In Latvia, starting in 2026, the healthcare system is planned to be changed: state-funded medicine will only be available for those who are registered in Latvia and pay taxes here.
Those who have left their homeland but come here for treatment will now have to pay. This will affect a very large number of people: currently, more than 213,000 Latvians officially live abroad!
The second piece of news is the abandonment of the two so-called 'baskets' system in favor of a single volume of state services for all who are registered in Latvia or work here.
"They are limiting opportunities for locals"
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Health Financing Law prepared by the Ministry of Health, which stipulate that the right to state-funded medical care will be linked to having a residence declaration in Latvia.
This means that if you live abroad and pay taxes there, then get treated there! Who is affected:
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As of September 2024, 214,313 citizens of Latvia have declared their place of residence abroad (data from the Office of Citizenship and Migration);
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By September 2024, 12,805 of these Latvians received state-funded medical services in Latvia (data from the National Health Service);
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The total volume of medical services received last year by Latvians declared in other European countries amounted to 3 million euros.
"These people limit the availability of medical services for those who live and work in Latvia," the Ministry of Health believes.
What are the 'two baskets'
Until now, the funding model divided into two 'baskets' has effectively not worked: medical services were provided to everyone regardless of whether people paid social contributions.
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The "full basket" is the volume of services for people who pay mandatory social contributions in the general regime, as well as socially vulnerable groups – children, pensioners, the unemployed, etc.
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The "basic basket" (or minimum volume of medical services) – for everyone else, with the possibility for them to voluntarily join the state mandatory health insurance by paying contributions voluntarily.
The Ministry of Health: until now, any person had the right to receive medical services under the state mandatory health insurance regardless of the payment of insurance contributions. Thus, since the adoption of the Law on Health Financing, the 'two baskets' system has not actually worked.
The new amendments establish: no more two baskets. It was decided that such a mechanism is easier to administer and complies with Latvia's international obligations.
Now, a residence declaration in Latvia will become a pass to medical services at the state's expense.
Important!
To receive state-funded medical services, the declaration of residence in Latvia must be made at least 1 month BEFORE receiving the medical service.
Exceptions: for detained persons; persons seeking asylum; participants in screening programs; foreigners for whom a forced return procedure has been initiated, etc.
