Latvia Reimburses Cholesterol Drugs at 75%, While Neighbours Offer More
Data from Latvia's National Health Service show 237,177 patients received state-reimbursed cholesterol drugs in 2025, at a cost of €9.3 million. Many must still pay 25% themselves, whereas Lithuania, Estonia and Poland fully cover some groups.
In 2025, 237,177 patients in Latvia received state-reimbursed cholesterol-lowering medicines, according to figures from the National Health Service (NVD) provided at the request of the news portal LA.LV. The state spent €9,312,994 on them. However, many patients must still cover the remaining 25% of the price themselves, which has prompted debate over whether prevention should be a higher priority.
Why the treatment matters
The World Health Organization (WHO) names elevated LDL, or so-called "bad" cholesterol, as one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It usually causes no symptoms, so people sometimes learn about the problem only after a heart attack or stroke. The WHO estimates that in 2023 raised LDL cholesterol was linked to around 3.6 million deaths worldwide. Doctors first recommend lifestyle changes; if these are not enough or the risk is high, medication is prescribed, primarily statins and, where needed, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors.
Reimbursement in Latvia
For many diagnoses, including certain groups of patients with hypercholesterolaemia or coronary heart disease, the drugs are reimbursed at 75%. Full 100% reimbursement applies only to specific groups, for example patients after coronary artery bypass surgery or stent implantation. The categories are set by Cabinet of Ministers regulations.
Comparison with other countries
In Lithuania, medicines on reimbursement list A are covered at 100% of the base price by the compulsory health insurance fund; a surcharge may arise if the chosen product costs more. In 2026 coverage of modern therapies was also expanded there.
Estonia has four reimbursement levels: 50%, 75%, 90% and 100%. Statins are often reimbursed at 75%, but at 100% in cases such as severe chronic kidney disease. Inclisiran is fully reimbursed for certain patients.
In Poland, people aged 65 and over can receive medicines on the D2 list free of charge, which includes statin and ezetimibe combinations. Other patients pay a co-payment.
