What Expats Need To Know About Riga's Healthcare
If you’re an expat living in Riga, you will probably sooner or later use the healthcare system, so its important to know what you get for your money and how good Healthcare is? I’m Ian, and I take you through what you need to know about Latvian Healthcare.
Private Healthcare in Latvia is excellent, and even the public healthcare system is sound, but you need EU insurance for that service. You can get every type of treatment in Latvia, with private hospitals having state-of-the-art equipment and doctors speaking English. You even have international patients coming to Latvia for Healthcare, so overall, the private and public are good.
I will explain in detail about insurance, vaccines, general info, and treatments available in Riga below
Health Insurance
If you’re traveling from Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein, you will receive free or low fee state-provided health cover with the European insurance card (ETHIC)
For example, if you live in the European Union, You can get the ETHIC card by filling in an online application (www.dh.gov.uk). For more information, please click the link.
Just to state, the (ETHIC) card does not cover private Healthcare. It’s only public health care.
If you go to a private hospital, you will need to fill in a payment form. Keep this safe to claim back from your insurance.
If you’re not from the European Union, it’s advisable to get private medical insurance.
(Suggestion below)
Recommended Vaccinations For Latvia
You don’t need to take any vaccines before traveling to Riga, but the World Health Organisation suggests having vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and polio, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Also, their is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in the countryside- if you feel concerned about this, you can take a vaccine in your country.
How To Get In Touch With A GP
Registering with a GP is easy. You need to visit your local doctor’s surgery and register once you arrive.
If you need any information about the National Health Service in Riga, you can visit the portal ndapiearsta.lv or call (+371) 67045005.
How The Healthcare Systems Works For Expats
Private Healthcare in Riga is much better than the public healthcare system. The majority of expats who live in Riga will get private medical insurance, which speeds things up if you need medical attention.
If your heading to Riga to live, I do recommend health insurance. Public Healthcare isn’t bad in Latvia, but the private sector is so more advanced.
If you are moving to Riga and have pre-existing medical health conditions, please take the medication that you are prescribed in your country to Latvia. The pharmacies aren’t bad, but they won’t have the selection or stockpiles like other European countries.
Private Healthcare In Riga
The majority of private hospitals are in Riga and others in major cities. The equipment in these hospitals are world-class, with practitioners speaking English with professionalism and great attitudes. You will have to pay more for this type of service, but you pay for what you get, and they look after you.
I recommend you get a full insurance package as you get world-class Healthcare
Public Healthcare in Riga
The Latvian healthcare service is like the NHS in England. It is subsidized through National Insurance payments from the general public. If you want to use the public health system, by all means, you can, but their will be a fee (A small fee usually)
Public Healthcare is nowhere near as good as private, with the private sector being a quicker and better service.
But the public healthcare system isn’t too bad overall. It doesn’t match some European countries, but it’s not terrible.
Please do not worry if you have to go to a public hospital in Riga. Their level of care is adequate for Latvian standards.
Do The Doctors Widely Speak English?
The simple answer is yes. All doctors are highly trained and speak English both in the private and public sectors.
Children’s Treatments – Heres What You Need To Know
If you have kids, it’s reassuring to know that Riga has two remarkable complexes that give specialized treatment for kids. Every year, the hospital treats 30,000 patients annually, and more than 160,000 receive medical care from this service.
The children’s clinic University Hospital’s location is in Torņkalns which is around 5 k from the city and 8k from the airport. You can use two transport options, public or private. The hospital has parking spaces available for you.
The hospital has a wide range of treatments available as well as advanced sickness cases. A lot of care goes into finding your diagnosis and ensuring you get the best medical care you possibly can.
Address: Vienības gatve 45, Riga, Latvia
Inga Sproģe
Phone: +371 25680140
Email:
Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 8am-18:00pm
Sat- 8am-16:00pm
Sun- Closed
Pharmacies in Riga
Riga’s pharmacies are well stocked and fully functioning, which is reassuring if you’re moving to Riga. It’s still advised to take your medication to Latvia if you have a pre-existing condition to be on the safe side.
Weight Loss Surrgieries
Riga has many options with weight loss programs that you can readily buy online from home. You will be picked up at the airport and chauffeur driven to the hospital for treatment, and later with a nice hotel to relax in.
Having read through the reviews of some of these surgeries, I can say that they’re all five stars. Please click the source below.
Source- Trustpilot
Eye Treatments and Opticians
If you’re worried about your eyesight, you’re covered in Riga. The ophthalmologists are highly trained and help give you an accurate diagnosis if you have vision impairment. You also have the option of inpatient or outpatient care if needed.
Practices like the American eye center are one of the first private eye clinics in the region. The standards are high and meet American levels with modern treatments and equipment.
Overall you can’t get much higher eye healthcare than Riga has to offer.
AIWA CLINIC
Maskavas iela 241, Rīga
Ilona Kihalova
Tālr.: +371 20014000
Mental Health Services
In recent years Latvia’s fallen behind with mental health services compared to other European countries. But from January, the Latvian Ministry of Health gave €7 million for new public health opportunities.
If you use the public health system, your GP can prescribe you up to 10 counseling sessions, which shows that Latvia is going in the right direction!
The funding will also go towards hospitals bringing in new measures to help him with Latvia’s mental health social issues.
This year, Latvia is taking mental health more seriously, which is great for expats as depression is one of the world’s most significant diseases.
If you need mental health support, contact your local doctor or follow the link for tourism support.
