Health, vaccinations and medical care in Latvia

Cover

• EU and EEA visitors: carry your EHIC. UK visitors: the GHIC does the same job. Neither is travel insurance.
• Latvia's state system involves co-payments that you will be asked for at the point of care, even with an EHIC.
• Travel insurance still matters for repatriation and private clinics, and Riga has good private care that is quick and reasonably priced.

Ticks

• Latvia is one of Europe's higher-risk countries for tick-borne encephalitis. The season runs roughly April to October.
• The vaccine is worth discussing with a travel clinic, especially for hiking, camping or any time in the forests - which is most of Latvia.
• Lyme disease is the commoner infection. Cover up in long grass and woodland, use repellent, check yourself daily.
• Remove a tick promptly with fine tweezers, straight out, without twisting.

Everyday health

• Tap water is safe to drink in Riga and the main towns. In very rural areas with private wells, ask.
• Pharmacies (aptieka) are well stocked and pharmacists advise on minor problems.
• Care is good in Riga, more limited elsewhere - the major hospitals are in the capital.
• Bring enough prescription medicine for the trip plus a margin, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.