pediatrics, or certain hospitalizations, and use the private sector for quick specialist consultations, dentistry, dermatology, or rehabilitation, supported by private health insurance.
The Importance of Health Insurance for Expats
Health insurance is a pivot of an expatriate’s medical strategy in Latvia. It is both a regulatory requirement in many cases (visa, residence permit) and an essential financial protection against the level of out-of-pocket costs.
For non-EU nationals, private insurance (min. €30,000) covering emergency care and repatriation is mandatory for visa/residence, and must be taken out before arrival for students. For EU citizens, the EHIC is insufficient (it excludes private care, repatriation, and planned treatment), so supplementary insurance is strongly recommended.
Many international insurers offer plans dedicated to expatriates in Latvia. The offerings range from basic plans (mainly emergency cover) to very comprehensive plans including hospitalization, outpatient care, maternity, dental, vision, mental health, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
Annual premiums for private health insurance for a resident in Latvia generally range between 250 and 800 euros per year, or about 50 to 150 euros per month depending on age, level of coverage, and chosen options. Keep in mind that conditions regarding pre-existing conditions vary from contract to contract: some are excluded, others accepted with a surcharge or waiting period.
More and more employers in Latvia offer private health insurance as part of their salary package. This significantly facilitates access to private sector care for locally employed expatriates.
Examples of International Insurers Mentioned
Without detailing each contract, several names frequently appear in available information for Latvia: Cigna Global, AXA, April International, GeoBlue, Bupa Global, Aetna International, Swisscare, Indigo Expat, among others. These providers generally offer digital contract management, a network of direct billing, 24/7 multilingual assistance, and options for worldwide coverage including or excluding the United States.
A frequently highlighted advantage is direct payment by the insurer to partner hospitals, avoiding sometimes heavy upfront costs for surgery or an extended stay.
Major Healthcare Facilities in Riga and Latvia
Riga concentrates the vast majority of leading facilities, making it the nerve center for specialized care for expatriates.
Here is a summary overview of a few key hospitals mentioned in the data.
| Facility | Location | Type | Languages / Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paula Stradina Clinical University Hospital | Pilsoņu iela 13, Riga | Large public university hospital | English-speaking staff, wide range of specialties (cardio, dermato, endoc, oncology, surgery, transplantation…) |
| Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (“Gaiļezers” / Gailezers Clinic) | Hipokrāta iela 2, Riga | Large public hospital | Specialized in many pathologies, infectious diseases, tuberculosis, oncology, poison information center |
| Veseliba 4 (Health Centre 4) | Kr. Barona iela 117, Riga | Public/private group, hospital and consultation center | Wide range of services, English-speaking staff, radiology, rehabilitation, gynecology, laboratory |
| Adenta Dental Clinic | Ganību dambis 4, Riga | Public/private dental clinic | Comprehensive dentistry, children’s services, implantology, English-speaking staff |
For expat families, the children’s hospitals in Riga are central.
| Pediatric Facility | Address | Profile | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s hospital Tornakalns | Vienības prospekts 45, Riga | Large public children’s hospital, outpatient center, ophthalmology | English-speaking staff |
| Children’s hospital Gailezers | Juglas iela 20, Riga | Public pediatric hospital, emergency, neurological, infectious diseases, psychiatry, outpatient center | English-speaking staff |
In the field of specialized private clinics, several names stand out: AVA Clinic and iVF Riga in reproductive medicine and genetics, Nefro klīnika and Dialīzes centrs for dialysis, Headline Clinic for ENT, as well as occupational medicine and endocrinology practices like Dr. Caune‘s.
Dental Care and Medical Tourism
Latvia also stands out as a popular destination in Europe for dental tourism. The country has advanced technological infrastructure, ISO-certified clinics subject to regular inspections and audits. Asepsis protocols are rigorous (single-use instruments, autoclaves, chemical disinfection), and the materials used comply with CE standards.
Dentists in Latvia are highly qualified, often trained according to European standards. Most speak fluent English, and sometimes German, Russian, or Scandinavian languages. They are accustomed to treating international patients and creating personalized treatment plans.
The range of procedures offered goes from general dentistry to complex work: implants, prosthetics, porcelain veneers, zirconia crowns, orthodontics (including Invisalign), microscope-guided endodontics, oral surgery, whitening, full mouth rehabilitations. Advanced technologies like 3D CBCT radiology, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Digital Smile Design, or CEREC technology (single-visit restorations) are common in leading clinics.