Sports Doctor
If you play a lot of sports and have reoccurring injuries, it’s always good to contact a sports doctor. You work on practical and theory-based exercises with rehabilitation to help you get back to your peak performance.
Having played a lot of football myself, I’ve had injuries on my knees, and the longer I’ve left it, the worse my knees got.
The doctor analyses you and makes the body stressed with weight, and bit by bit, the body, develops strength again without injury.
For a quicker solution to a sports injury, you need to see a sports doctor.
Capital Clinic Riga
Address: Duntes iela 15a, Ziemeļu rajons, Rīga, LV-1005, Latvia
Openng Days: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm
Phone: +371 29 334 224
Pediatrician
If you have kids, you want is to give them the best Healthcare possible. Riga has many quality pediatricians with high standards, matching Western countries with state-of-the-art equipment and treatments.
Private hospital staff are highly trained and knowledgeable, providing top-quality Healthcare. Many of the doctors studied abroad in internships and learned complex operations from some of the world’s best hospitals.
The hospital offers excellent recovery options, and you can even stay over with extra bedrooms. Also, their are no language barriers with doctors, making it their mission to provide excellent Healthcare.
Latvian hospitals offer you excellent Healthcare for a lot less than other European countries.
If you need a hospital I’ve left an address below:
Address: Vienibas gatve 45, Riga, Latvia
Phone: +371 25680140
Website: Click here
Gynecologist
If you want support while you’re pregnant, then the Gynecologist is worth investing in. Latvia experienced Gynecologist at this crucial time in life, which gives you extra comfort to be listened to by an experienced professional
Riga has many excellent gynecologists with regular baby checks ups, cancer tests, illness diagnosis, treatments, prescriptions, and ultrasounds.
Gynaecologists also offer post-Natal care and massages to help you keep more relaxed.
I recommend Andria with central location.
Address: A.Čaka 70-3, Riga, Latvia
Phone: (+371)67315000
Website: Click Here
Pneumonologist
If your having issues with breathing, you may be referred to a Pneumonologist if the problem is recurring
You may need a Pneumonologist if you have:
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Lung Cancer
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
If you need advanced care post your GP, you have some great options in Latvia with well-experienced Pneumonologist around the city.
Capital Riga is a good suggestion:
Address: 15A Duntes Street, Riga, Latvia, LV – 1005, 2.,3. AND 4. Floor
Phone: +371 66 333 333
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00
Website: Click here
Dermatovenerologist
If you have skin issues, you may be referred to a Dermatovenerologist specializing in hair, nails, sweat glands, birthmarks, rashes, and eczema.
Birthmarks are removed with lasers, or other types of surgery can be used to remove moles or growths on the skin
Riga has highly trained professional Dermatovenerologists for some of the lowest prices in Europe.
I recommend Capital Clinic Riga
Address: 15A Duntes Street, Riga, Latvia, LV – 1005, 2.,3. AND 4. Floor
Phone: +371 66 333 333
Email:
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00
Website: Click here
Endocrinologist
An Endocrinologist will help you with many issues such as your testicles, ovaries glands, pancreas, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, and thyroid gland.
They also specialize in diabetes which is one of the most significant disorders in the western world. You can be advised how to live with diabetes in the healthiest way possible.
Also, they test for certain types of cancers related to endocrinologists and how to treat the cancers in late stages.
If you need any assistance
Address: 15A Duntes Street, Riga, Latvia, LV – 1005, 2.,3. AND 4. Floor
Phone: +371 66 333 333
Email:
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00
Website: Click here
Oncologist
For certain types of cancers, an oncologist will use radiotherapy and fight cancer and try to eradicate it before it spreads too far.
You’ll work closely with an Oncologist who will advise you on how to live healthily and update how your progression is going.
Hopefully, you will never need this procedure, but if you do, try and see the most experienced doctor you can.
Theirs a listening below:
Institute of Oncology
Address: Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital
13 Pilsoņu iela, Riga
Room: Block 13
Phone: +37167704028
Emal:
Infectologist
If you need a specialist for infections, an inferctologist treats tuberculosis, aids, and disseminated infections. If you have a disease that the average antibiotics can’t handle, then an Infectologist will help.
An Infectologst may also treat tropical diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, schistosomiasis, cysticercosis, and onchocerciasis
For the most part, your GP could help you with any infections you have, but if the case is a bit more acute, you need to see an Infectologist.
If you need an Infectologist in Riga
Address: Riga East University Hospital, Latvian Centre of Infectious Diseases
Rīga, 3 Linezera iela
Phone: +37167014777
E-mail:
Website: Click here
Narcologist
Hopefully, you’ll never need an oncologist in your life, but f you do, then they can help with drug and alcohol abuse and prevention.
If needed, they can put you on many detoxication programs that support you moving away from drugs or alcohol.
One of the most important things to do after detoxication is to support after rehab and advise you to live differently.
Here an address below:
Address: Maskavas 40-5.st., Rīga, LV-1050
Phone: +371 672 040 20
Website: Click here
Having looked over and researched the Latvia healthcare system, I have to say its advanced in private Healthcare and taken seriously. The public healthcare system may not be as good as some other European countries, but its not terrible, so don’t feel bad if you need to use it.
Another plus is the English level spoken in the country. I don’t think you’d ever get in any sector of Healthcare in Latvia.
If you’re a digital nomad or an Expat, then definitely consider Latvia as a destination to live because its health benefits are excellent overall
