In many countries, long wait times in public healthcare facilities turn patients into victims of pain and its related negative impacts. For instance, in the United Kingdom, someone suffering from chronic pain may wait an average of six months to see a pain specialist, and waiting times for spinal surgery can extend to several years. However, a European Union directive stipulates that UK residents, for example, have the right to receive treatment in other EU and EEA countries and obtain reimbursement from the National Health Service (NHS). Reimbursement can apply to treatments received in both public and private healthcare facilities.
How to Begin the Reimbursement Process for Medical Services?
Back pain is one of the most common ailments of modern man, reducing working capacity, causing addiction to painkillers, and worsening the quality of life. The advantage of private medical institutions is significantly shorter waiting lists. Usually, a visit to a pain specialist or neurosurgeon is possible within 7-10 working days. This means that the appropriate treatment will be prescribed much faster, the patient will feel better and will be able to return to life without pain.
If you choose to receive treatment in another EEA country, including Lithuania, you should first consult with your general practitioner (GP) to receive a medically certified diagnosis with recommendations for specific treatment. It’s crucial that the referral confirms that the same planned treatment would be available through the NHS. This serves as proof that the patient is opting for treatment abroad due to shorter waiting times, lower costs, or language preferences.
However, some complex and costly cases require preauthorization from the NHS. If not obtained, a reimbursement application may be denied. It’s essential to obtain comprehensive information from your GP regarding the necessity and type of treatment.
What Expenses Are Covered by the NHS?
The NHS reimburses consultation, diagnostic, and treatment costs (including surgeries) for outpatient and inpatient care. As mentioned, the planned treatment must be available through the NHS, and the reimbursement amount cannot exceed NHS rates for corresponding procedures.
To qualify for NHS reimbursement, a patient must be a UK resident. While a residency card is not required, two forms of proof of residence (e.g., bank statement, rental agreement, utility bills, proof of study, employment, or pension) and an NHS number are necessary.
Treatment costs in Lithuania must initially be paid out-of-pocket. The NHS requires submission of original receipts, payment confirmations, and medical documentation—detailed physician statements confirming the necessity and type of treatment administered, along with recommendations. All submitted documents must be in English, so informing the Lithuanian clinic of this requirement is advisable. Clinic AGATAS assists patients in obtaining medical documents with notarized confirmation.
Documents are sent by post, and reimbursement processing usually takes about 1–2 months, with the patient receiving an NHS check redeemable at any UK bank.
Which Costs Are Not Covered?
Certain expenses are not reimbursed by the NHS, such as translation services, travel and insurance costs, accommodation costs (except for nights in the hospital post-surgery), procedures and tests not typically available through the NHS, and cosmetic or vision correction surgeries, except in severe cases.
Anyone seeking reimbursement for treatment abroad should first consult their GP. Intermediary organizations are also available to assist in gathering the necessary documents and completing forms.
Why Choose Treatment in Lithuania?
Returning Lithuanians find many benefits in receiving treatment in Lithuania. Private clinic services are generally less expensive than in UK facilities, with shorter waiting times for appointments and explanations in their native language. Many Lithuanians prefer returning to Lithuania to obtain detailed information about their health and treatment options.
At Clinic AGATAS, patients can receive consultations within a few days, and we work with foreign patients to schedule convenient appointments. If needed, we also assist with accommodation and transportation arrangements. Following a consultation with a pain specialist, treatment can be scheduled within a few working days, and surgery, if required, can be scheduled within one to two weeks.
Surgeries and pain management procedures are performed in a highly hygienic environment using advanced, safe technology and equipment. Patients typically recover quickly after minimally invasive surgeries, often being discharged within one or two days.
Until October 31, 2019, patients undergoing pain management procedures or neurosurgery in Lithuania may apply for NHS reimbursement. After this date, due to unclear Brexit terms, we cannot confirm whether the current system will remain unchanged, though we hope political factors will not affect patients' options for choosing optimal health care.
For more information on treatment in foreign countries, visit the NHS website via the link below: