How to choose a family doctor? 

Every person with compulsory health insurance (PSD) can freely choose a clinic, medical center, or family doctor's office, provided the facility has a contract with the territorial health insurance fund. Once you have chosen a healthcare facility, you simply need to go to its reception, fill out an application, and select a family doctor. If you do not choose a family doctor yourself, one will be assigned by the facility's administration. A person always has the right to change a doctor with whom they do not feel comfortable and choose another family doctor within the same facility.  Information and reviews about doctors in Lithuania can be found here and here.

One of the most important aspects when choosing a family doctor is their accessibility and availability — how quickly you can see the doctor when you're sick, whether phone consultations are offered, and how close the healthcare facility is to your home. 

Your family doctor serves as your primary point of contact for medical issues. They provide free consultations, examinations, prescribe treatments, and can refer you to specialists or hospitals when necessary. Additionally, they offer advice on healthy living and may refer you for further treatment if needed. 

How to schedule an appointment with a doctor? 

To schedule appointments with public medical institutions, you can sign up for a consultation with a doctor by phone, on the clinic’s website, or log in to esveikata.lt.  When scheduling appointments, inquire if your doctor speaks your preferred language. 

Doctor visit at home

Doctors can also visit sick patients at home. Home healthcare services are available for patients with a fever over 38.5°C that doesn't respond to medication or those who develop new skin rashes during a fever. These services are also provided to newborns, sick children under one year old, children with severe disabilities, individuals with up to 25% working capacity, those with special permanent care needs, and residents with acute mobility issues who cannot move independently. If these conditions are not met, you must visit the healthcare facility in person. 

What to do in an emergency? 

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for assistance. Emergency treatment is provided free of charge, while non-urgent cases are referred to a general practitioner. Ambulance services in Lithuania are available free of charge to all those in need, regardless of their insurance status. 

Medicines in Lithuania can be prescribed by a doctor and purchased in pharmacies. E-prescriptions in Lithuanian pharmacies are accepted with an ID-card. Some patients are entitled to receive prescription medications that are fully or partially reimbursed by the state. Pharmacies are generally well-stocked and can provide advice and recommendations on medicines.