Main financial and logistical benefits of dental care abroad
The price differential with Western Europe or North America allows for reported savings of 60 to 80% depending on the procedure (implants, crowns, veneers, root canals).
Many clinics offer packages including accommodation, airport transfers, and personalized coordination to simplify the stay.
For an expatriate living locally, this context is doubly advantageous: access to high-end dentistry at competitive rates, and the possibility of pediatric care adapted for children, with stress management (cartoons during treatment, nitrous oxide sedation, hygiene education programs, even general anesthesia for major work).
Medical Emergencies: Numbers, Organization, Best Practices
In case of a serious situation, Latvia provides a well-structured emergency system. Two numbers are essential to remember: 112, the European emergency number for all types of incidents (police, fire, ambulance), and 113, dedicated specifically to medical emergencies and ambulances.
Both numbers are free and available 24 hours a day from any phone. 112 works even without a SIM card or with a blocked card, making it the preferred solution in case of network or credit issues.
When calling 113, be prepared to provide the dispatcher with: your precise location (city, street, number, floor, code, landmarks), the type of incident, the number and age of victims, their state of consciousness and breathing, as well as your name and phone number. Stay calm, speak clearly, and remain reachable for a possible callback. If possible, send someone to guide the emergency responders to save time.
Emergency teams respond to situations deemed potentially life-threatening: loss of consciousness, seizures, respiratory arrest or suspicion, major hemorrhage, sudden chest pain, severe acute pain, paralysis or loss of sensation in a limb, obvious respiratory distress. Calls are evaluated according to strict criteria; if the situation is not a life-threatening emergency, the dispatcher may recommend contacting the family doctor or going to the nearest healthcare facility rather than sending an ambulance.
Number for the medical advice line staffed by family doctors, available outside of office hours.
It is important to know that emergency care is free for everyone, including visitors and people without resident status. However, for third-country nationals holding a temporary residence permit, costs may later be billed and covered or not depending on the conditions of the insurance policy held. Hence the importance of traveling with a valid insurance policy.
Mental Health and Psychological Support for Expats
Settling in a new country, the language barrier, managing administrative procedures, and isolation can take a toll on expatriates’ mental health. Latvia has begun reorienting part of its psychiatric system, long very focused on hospitalization, toward community-based services and accessible support mechanisms.
Several helplines are available, including the crisis line 116 123, accessible 24/7 in Latvian, Russian, and English, run by the “Skalbes” crisis center. This line offers immediate emotional support and can refer to psychologists, with up to ten free online consultations possible.
Helpline for victims of crime in Latvia.
For expatriates in particular, private services have developed, offering psychotherapy and coaching in English, Latvian, and Russian, often in hybrid format (in-person and online). They address issues specific to foreigners: cultural adaptation, loneliness, climate management, organizing daily life with local digital tools (e-health, banks, immigration procedures, etc.). Universities like Riga Stradiņš University also offer psychological support services, sometimes free in groups, for their students and staff.
Pharmacies, Medications, and Preparation Before Departure
In Latvia, the sale of medications, including over-the-counter products, is strictly limited to pharmacies. Other stores may offer dietary supplements or medical devices, but not medications in the strict sense. This is an important point for expatriates coming from countries where certain products can be found in supermarkets.
Pharmacies are numerous in cities but less so in rural areas. Basic medications are available, but certain specific or chronic treatments may be hard to obtain. Before departure, consult your doctor for a medical summary, a detailed list of your medications (with generic names and dosages), and plan for a sufficient supply for several weeks.
Prescriptions issued in the home country are not always recognized in Latvia. Substances considered narcotics or psychotropics (certain strong painkillers, psychiatric medications, ADHD treatments, medical cannabis) are particularly sensitive. Their transport or use may be prohibited or strictly regulated. Therefore, it is essential to check in advance and travel with supporting documents (a letter from your doctor detailing the diagnosis and treatment, in English if possible, and an exact match between the name on the passport and that on the prescription).
Within the Schengen Area, the quantity of medication allowed for personal use is generally limited to the equivalent of one month of treatment, sometimes extending up to three months, but specific rules vary by country. It is imperative to carry medications in their original boxes, labeled with the patient’s name, and placed in carry-on luggage. A declaration to customs authorities may be required when crossing borders. Note that sending medications by mail from abroad is generally prohibited or subject to strict regulation.
