Health
Registering with a Family Doctor
What it is
A family doctor (šeimos gydytojas) is a general practitioner (GP) who provides routine healthcare, referrals to specialists, and ongoing care for you and your family. In Lithuania, you must be registered with a specific family doctor in order to access publicly funded healthcare. This registration is organised through the National Health Insurance Fund (VLK).
Health insurance first
Before you can register with a family doctor under the public system, you generally need to be covered by compulsory health insurance (privalomasis sveikatos draudimas). For most working people this is arranged through SODRA, Lithuania's State Social Insurance Fund, and is deducted from your salary.
If you are not yet employed, other routes to coverage may apply depending on your status (for example, as a registered job-seeker or a family member of an insured person). Check with SODRA or a migrant support organisation about your specific situation.
How to register
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Choose a primary healthcare clinic (pirminė sveikatos priežiūros įstaiga) near your home or workplace. You can look up clinics on the esveikata.lt portal or ask your municipality for a list.
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Contact the clinic — you can usually call them, visit in person, or use the esveikata.lt online portal. Ask to be assigned to (or choose) a family doctor.
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Bring your documents. You will typically need:
- A valid identity document (passport or national ID card)
- Your health insurance confirmation (this can often be checked by the clinic directly through the VLK system)
- Proof of your address in Lithuania if required
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Complete the registration form at the clinic or online.
After registration
Once registered, your family doctor is your first point of contact for health issues. They can:
- Treat common illnesses and chronic conditions
- Issue prescriptions (receptai)
- Refer you to specialists or hospital care
- Issue sick-leave certificates
You are allowed to change your family doctor once per year under normal circumstances.
Where to get help
If you have difficulty understanding the process, Caritas Lietuva or IOM Lithuania can assist. You can also call the patient support line at the National Health Insurance Fund (VLK) — contact details are on their official website.