🛡️ The Situation

Lithuania has a functional public health system, reimbursed PrEP, and a small but active LGBTQ+ community in Vilnius. The system covers PrEP and emergency treatments, but finding LGBTQ+-affirming care requires knowing where to go. While public options like Santaros and Kauno Klinikos handle prescriptions, community organisations like Demetra are crucial entry points. Insurance is necessary for most state-reimbursed care, though some HIV testing services are available free to all.

Lithuania's Compulsory Health Insurance (PSD) is managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (VLK):

  • EU Citizens: Covered by PSD through employment. Non-working EU citizens may use an S1 form or EHIC for temporary stays.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Must hold a temporary or permanent residence permit and be legally employed to be covered by PSD. Without employment or a permanent permit, private health insurance is generally needed.
  • National Health Hotline: For insurance inquiries, call the VLK hotline at +370 5 232 2222.

⚖️ The Golden Rules

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.

⚖️ The Reality of the System

The Pros:

  • PrEP is covered by the national drug reimbursement system.
  • PEP is free with Lithuanian insurance or an EHIC card.
  • Strong community organizations like Demetra offer free, anonymous, and welcoming HIV testing without requiring insurance.

The Cons:

  • Resources and LGBTQ+-affirming care are heavily concentrated in the capital, Vilnius (and to some extent Kaunas).
  • The social environment outside major cities can be conservative, making navigation harder.
  • Non-EU citizens without legal employment or a permanent residence permit need private insurance to access most state-reimbursed care.

💬 Anonymous Partner Notification

If you test positive for an STI and absolutely cannot face the direct message (e.g., safety concerns, extreme anxiety), you must still ensure partners are warned.

Lithuania does not currently have a centralized, public anonymous notification portal. The most effective route is to ask the clinic or doctor who diagnosed you to assist; many local sexual health units or NGOs like Demetra can facilitate confidential partner notification on your behalf without revealing your identity. It's always better than silence. Seek out local clinics or affirming NGOs for support.

🗺️ Guide Map

Testing & Clinics

Prevention

Emergencies & Support

Result Management

Support & System