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Healthcare in Latvia


#1  2012-05-16 15:03:14

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27889

Healthcare in Latvia

Hi,

how does the healthcare system works in Latvia ? Is it efficient ?

What are the main differences between public and private sectors?

Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Latvia?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience !

Julien




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#2  2012-08-06 22:00:15

scott_latvia
Member
Registered: 2012-08-05
Posts: 17

Re: Healthcare in Latvia

Private healthcare for non-residents does not exist. Even for residents it is difficult, with only a few providers catering for individuals (more common is corporate healthcare packages).




 
 
 
 
 

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#3  2012-08-06 22:29:16

jaxxed
Active member
jaxxed
From: Riga
Registered: 2012-07-20
Posts: 58

Re: Healthcare in Latvia

I would disagree with Scott.  In Riga health care is not a problem for foreigners.

There is plenty of private care, some of which is available in English (the ARS center on Skolas Iela has english reception and doctors, and provides care, and laboratory analysis.)  Public health-care is not an option for foreigners, without some sort of citizenship.

The general reputation for public health care is poor, and delayed.  Many Doctors go through the public education, getting there accreditation for free, but paying back in time providing public services.   The pay for doctors is so low that some students give up on being doctors and enter other careers.  Local med school graduates are skilled enough to work abroad (if their degree was learned in an appropriate language.)
Private health care (in Riga) is good, and can be as advanced as you can afford.

Insurance is available for travellers and for residents, and is not expensive.  It's only my opinion, but I recommend at least some insurance for everyone.  The last thing you want is to go bankrupt paying a hospital bill (what are we? USA?)

The expat-blog staff recommend using their insurance finding system.




 
 
 

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#4  2012-08-07 20:07:27

scott_latvia
Member
Registered: 2012-08-05
Posts: 17

Re: Healthcare in Latvia

Jaxxed is correct that private healthcare is available, in terms of access to doctors and health consultants paying on an "as needs" basis.

What is more difficult is getting a private healthcare plan that covers yourself and family (and this was my original reading of the post). Take up of personal plans are behind the rest of Europe. While apparently Latvia is one of the highest users of private healthcare per capita compared to the rest of Europe (I've heard the figure 38% quoted) these policies for locals will typically be company or state contributory schemes that reduce the normal medical charges whenever you are ill. e.g. most state workers have private health plans, but these are small and usually capped on a per annual basis.

I am delighted with the quality of medical care in Latvia, but it is a case of getting what you pay for. For example, I saw a top consultant for a minor ear operation privately who charged about 140 euros for 3 sessions, including medicine. The same consultant in the UK would have charged 140euros per hour. This makes the best private healthcare affordable to foreigners, but quite expensive for locals.




 
 
 
 
 

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#5  2012-08-25 14:11:10

lacefactor
Member
lacefactor
From: Riga
Registered: 2012-08-25
Posts: 18

Re: Healthcare in Latvia

In terms of insurance, it's very difficult to get a personal one (it's virtually non-existent). Private medical institutions don't really care about insurance, since there is nothing free anyway. Obtaining general European insurance is an option if you have to go to the public hospital, but don't expect a lot from it.

The level of medical care is high and, having to compare, I prefer it here over UK (sorry!) smile




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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