Latvia Expat Health Insurance
One of the more prosperous former Soviet Republics, Latvia is located on the Baltic Sea. Its population of 2.2 million boasts per capita income of US$16,010, among the highest in the former USSR. Latvia has enjoyed rapid economic growth since the breakup of the USSR in 1991, benefiting from its position near Scandinavia and Western Europe, and it recently joined the European Union and NATO along with fellow Baltic republics Lithuania and Estonia. Latvia’s capital city of Riga is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Latvia Healthcare System
Although far superior to that of Russia, Latvia’s health indices lag behind those of Western Europe. Life expectancy at birth is 67 years for males and 77 years for Latvian females. Lativia’s rates of infectious disease are below global averages, with 7 cases of HIV per 1,000 adults, and 48 cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 people.
Total annual per capita health expenditure in Latvia is US$996, or slightly less than half of the European average. This figure represents about 6.5 percent of GDP. Government expenditure makes up about 60.5 percent of total health spending in Latvia. Private health insurance in Latvia is very underdeveloped, and makes up only 2.6 percent of private health care spending; 96.7 percent of private health expenditure comes from out of pocket spending. Despite this however, Latvia’s health care workforce is adequately staffed, with 29.9 doctors and 48.4 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people. Like many emerging economies, Lativia loses many skilled health care workers to wealthier nations which pay higher wages.
Health care is a major priority of the incumbent Latvian government. Latvian utilisation of antenatal, birth and infant care are nearly universal; all Latvian births are attended by skilled health care personnel. Latvia’s “Health for All by 2010” programme has been fairly successful in reducing inequality and improving access to care, and currently 94.3 percent of Latvians are registered with a general practitioner. All residents in Latvia are entitled to public health care, although co-payments for services may be required. Public health indicators show that Latvians have nearly universal access to improved drinking water, although only about 80 percent have access to improved sanitation facilities, and some of these would not measure up to international standards.
The WHO Strategic Agenda in Latvia has four major aims: to support health policy and health system development, promote healthy lifestyles, discourage tobacco use (currently over half of adult male Latvians smoke), and control communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. In addition to its administrative functions, the WHO also maintains a Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Management of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis at the State Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases of Latvia in Riga.
Expatriates moving to Latvia without a current health insurance policy will require an international private health insurance policy which covers Latvia in order to get a residence permit. Due to inadequacies in the Latvian public health care system, international private insurance is recommended for all visitors and expatriates. European Health Insurance Cards will cover emergencies, but not further medical treatment or outpatient care
The best quality health care in Latvia is in Riga and the surrounding districts, with comprehensive services including emergency and specialist care. However, even in these developed urban areas, long waits and substandard equipment are common at public hospitals and clinics. Travellers to more remote rural areas may have greater difficulty in seeking adequate care. Providers may demand out of pocket payment on the spot, or a document proving insurance coverage. Private clinics catering to wealthy Latvians and expatriates are also available, with levels of care comparable to that in wealthier Western European countries. These can be very expensive and most patients use an international health insurance plan when receiving treatment at these facilities.
Latvia is a beautiful country with much to offer the amateur historian, business traveller or tourist. It is in many ways a modern country but like travel anywhere, it is not without risk. The US Center for Disease Control has put together a set of guidelines to prepare visitors to Latvia. Visiting a physician or clinic specialising in travel medicine four to six weeks before departing is strongly recommended, if only to update routine immunisations including jabs against hepatitis A and B. Those planning to visit rural parts of Lithuania may consider rabies shots. In the summer months, tickborne encephalitis is widespread in the region. Using insect repellent with DEET and wearing long sleeved clothing are recommended.
The most common medical issues for travellers in Latvia are the same around the world. Gastrointestinal complaints can be avoided by drinking only bottled water and not consuming raw or undercooked food. Over the counter medication can treat acute cases, although persistent symptoms will require a visit to a physician. Traffic accidents are also a major cause of injury and fatality. Becoming familiar with local traffic laws, wearing a safety belt and avoiding drinking alcohol and driving can prevent serious accidents.
As a European Union member, and rapidly developing economy, Latvia is in many ways a modern country. However, it must be mentioned that in an emergency, local health care services may not capable of treating medical issues beyond initial stabilisation of the patient. Cases like this will require medical evacuation. And even in non-emergency cases, medical transportation, surgeries, hospital stays and prescription costs can run to tens of thousands of US dollars.
Latvia Expat Health Insurance
When faced with health care problems while travelling, a reliable expat health insurance plan is crucial. Global Health Insurance will ensure that you and your family have access to quality health care around the world including in Latvia. Expat health insurance policies that Global Health Insurance works with include options for maternity, dental, alternative care, specialists treatments and emergency evacuation. Our International health insurance plans can be customised to fit the needs of you and your loved ones, your colleagues or your tour group in Latvia. Contact one of our experienced Global Health Insurance advisors today for further details. Advisors are available 24 hours per day.
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