Cross-border healthcare in Lithuania

European Union countries have until 25 October 2013 to pass their own laws implementing Directive 2011/24/EU on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. This directive clarifies the rules on access to healthcare across the European Economic Area (EEA) for all EEA citizens, including reimbursement.

The EU Directive gives the person insured with public health insurance in one EEA country the right to access healthcare services in another EEA country as long as the treatment is medically necessary and is also available in the country of affiliation. This directive shall apply to the provision of healthcare to patients, regardless of how it is organised, delivered and financed.

Therefore, if you decide to come to Lithuania to receive cross-border healthcare, first contact your competent institution in the country where you are insured and ascertain: 

• What the requirements are in order to be reimbursed the cost? 
• Whether you need prior authorisation for these services?