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14-04-2023

The health insurance funds would like to remind: leg vein surgery should be free of charge

Iliustracija

Patients covered by the compulsory health insurance do not have to pay for leg vein surgery. Whichever surgical method is used, these services are paid for by the health insurance funds under the compulsory health insurance fund, so there is no additional cost to the patient.  

Complaints about leg veins should first be addressed to the family doctor at the medical facility where the person is registered. The family doctor, taking into account the patient's diagnosis and state of health, can prescribe tests and a referral to a specialist for advice on the need for surgery.  

“In all cases, if the surgery for varicose veins is medically indicated, regardless of whether it is surgical, laser or using special vein adhesives, the health insurance fund will cover the full cost of the service from the compulsory health insurance fund. The medical facility cannot ask for additional surcharges for the surgery, medicines and the necessary special devices”, notes Kęstutis Speičys, Chief Specialist of the Control Division of the Klaipėda Territorial Health Insurance Fund (THIF).

With a referral, the patient can choose both the doctor and the facility where the surgery will take place. It is important to go to healthcare institutions that have a contract with the THIF to provide these services.  

Health insurance funds remind patients that every patient has the right to receive information from the healthcare facility to which he/she applies about free and paid services, as well as those for which partial payment is required. If a patient voluntarily chooses more expensive services, materials or procedures, he or she must pay the difference between the price paid by the health insurance fund and the more expensive means used, rather than the full price.  

Patients who request additional services or procedures, as well as urgent services, must agree to pay for these services.  

According to the National Health Insurance Fund, almost 9,200 leg vein surgeries were performed last year. This required EUR 8.5 million from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

The lists of medical facilities that have concluded agreements with THIF can be found here.

(Photo by Freepik)

Klaipėda THIF information  

The NHIF invites you:

Last updated: 09-05-2023

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