Latvia – A Small Country Offering Big Savings to Medical Tourists!
Latvia is a small yet perfectly formed country. Its compact size makes it easy for visitors to enjoy all the Latvia has to offer from sandy beaches and spectacular landscapes to historical towns and picturesque fishing villages. But it's not just beautiful scenery and an intriguing cultural history that attracts tourists, Latvia's medical tourism industry is growing year on year. Low cost treatment, accessibility and high quality Medical Services all contribute to the increasing number of patients choosing Latvia for their Medical Journey. Another important factor is word-of-mouth. Doctors are finding that patients are telling their friends all about the great standard of care offered in Latvia and a lot of trips are booked due to these recommendations. This small country is offering only the best medical care to travellers. Now's the time to make Latvia the top destination choice for your Medical Journey!
Why Choose Latvia for Travel and Treatment?
Latvia is a country which invites exploration! It is a country of contrasts and with its wild, green landscapes, beautiful beaches, buzzing towns and rich cultural heritage, there is something to excite and entice every visitor. The Latvian capital, Riga, has a host of museums, art galleries, restaurants and theatres not to mention amazing architecture and the fascinating historical part of the city, 'Old Riga', but venture just a little way out of Riga, or any Latvian town, and you will find yourself in rolling countryside filled with beautiful forests, pretty meadows, vast stretches of coastline and charming villages. It is this variety coupled with outstanding medical care which attracts medical tourists from all over the world to Latvia. Latvia is part of the EU and adheres to very high Medical Standards. Latvia can offer patients highly qualified medical personnel and world class healthcare facilities on a par with those in Western Europe at a fraction of the cost of treatment in other European Union countries. Latvia is a multicultural country which has absorbed the traditions and experiences of many other European countries whilst retaining its own distinct culture and as a centre for trade for over 800 years, Latvia knows how to welcome visitors! It is a warm, fascinating and beautiful country offering travellers not only a range of top class medical services but also an opportunity to relax and enjoy this stunning country.
Medical Facilities in Latvia
The Latvian healthcare system consists of both Public and Private sectors with healthcare available to all citizens and long term residents. Both the Ministry of Welfare and local government share responsibility for the country's healthcare service with the Health Department looking after legislation and policy at a national level. The Public and Private sectors offer an excellent quality of healthcare with many specialists having taken part in professional exchange programs within Europe and the USA. Plastic Surgery and Dental Treatment are popular with Medical Tourist travelling to Latvia but the services on offer cover a multitude of procedure areas including diagnostics, reconstructive surgery, fertility treatment, rehabilitation and orthopaedic surgery. The cost of procedures in Latvia is considerably less than in other European Countries or the USA. For example, knee replacement surgery in Latvia will usually cost less than $9,000 and a hip replacement in Latvia generally costs less than $8,000. The same procedures can cost tens of thousands of dollars in the USA. Choosing Plastic Surgery in Latvia can also offer considerable savings with a facelift costing an average of just $6,000USD. Savings are similar across all Medical Fields and average savings are usually between 50%-70%. The range of procedures Latvia offers as well as increasingly cheap flights and accommodation, easy accessibility and the low cost of medical treatment mean Latvia is a very attractive Medical Journey destination.
Latvia Hospitals and International Standards of Care
Most clinics in Latvia are equipped with modern, state-of-the-art medical technology which offers patients the opportunity to receive cutting edge medical treatment and as a member of the European Union, Latvia has very high standards of healthcare across all medical fields. The Latvian capital of Riga is a popular destination for Medical Tourists. It offers a variety of services in over 150 Medical Facilities including a large number of privately operated medical centers which include specialized clinics and state-owned hospitals all providing outstanding patient care. Hospitals in Latvia are also subject to regular inspections checking that the strict European standards are upheld. Hospitals in Riga are also environmentally friendly and energy saving with the University Hospital being the first in Latvia to receive the EU certificate 'Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)', many others are due to follow suit. Doctors are highly trained with medical students required to undertake six years of training with part of their study taking place in Western Europe or the USA. Every five years, Doctors must be 'Recertified' to re-establish the proper qualifications previously undertaken.
Convalescence in Latvia
Latvia is the perfect country to recuperate in. It is an un-crowded country with a mild climate and plenty to offer the convalescing patient. With over 500 kilometres of beautiful sandy coastline, patients are never far from the perfect day at the beach. If you choose Latvia for your Medical Journey destination, you can rest and relax by the sea or take a gentle stroll to one of the many fishing villages and try the local speciality of freshly smoked fish or maybe try some sea fishing yourself! Visitors can explore Latvia's regions unhurriedly, walking in the hills, resting by the lakes or enjoying the cultural riches of the cities. There are even observation platforms and nature trails, complete with notes and information, dotted around the country to help visitors make the most of the spectacular terrain! The Gauja National Park is one of the best places for scenic views and people travel from all over Latvia to survey the park's amazing landscape. For patients wising to stay close to the comfort of their hotel, there are experiences to be had round every city corner. From whiling away the hours people watching at a small cafe to viewing the masterpieces at the Latvian national Museum of Art, there is a city convalescence to suit all patients.
Latvia Travel Information
Latvia is around an 8-12 hour flight from the USA and 2 hours from the UK. Although it is a long flight from the US, many travellers find the care available, savings made and the great Latvian atmosphere make the journey more than worthwhile. The official language is Latvian but most locals (and Doctors!) speak some English so communication should not be a problem. Many visitors to Latvia do not require a Visa for entry to the country. These include visitors from the USA, UK, Canada and other countries in the European Union. There are many Healthcare providers who offer a full package to patients travelling to Latvia including travel, airport transfers, translation services and accommodation but for those choosing or booking their own accommodation, there is something to suit every budget. The cost of living in Latvia is cheaper than many Western European countries. An inexpensive meal in a restaurant will cost an average of 10 Euros. A one way ticket on public transport is under 1 Euro and a taxi ride within Riga is under 6 Euros. For travellers wishing to stay longer, a 1 bed apartment in Riga would cost an average of 300 Euros for a month. And with so much to see in Latvia, why not stay longer?
Latvia Quick Facts
| Location:
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| Languages |
Latvian |
| Population |
2,245,357 |
| Currency |
Lats (LVL) |
| Capital |
Riga |
| Major Airports |
Riga (RIX)
|
| Electricity |
230 Volts at 50 Hz |
|