Lithuania has a functional public health system, reimbursed PrEP, and a small but active LGBTQ+ community in Vilnius. The main challenge is that resources are concentrated in the capital, and the social environment outside Vilnius can be conservative. This guide covers what to know and what to do first.
Three Golden Rules for Lithuania
1. Start at Demetra for Testing
Demetra (Kauno g. 6, Vilnius, demetra.lt) is Lithuania's main community HIV and STI testing organisation — free, anonymous, and welcoming to gay and bisexual men. For HIV testing specifically, this is the right first stop, no insurance required.
2. PrEP Is Reimbursed — Go to Santaros or Kauno Klinikos
PrEP is covered by Lithuania's national drug reimbursement system. You need an infektologas at either Santaros Klinikos (Vilnius) or Kauno Klinikos (Kaunas). LGL can navigate you to the fastest route.
3. PEP Is Free at Santaros — Go Immediately
PEP must start within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure. Go to the Priėmimo skyrius at Santaros Klinikos (Santariškių g. 14) and say: "Turėjau riziką užsikrėsti ŽIV — reikia PEP." It's free with Lithuanian insurance or EHIC. Do not wait.
Getting Tested
Demetra provides rapid HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C testing — free and anonymous. LGL coordinates community testing events. For a complete three-swab panel (throat, rectal, urethral), complement Demetra with Santaros Klinikos or a private lab (Antėja, Medicina Practica).
Testing frequency: every 3 months if sexually active with multiple partners.
PrEP
Reimbursed through the national system. Prescription via infektologas at Santaros (Vilnius) or Kauno Klinikos (Kaunas). Monitoring every 3 months. LGL can advise on the fastest booking route.
PEP
Free at Santaros Klinikos (Priėmimo skyrius, Santariškių g. 14, Vilnius). In Kaunas: Kauno Klinikos Priėmimo skyrius. Must start within 72 hours.
General Education
HIV Basics → HIV Facts
The STI Landscape → STI Landscape
Testing Protocol → Testing Protocol
PrEP — How It Works → PrEP Mechanics
PEP — Emergency Treatment → PEP Emergency
Prevention Stack → Prevention Stack
Vaccines → Vaccines Guide
Vaccines
Mpox is free for high-risk groups at Santaros. HPV and Hepatitis A require private payment for adults. Hepatitis B is in the childhood schedule — check your immunity. LGL and Demetra track current availability.
Mental Health
LGL (lgl.lt) is the primary resource for LGBTQ+-affirming support and therapist referrals. Jaunimo linija crisis line: 8 800 28 888 (free, 24h). For acute psychiatric emergencies, any ligoninė Priėmimo skyrius.
→ Mental Health Support in Lithuania
Chemsex
LGL and Demetra are the most appropriate first contacts. For GHB emergencies: 03 or 112 immediately.
DoxyPEP
Available via private prescription from your infektologas at Santaros or Kauno Klinikos. Very inexpensive. Ask at your PrEP consultation.
Outside Vilnius
Kaunas has Kauno Klinikos for PrEP and PEP. Klaipėda has emergency infectious disease capacity. LGL provides remote support nationally.
→ Sexual Health Outside Vilnius
Lithuanian Healthcare Vocabulary
Key terms and phrases for navigating the system.
→ Lithuanian Healthcare Vocabulary
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 | General, English operators |
| Ambulance | 03 | Greitoji pagalba |
| Santaros Klinikos | 5 236 5000 | Vilnius PEP/PrEP centre |
| Kauno Klinikos | 37 326 100 | Kaunas PEP/PrEP |
| Demetra | demetra.lt | Anonymous testing, Vilnius |
| LGL | lgl.lt | LGBTQ+ support and navigation |
| Jaunimo linija | 8 800 28 888 | Mental health crisis, free |
About This Guide
Written for gay and bisexual men navigating Lithuanian healthcare. Verify current service details with Demetra or LGL.