How to check if I am covered by health insurance?
Can you trust that, when needed, you’ll receive a free consultation with a family doctor, essential tests, or emergency medical care? All of this depends on one crucial factor – whether you are covered by compulsory health insurance (PSD).
Thousands of residents are unaware that they’ve lost their insurance until they need treatment or receive a notice about accumulated debt. To avoid this, it’s worth regularly checking your insurance status – it only takes a few minutes.
This article will explain how to quickly and reliably check if you are covered by PSD, what to do if you’re not, and how this relates to your right to access healthcare in Lithuania.
What is compulsory health insurance (PSD) and why is it important?
Compulsory health insurance (PSD) is a state-mandated form of insurance that guarantees free or partially reimbursed medical care for all insured individuals. This system allows access to necessary health services without additional fees, ensuring every Lithuanian resident’s right to treatment.
PSD covers services such as:
- Consultations with family doctors
- Services from medical specialists
- Laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Inpatient hospital treatment
- Emergency medical care
- Reimbursed medications and procedures
Insurance remains valid as long as the person meets at least one of the coverage conditions – for example, being employed, paying contributions independently, being a student, or being insured by the state.
Who is automatically considered insured under PSD?
- Minors – up to 18 years of age
- Students – during full-time studies up to age 26
- Pensioners – based on retirement age
- Pregnant women – from the start of pregnancy until childbirth and 70 days afterward
- Unemployed individuals – if registered with the Employment Service
- Persons receiving social benefits or with disabilities
For these groups, PSD contributions are paid by the state, but it’s important that their status is properly registered. Uninsured individuals must cover all treatment costs themselves, and unpaid PSD contributions accumulate as debt. Therefore, PSD protects not only your health but also your finances – it’s one of the most important guarantees for every resident.
How to check your insurance status online?
The easiest and fastest way is to use the National Health Insurance Fund (VLK) system via the Electronic Government Gateway.
Instructions:
- Visit:https://www.vlk.lt
- Click “Log in to the Electronic Services Portal”
- Choose your login method (e.g., via online banking)
- Once logged in, select “Insurance Information”
- You’ll see details about your insurance status, coverage period, and contribution status
If you work under individual activity, also check your income declaration information.
Other ways to check your insurance status
If you cannot access e-services:
- By phone: Contact your regional health insurance fund (contact details are listed on the VLK website)
- In person: Visit your nearest health insurance fund office. Bring your personal ID document
What happens if you don’t have PSD?
An uninsured person cannot access free healthcare services. You’ll have to pay full price for services that insured individuals receive free of charge.
Examples:
- Family doctor consultation – from €20
- Emergency care – from €50
- Hospital services – from hundreds to thousands of euros
Additionally, debt for PSD contributions will accumulate for the period you were uninsured. These must be paid to restore your insurance.
How to restore PSD?
If your PSD coverage was interrupted, you can restore it by following these steps:
- Pay the accumulated PSD contributions (if you were uninsured)
- Check the amount owed via the VMI portal – log in using online banking
- Submit documents (if needed to prove eligibility for state-funded insurance)
- Wait for the system to update – PSD is usually activated within a few days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I turn if I can’t check my insurance status?
Contact your regional health insurance fund by phone or email. Contact details are listed on the VLK website.
Can I check someone else’s insurance status?
No, unless you have official authorization or are a parent representing a child under 18.
What happens if I visit a doctor but I’m not insured? You’ll have to pay for all services provided according to current rates.
How long does it take to restore insurance after paying contributions? Usually 1–3 business days after the payment is processed. Sometimes it may take longer.
How can I find out how much debt I have for health insurance? You can check your debt by logging into the VMI portal via the Electronic Government Gateway.
Does insurance remain valid if I move abroad? No, if you officially declare your departure. If you live abroad but haven’t declared it, you’re still required to pay PSD contributions.
