Lithuania is an undiscovered gem that offers excellent healthcare coverage and a great environment for a speedy recovery. In 2019, at least 10% of Lithuanian health and wellness service patients were international visitors.
The number is steadily climbing to new heights as Lithuania continues to provide groundbreaking treatments, good rehabilitation infrastructure, and access to excellent healthcare professionals to a wider population.
Why Should You Choose Lithuania for Medical Treatment?
Experts classify Lithuania as one of the ten best countries for medical tourism. Let’s explore the reasons why it made the cut out of a whopping 195 countries.
1. Better Treatment at a Fraction of the Cost
Lithuania is renowned for its rapid strides in embracing the best of what the medical world has to offer. They have five physicians per 1,000 people, one of the highest densities in the world. This leaves many of their doctors free to explore non-profit ventures for outpatient services and medical tourism.
Internationally-certified Lithuanian clinics offer the best treatments for cardiology, homeopathic stem-cell treatment, cancer treatments, cosmetic surgery, and dentistry.
Thanks to the low cost of living, lower taxes, and less expensive labor, medical professionals in Lithuania have pricing structures that are comparatively more affordable than their Australian or American counterparts. So, even if you factor in a long-haul flight and a luxury recovery stay in a 5-star hotel, you can still expect to pay less for the entire trip than what if you got surgery in your hometown.
2. Perfect Place for Post Treatment Recovery
Lithuania has every crucial element of medical tourism nailed down, all the way to the post-treatment phase. The vast unspoiled countryside, deserted sandy beaches, and quaint cafes that line the cobbled streets host medical rehabilitation facilities and revitalising state-of-the-art medical spas. Here, you’ll never find yourself wanting better recuperating care.
3. Highly Qualified Doctors
Over 30 Lithuanian health care facilities are certified according to the ISO standard. The doctors and other medical professionals in these facilities are certified with internationally recognized diplomas. The doctors train for six years and complete a year-long year internship before they're allowed to specialize in a field of their choice.
These highly-qualified medical professionals also participate in national and international seminars and workshops to keep up with advances in the medical field. Scheduling a medical tourism trip for a consultation and treatment under these experienced professionals will give you the best shot at cutting-edge procedures.
4. Well-trained and Attentive Staff
Lithuanians have an excellent public health system in place. Their attentive staff is well-trained to accommodate every patient’s needs. You can be assured that you will get the attention you need to make a speedy recovery.
If you’re worried about the language barrier, rest easy knowing that medical consultations in Lithuania can be provided in English.
5. Next Level Safety Assured
Lithuanian physicians and medical professionals are renowned for prioritizing their patients' medical treatments, health procedures, and general wellness. Every patient, irrespective of their nationality, is granted the same Patients' Rights as locals. All treatments carried out in their healthcare facilities are diligently tested to meet international safety requirements.
The safety quotient extends to travel agencies and other important facilitators involved in medical tourism. This ensures a level of transparency and quality that has led to the popularity of Lithuanian medical professionals on a global scale.
Best Things to Do in Lithuania Post-Treatment
From gorgeous old towns to wide-open spaces like the Curonian Spit, Lithuania has many many things to see and experience.
Let’s explore some top favorites you can indulge in post-treatment to wrap up your medical tourism trip.
1. Wander around Vilnius Old Town
When you touch down after your flight, you can head to Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius. It has all the luxury amenities you can ask for—an excellent restaurant, fitness center, sauna, spa, and a delicious continental breakfast served each morning!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vilnius Old Town boasts well-preserved buildings that showcase Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-classical style architectures and cobbled streets dotted with bars and eateries. This medieval town has somehow retained the best of its appeal throughout history.
While exploring Vilnius, be sure to stop by St. Anne’s Church. Located on the banks of the Vilnia River, St. Anne’s Church is designed in a flamboyant Gothic style, with an elegant red-brick facade, high ceilings, rose windows, carved pews, and a grand bell tower. It is undoubtedly one of the prettiest buildings in all of Lithuania.
