- If you are a traveler requiring a Schengen visa for Latvia, travel medical insurance is a requirement.
- Travelers who are visa-exempt are not required to purchase travel insurance, though it is recommended for any trip related issues or medical emergencies abroad.
- Latvia is known for its Baltic Coast water activities and outdoor sports, making travel insurance with an adventure sports add-on crucial.
- If you plan on traveling to Latvia between the Spring and Fall seasons and are hoping to hike or camp, the TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) vaccine is highly recommended.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Latvia?
If you require a Schengen visa for Latvia, travel insurance is mandatory. To learn more about detailed policy guidelines and coverage amounts, see our Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements page.
For Schengen visa applicants: Travelers applying for a Schengen visa for Latvia must purchase travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage.
For non-visa travelers: Travelers from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. or the U.K. are not required to purchase travel insurance. However, having travel insurance can be beneficial, as it can cover your medical bills or other last-minute travel expenses.
Types of Travel Insurance Policies
There are two types of travel insurance: travel medical insurance and comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel medical insurance has a primary purpose of covering medical expenses or situations. Travel medical insurance can help cover hospital visits, doctor consultations, emergency room stays, medications, and medical evacuation. Travel medical insurance is mandatory for travelers needing a Schengen visa.
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for US citizens traveling to Latvia, and can cover things like trip cancellations, delays, interruptions, baggage loss, and provides medical coverage.
Best Travel Insurance Plans for U.S. Citizens to Latvia
- Best Travel Insurance with Strong Medical Coverage: iTravelInsured Travel LX
- Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Latvia: Trip Protection Basic
- Best Travel Insurance for Travelers with Pre-Existing Conditions: Pathway Premium
Travel Medical vs. Comprehensive: What Do They Cover?
The table below displays the benefits that travel medical insurance and comprehensive travel insurance can cover:
| Feature | Travel Medical Insurance | Comprehensive Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency Evacuation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trip Cancellation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Baggage Loss/Delay | ✗ | ✓ |
| Trip Interruption | ✗ | ✓ |
| Typical Cost | 3-5% of trip | 8-10% of trip |
| Best For | Budget travelers | Full protection seekers |
To learn more about which policy is best for you, see the differences between travel medical vs. comprehensive travel insurance.
Insurance Costs by Traveler Profile
Below are the estimated travel insurance costs for one week, two weeks, and 30 days, depending on traveler age.
| Traveler Type | 7 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo (25yo) | $27-55 | $49-109 | $87-164 |
| Couple (35yo) | $55-98 | $93-185 | $164-305 |
| Family (4) | $76-142 | $131-240 | $196-360 |
| Senior (65-70) | $65-131 | $109-218 | $164-327 |
| Senior (70+) | $98-196 | $164-327 | $245-490 |
Prices are displayed in EUR and USD. Actual costs will typically vary depending on provider, age, and coverage amount.
Healthcare Costs in Latvia
Latvia has a budget-friendly healthcare system with lower costs than Western Europe, but higher than Bulgaria.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor Visit | EUR 25-40 ($27-44) |
| Emergency Room | EUR 80-180 ($87-196) |
| Hospital Per Day | EUR 120-300 ($131-327) |
Latvia offers dental tourism (40-50% cheaper than Western Europe) and wellness tourism. If undergoing elective procedures, ensure evacuation coverage of EUR 80,000+ ($87,000+) for dental procedures.
Key Health & Safety Risks
Dental Tourism & Medical Procedures
Latvia has become a popular destination for dental tourism, attracting visitors seeking high-quality care at competitive prices. While many clinics provide excellent treatment, traveling abroad for medical or dental procedures carries additional risks. In rare but serious cases, travelers may need to be medically transported home or to another facility. Medical evacuations can cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if air ambulance services are required. If you’re traveling specifically for treatment, look for a plan that includes coverage for complications resulting from the procedure, emergency medical care, and medical evacuation.
Baltic Coast & River Activities
Latvia’s Baltic coastline, lakes, and rivers offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and other water sports. While these activities are generally safe, they do involve certain risks. If you plan to participate in water sports, verify that your policy covers your specific activities. Some insurers classify activities such as jet skiing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, or competitive water sports as adventure sports, requiring additional coverage.
Currency & Payment Information
Latvia uses the euro (€ / EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Latvia, especially in cities such as Riga, Jurmala, and Liepāja. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and tourist attractions. Contactless payments and mobile wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also commonly available. While electronic payments are the norm, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for smaller shops or local vendors.
Special Travel Insurance Considerations
Visa Applicants & Adventure Travelers
If you are a non-EU citizen who requires a Schengen visa to visit Latvia, you must purchase travel medical insurance before submitting your visa application. Your policy must provide at least €30,000 in emergency medical coverage and meet all Schengen visa insurance requirements. For more information, visit our Schengen Visa Requirements page.
Green Card Holders
Holding a U.S. Green Card does not provide visa-free entry to Latvia. Entry requirements are based on the nationality listed on your passport, not your U.S. permanent resident status. Be sure to verify Latvia’s visa requirements for your country of citizenship before traveling.
Long-Stay Visas (90+ days)
If you plan to work, study, or live in Latvia for more than 90 days, you’ll generally need to apply for a national long-stay visa or residence permit. As part of the application process, you may be required to obtain travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage that remains valid for the duration of your stay.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions can still purchase travel insurance, but it’s important to disclose any existing conditions during the application process. Standard policies often exclude treatment related to pre-existing conditions, while some plans offer coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition, helping cover sudden, unexpected medical emergencies. If you need broader protection, including ongoing treatment or planned medical care, consider a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
Vaccination Recommendations
Before your trip to Latvia, consult your doctor (6-8 weeks prior) to ensure that you have all standard vaccinations done. If you plan on traveling to Latvia between the spring and late autumn and want to hike or camp, it is recommended to get the TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) vaccine.
Before You Go: Safety & Security
Latvia is rated Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. Safety concerns may include petty crime in Riga (Old Town), and outdated taxis (use apps: Bolt, Uber). However, Latvia is generally quite safe.
Pre-trip action: Review the State Department’s travel advisory, and register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Latvia
U.S. Embassy & Emergency Contact
- Address: Samnolasa iela 1, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
- Phone: 371 6722 0111
- After-hours Emergency: 371 6722 0111
- 24/7 US State Department: 1-202-501-4444 (abroad) or 1-888-407-4747 (US/Canada)
Travel insurance can be confusing. Coverage, exclusions, benefits, and policy limits vary from plan to plan, and prices depend on factors such as your age, destination, and trip. Comparing plans is the best way to find the right coverage at the best value. If you’re unsure, a licensed travel insurance advisor can help you choose the right policy.
