Spouses of foreign talents to be included in Lithuanian health insurance system
Amendments to the Law on Health Insurance initiated by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation will enter into force on 1 July, according to which family members of professionals from third countries (non-EU) living and working in Lithuania will be included in the Lithuanian health insurance system. These persons will be granted favourable conditions for paying compulsory health insurance (CHI) contributions during their non-working time and will have access to public health services.
"Access to healthcare is an important integration measure that is constantly emphasised by investors and Lithuanian companies, especially start-ups. The changes will make our country more attractive to foreign talent considering moving here, as well as provide more opportunities for members of the Lithuanian diaspora returning home with a foreign spouse," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The spouse or registered partner of a foreigner with a permanent residence permit in Lithuania, as well as a foreigner with a temporary residence permit in Lithuania who is working in Lithuania or has been working in Lithuania for at least 6 months and is registered with the employment service, or the spouse or registered partner of a Lithuanian citizen, will be entitled to public health care. Monthly contributions to the PSD will be compulsory for non-working and eligible foreigners.
"We are strengthening the country's talent ecosystem and want to create a level playing field for highly skilled foreign professionals working here. The security and certainty of their second half living together in Lithuania is an important incentive for the whole family when talented people choose Lithuania to stay here to work, live and contribute to the growth of our country," says Deputy Minister of the Economy and Innovation Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen.