Lithuania has seen a boom in medical tourism. Patients from the UK are beginning to explore other destinations to rely on their healthcare, with a growing number discovering that going abroad is the best choice, especially those who cannot afford the high costs of having private treatment in the UK.

Body Bureau, a London-based facilitator and Pre-Assessment clinic which specialises in infertility treatment, health screening and dentistry, says that healthcare visitors from the UK to Lithuania have increased by 19.5% over the last two years. In fact, Lithuania is fast becoming a medical tourism hub, not only attracting cash-strapped UK patients, but also patients from the rest of the world. Over the same period, the total number of patients visiting from abroad was up by 42.3%. One Vilnius-based infertility clinic, Northway, reported a doubling of patient numbers in the past year.

Body Bureau director Aaron Zukauskas adds, “Vilnius is one of the most affordable, offering great value for money capitals in Europe and has a lot to offer, including a beautiful old town and many cultural events throughout the year. Lithuania is rated one of the top countries in the world for the quality of its health and hygiene. This helps make the country very attractive for people who want to improve their health, or get quality healthcare services for a fraction of the price. Some eligible travelers can even get NHS-funded private treatment abroad thanks to the EU Cross-border Healthcare Directive, helping them skip waiting lists at home.”

Dr. Raimonda Balnienė, State Department of Tourism Director General “If you're thinking of having a treatment in Lithuania make sure you get nursed back to health amongst the friendly nature of the locals and explore the many health spa retreats with traditional amber products before returning home”

A single course of IVF in the UK can cost between £5,000 and £8,000. However, by going abroad, couples can expect to pay around £2,800-£3,800, including travel and accommodation. Savings of up to 60% on dentistry, health screening and many other healthcare services make Lithuania a very attractive destination for medical tourism.

For more information on Lithuania visit: www.Lithuania.travel

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For more information please contact:
Lithuanian Tourism Office in the UK
Cindy Landlust / Felicity Beckett
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4502 / 504
Email: lithuania@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.Lithuania.travel/uk

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Notes to Editors:

• Visit: www.Lithuania.travel/uk
• Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com) both fly from London Luton to Vilnius International Airport. Ryanair also fly to Vilnius from London Stansted. Air Baltic via Riga from Gatwick.  For more information, visit www.vilnius-airport.lt/en. 
• Year round events include Mardi Gras in February, Vilnius International Film Festival in March, the International Jazz Festival in April, the International Contemporary Dance Festival “New Baltic Dance” and Street Music Day in May, the Medieval Festival in Trakai Peninsular Castle in June, the Cultural Night ‚Let it be the Night' in July and the Vilnius Marathon in September and the “Christopher Christmas” music concerts in December, with many other notable events throughout the year.
• Lithuania is the southernmost country of the three Baltic States and has a 90km coastline along the Baltic Sea. Summers are generally warm with temperatures up to 30°C. Winters are cold with easterly winds bringing temperatures down to as low as -12°C. Spring and autumn are mild and there is normally snow cover for two months of the year.