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Lithuanian Graduates: Understand Your Health Insurance Obligations After School
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Culture & Society

Lithuanian Graduates: Understand Your Health Insurance Obligations After School

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Explainer Sources not specified Context piece
  • Young people in Lithuania graduating from school or university are covered by state-funded health insurance until the end of August.
  • After this period, their insurance status depends on their future activities, such as employment or further studies.
  • Failure to pay mandatory health insurance contributions can lead to debt and out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Young adults in Lithuania who have recently completed their secondary or higher education must be aware of their mandatory health insurance (PSD) obligations. According to "Sodra," the state social insurance institution, individuals graduating from high school, vocational schools, or universities are covered by state-funded PSD until the end of August. This coverage means the state pays their contributions during this period.

Starting in September, the situation changes, and their insurance status will depend on their subsequent path. Those who do not secure employment or another basis for state-funded insurance must begin paying their PSD contributions independently. This is crucial because mandatory health insurance ensures access to healthcare services funded by the PSD fund and the ability to obtain compensated medications. Without continuous coverage, individuals risk accumulating debt and facing personal expenses for medical care.

"Sodra" actively informs individuals who may become responsible for self-funded PSD payments. Citizens can check their status and required contributions by logging into their personal "Sodra" account online. For 2026, the minimum monthly PSD contribution is set at 80.48 euros. Those paying independently use contribution code 444 and must remit payments by the last day of the current month.

Students pursuing full-time studies in Lithuania remain covered by state-funded PSD and do not need to pay monthly contributions. This coverage extends even during academic leave, as long as they remain officially enrolled. If students combine studies with work under an employment contract, their employer handles PSD contributions from their salary. For self-employment or business activities, students must pay contributions based on their income, though they are still covered by the state and can access medical services. Annual declarations to the tax authorities will determine final PSD payments for self-employed students.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.