Photo by Svein-Magne Tunli - tunliweb.no
With over 28 churches in the Old Town area, numerous vegan restaurants that serve a range of delicacies, and a dining culture similar to the French, you can happily relive history through well-preserved architectural structures and artifacts with impressive attention to detail in this beautiful city.
2. Visit Kaunas
A city of culture, Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania. It has over 40 museums, including the Devil’s Museum, National M. K. Ciurlionis Art Museum, Kaunas Museum for the Blind, and many others. It also has great food, luxurious accommodations, and a unique ambiance to add to its appeal.
Lithuania has an excellent transportation system that is equal parts fun and convenient. The Zaliakalnis Funicular Railway is a convenient way to get to the top of the hill. Plus, the little cable car offers a pretty backdrop to stage your pictures against. Just perfect for the ‘gram, wouldn’t you say?
At the end of a long day of travel, there’s nothing better than to relax and indulge in the many amenities of a luxury hotel. You can opt to stay in Monte Pacis, whose restaurant is one of the best in the country.
And most importantly, Kaunas is home to some of the most advanced medical clinics and institutions in the Baltic States. It would be apt to schedule your trip and recovery period in this wonderful city.
3. Relax in Birstonas
Just thirty minutes away from Kaunas you will find Birstonas, a mineral spa resort that welcomes many relaxation seekers every year. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the paths in the nearby forests, take a boat trip on the river Nemunas, climb to the Birstonas observation tower, or simply stop to pause at one of the cafes and restaurants.
Most importantly, Birstonas has some of the best spa hotels in Lithuania that will welcome you with numerous saunas, swimming pools, and lovely dining experiences - anything you would want from a relaxing post-treatment holiday.
4. Explore the Curonian Spit & Kursiu Nerija National Park
The Curonian (or Courland) Spit is a long strip of land that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It is home to a couple of villages surrounded by endless forests as well as some of the highest sand dunes in all of Europe. The ever-evolving landscape is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kursiu Nerija National Park was created to preserve and guard precious ecosystems in the Curonian Spit. Beaches, forests, touristy little towns, walking and bike trails, and plenty of wind drive its popularity. Consider scheduling your visit during the summer to get the most out of your stay.
5. Enjoy Druskininkai
Druskininkai is a small resort town, surrounded by lakes, parks, and forests. It is best known for its wonderful spa treatments. From an impressive number of biking and walking trails to an indoor water park with different types of saunas and steam rooms and a skiing arena, Duskininkai has something to offer everyone.
You can enjoy a luxury stay in Hotel Dzukija, a spa hotel located an easy walking distance from the best attractions in the town. From here, you can walk to the Musical Fountain to enjoy a real water show with music and lights. The best thing? You can also request a song of your preference. This is the perfect way to wrap up your medical tourism trip, wouldn’t you agree?
6. Explore Trakai
Trakai offers visitors a one-of-its-kind relaxing experience. With some 200 lakes that call it home, you can rent paddleboats and rowboats to tour the lake, go swimming, or just sunbathe surrounded by pretty water. You can also hire bikes to explore different trails to relax and rejuvenate.
If history is more your thing, consider paying a visit to Trakai Castle. Located in the middle of Lake Galve, the historical castle and museum are popular with locals and tourists alike. The hordes of souvenir shops, crowds of people who come to witness this marvel, and tour buses that dot in and around this impressive piece of architecture certainly do add to all its appeal.
Please note: Lithuanians take some time to open up to tourists. Don’t let that discourage you from initiating a friendly conversation for valuable insights and hidden gems. With some casual, pleasant persistence, you’ll find them to be quite accommodating.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of traveling to Lithuania for medical treatments or cosmetic procedures, you must do your due diligence regarding flights and accommodations.
If you have a limited budget, you can go outside the capital and opt for a small guest house instead of a 5-star hotel. This way, you can experience warm Baltic hospitality and save some $$$ while you get treated by the best medical teams in Europe.