Once on site, it is helpful to quickly identify a pharmacy near your home, build a relationship with a pharmacist, and, as soon as you are registered in the system, go through a family doctor or a specialist contracted with the NVD to obtain prescriptions compatible with Latvian rules and, where applicable, eligible for reimbursement.
Telemedicine Services and Digital Tools
Latvia has developed a digital health ecosystem that can make life easier for expatriates, provided they familiarize themselves with a few key tools.
The e‑veselība portal provides access to electronic prescriptions, sick leave certificates, and some medical information. National platforms like piearsta.lv are used to book appointments online with doctors, and sites like datamed.lv centralize test results in a format accessible to patients.
Private platforms like EuroMedClinic offer same-day online consultations with various specialists (general practitioners, psychiatrists, dermatologists, etc.) and also allow you to book in-person appointments at partner clinics in Latvia. Doctors can issue medical certificates, prescriptions, and referral letters.
Mobidoctor offers teleconsultations in English every day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., at a flat rate of 29 euros, with no additional fees for prescriptions or certificates. Consultations are available 365 days a year, making it a valuable backup solution for urgent but non-life-threatening needs, especially for newcomers who don’t yet have a regular doctor or struggle to find an English-speaking practitioner in an office.
These solutions do not replace registration in the public system or in-person follow-up, but they usefully complement local resources, particularly for quick advice, occasional prescription renewals, or initial assessment of a health problem.
Specific Considerations for Certain Categories of Expats
All expatriates do not face the same realities. A few profiles deserve special attention.
Foreign students, often excluded from public health insurance, must absolutely take out private health insurance covering at least emergency care and routine medical care. At the time of university enrollment and visa application, authorities require a valid policy for the entire duration of studies. Universities typically guide students toward partner insurers or regional solutions suitable for young adults.
Pediatric care and vaccinations are well structured and largely covered by the state. To overcome the language barrier, it is advisable to target facilities with English-speaking staff from the start (such as the children’s hospitals in Riga) and to arrange translations of vaccination records and medical files.
Expats who came for investment (“Golden Visa” program) or for high-level professional reasons tend to immediately favor private clinics, combining international health coverage with access to facilities like Capital Clinic Riga, Veselība 4, ORTO Klinika, or the major dental clinics in Riga. Investing in high-end insurance (e.g., with Bupa Global or Cigna) then allows them to use these facilities without worrying about costs, including for major planned procedures.
Ukrainian nationals who have taken refuge in Latvia benefit from free access to all state-funded medical services, including medications, under the same conditions as Latvian residents. Organizations like the Children’s Hospital Foundation also coordinate and support care for children for uncovered services, transport, or psychological support.
Preparing Before Departure and the First Months on Site
To maximize your chances, a future expatriate in Latvia stands to gain by planning ahead from the moment they decide to relocate. It is recommended to consult your doctor at least two months before departure to review ongoing treatments, vaccinations, and specific risks (such as tick-borne diseases). Updating routine vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, etc.) and possibly considering protection against tick-borne encephalitis and rabies for rural stays or extended outdoor activities can be considered.
It is advisable to prepare a concise medical file (ideally in English) including your history, diagnoses, surgeries, list of current medications, and recent test results. Bring it with you, along with your old medical reports. This file will significantly facilitate the work of doctors in Latvia, whether in the public or private sector.
Upon arrival, the first steps should include registering with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to obtain your permit and personal code, contacting the NVD to clarify rights and registration procedures, choosing a family doctor as soon as possible, and identifying key facilities (neighborhood hospital, nearest emergency room, on-call pharmacy).
Financially, it is prudent to check, before any appointment, whether the practitioner or clinic is contracted with the NVD or not, request a quote for major procedures, and ask your insurer about reimbursement or direct billing procedures.
In Summary
Healthcare for expatriates in Latvia rests on a balance between a constantly improving public system and a very attractive private sector, supported by a diversified range of international insurance offerings. Access to the public system depends primarily on residency status and registration with the NVD, while the quality of care, especially in urban areas, is generally satisfactory, despite persistent challenges in terms of waiting times, out-of-pocket costs, and language barriers.
Single European emergency number to dial in Latvia for help.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
