Lithuanian is a challenging language for newcomers, but English is widely spoken in Vilnius and at Santaros Klinikos, Demetra, and LGL. You can navigate most situations in English at these services. Having a few key phrases and terms helps when you're in a less familiar setting.
The System: Key Concepts
Draudimas / Sveikatos draudimas — Health insurance. Lithuanian residents are covered by the national system (Valstybinė ligonių kasa — VLK). Required for reimbursed services.
EHIC — EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card for emergency and medically necessary care in Lithuania at state rates.
Šeimos gydytojas — Family doctor / GP. Your first point of contact in the public system. Issues referrals (siutimai) to specialists.
Siuntimas — Referral. Needed to see a specialist under the public system without a private fee.
Infektologas — Infectious disease specialist. The doctor who prescribes PrEP and manages HIV treatment.
Vaistinė — Pharmacy. Where you collect prescriptions.
Receptas — Prescription.
Privati klinika — Private clinic. No referral needed; you pay directly.
Appointments
| Lithuanian | English |
|---|---|
| Registruotis | To register / make an appointment |
| Vizitas / Konsultacija | Visit / Consultation |
| Laukiamasis | Waiting room |
| Siuntimas | Referral |
| Receptas | Prescription |
| Ligos istorija | Medical history |
Useful phrases:
"Kalbate angliškai?" — Do you speak English? "Turiu EHIC kortelę." — I have an EHIC card. "Noriu anoniminių tyrimų." — I'd like anonymous testing. "Esu privatus pacientas." — I am a private patient.
Sexual Health and Testing
| Lithuanian | English |
|---|---|
| Lytiškai plintančios ligos (LPL) | Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |
| ŽIV / HIV | HIV |
| ŽIV testas | HIV test |
| Anoniminiai tyrimai | Anonymous testing |
| Tepinėlis | Swab |
| Tepinėlis iš gerklės | Throat swab |
| Tepinėlis iš tiesiosios žarnos | Rectal swab |
| Tepinėlis iš šlaplės | Urethral swab |
| Kraujo tyrimas | Blood test |
| Šlapimo tyrimas | Urine test |
| Rezultatai | Results |
| Teigiamas / Neigiamas | Positive / Negative |
Asking for a full STI panel:
"Norėčiau pilno LPL patikrinimo — tepinėlius iš gerklės, tiesiosios žarnos ir šlaplės, taip pat kraujo tyrimą." (I'd like a full STI check — swabs from throat, rectum, and urethra, plus a blood test.)
HIV, PrEP, and PEP
| Lithuanian | English |
|---|---|
| PrEP (Pre-ekspozicijos profilaktika) | PrEP |
| PEP (Post-ekspozicijos profilaktika) | PEP |
| ŽIV teigiamas / neigiamas | HIV positive / negative |
| Neaptinkamas virusas | Undetectable viral load |
| Virusinė apkrova | Viral load |
| CD4 ląstelės | CD4 cells |
| Antiretrovirusinė terapija (ART) | Antiretroviral therapy |
| Infektologijos centras | Infectious diseases centre |
Requesting PEP at Santaros:
"Turėjau riziką užsikrėsti ŽIV. Man reikia profilaktikos po ekspozicijos (PEP)." (I had a risk of HIV exposure. I need post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP.)
In an Emergency
Emergency numbers:
- 112 — General emergency (English operators available)
- 03 — Ambulance (Greitoji pagalba)
- 02 — Police
At the emergency department:
"Man reikia pagalbos." — I need help. "Priėmimo skyrius" — Emergency reception / A&E (look for this sign) "Man skauda." — I'm in pain. "Alergiška (-as) šiems vaistams:" — I'm allergic to these medications:
At Santaros for PEP: Go to Priėmimo skyrius at Santariškių g. 14.