Luxembourg's healthcare system is based on 2 principles: free choice of available services and compulsory health insurance. Having a health insurance policy allows you to use the services of medical centers, private offices, hospitals, pharmacies, patient care services, etc. Learn more about the specifics of health insurance for foreigners in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the richest countries in the world. This fact is confirmed by its excellent healthcare system. In this country, both locals and expats overwhelmingly use the services of the National Health Fund. It is financed through taxes. The state insurance policy reimburses the costs of most medical services. For additional coverage, you can use the services of private insurance companies.

In our previous article, we mentioned that due to an acute shortage of specialists, Luxembourg is gradually easing the procedure for obtaining an EU Blue Card.

Healthcare system in Luxembourg

Luxembourg's healthcare system offers high quality care, which is divided into primary and secondary care. Primary care is provided by private doctors who have an agreement with the National Health Insurance Fund (CNS), and secondary care is provided by public hospitals and specialized clinics.

Compulsory health insurance covers 80 to 100% of primary care costs and 40 to 80% of secondary care costs, including specialized treatment. Permanent residents of the country, including migrants, pensioners, the unemployed and disabled, are required to make contributions to the CNS that do not exceed 5% of their income. Non-working family members and children can also receive healthcare services through a general insurance policy.

The Luxembourg healthcare system includes a wide range of services:

1. Consultations with general practitioners and specialists.

2. Preventive examinations, screenings and vaccinations.

3. Analyzes and diagnostic tests.

4. Correction of vision and hearing.

5. Contraception, pregnancy management and childbirth.

6. Urgent and emergency care.

7. Prescription drugs and homeopathy.

8. Basic dental care.

9. Inpatient treatment, surgeries and transplants.

10. Rehabilitation after injuries and serious illnesses.

11. Psychotherapy and psychiatric care.

In addition to the CNS, up to 65% of the population uses additional voluntary health insurance (VHI), which covers services such as out-of-hours doctor's appointments, premium fillings, treatment abroad and single room stays. Extended health care is also available through the Mutual Insurance Company (Mutuelles) and other non-profit institutions.

It is important to note that doctors in Luxembourg do not accept insurance guarantees for payment on the spot - the patient must pay for the consultation and then submit the bill to the CNS or insurance company for reimbursement. Foreigners with temporary visas must have commercial insurance; EHIC cards and health insurance cards from countries with which Luxembourg has bilateral agreements (Turkey, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Morocco, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina) are also accepted.

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Main features of health insurance in Luxembourg

Let's consider the characteristic features of the Luxembourg healthcare system that apply to both locals and expats:

1. Funding is provided by taxes;

2. All persons residing in Luxembourg are obliged to join the National Health Insurance Fund;

3. Since 2008, the Luxembourg healthcare system has been regulated by the National Health Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé - CNS);

4. 99% of Luxembourg residents are members of the Caisse Nationale de Santé (obtaining an insurance policy is automatically linked to employment);

5. All persons have the freedom to choose medical institutions and doctors;

6. Health insurance in Luxembourg is based on the principle of reimbursement: the patient pays for the services of a doctor, after which the CNS returns the money spent;

7. State insurance covers 80-100% of medical expenses.

Is health insurance mandatory for expats in Luxembourg?

According to the provisions of the current legislation, all persons staying in Luxembourg for more than 90 days are obliged to obtain health insurance from the National Health Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé - CNS). Expats also often use the services of private insurance companies to obtain additional services.

12% of employees' salaries are deducted to cover insurance premiums. Employers also pay 12-15% of this amount. These funds cover the cost of medical care for the employee. A visit to a doctor for uninsured persons in Luxembourg will cost from 50 euros.

The procedure for obtaining health insurance for foreigners in Luxembourg

Citizens of other countries need to follow a certain algorithm of actions to obtain health insurance in Luxembourg. First, you need to register with the Caisse Nationale de Santé - CNS. Then, the employer will register the employee with the Joint Social Security Center (Centre commun de la sécurité sociale - CCSS). 

After that, you can use your insurance policy. To receive medical care, you can go to any medical institution in Luxembourg. You just need to provide your health insurance number, pay for the services and wait for reimbursement.

Available services under public health insurance in Luxembourg

The Caisse Nationale de Santé reimburses from 80% to 100% of medical expenses if you have an insurance policy and the following medical services:

1. Treatment and hospitalization;

2. Payment for the services of private doctors;

3. Preventive care;

4. Purchase of medicines;

5. Dental services;

6. Ophthalmic services, purchase of glasses, lenses, etc;

7. Prosthetics; 

8. General rehabilitation;

9. Physiotherapy.

10. Pregnancy management and childbirth.

Private health insurance in Luxembourg

Private health insurance in Luxembourg performs only auxiliary function. It can be used to fill in the gaps that are not covered by the Caisse Nationale de Santé (daily payment for inpatient treatment, stay in superior rooms, etc.) Expats use the services of private insurance companies to obtain an additional level of protection.

Sometimes employers in Luxembourg cooperate with a specific insurance company to provide their employees with additional insurance. If possible, discuss this point with the company's management.

Health insurance for students in Luxembourg

For international students to study in Luxembourg, it is mandatory to have valid health insurance. To obtain a student card and complete the admission procedure, health insurance is required in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Schengen area.

After completing the admission procedure and moving to Luxembourg, you need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund (CNS). To do this, contact the university representatives to request an affiliation.

We remind you! The Duchy of Luxembourg is a small country in the heart of Europe that has attracted more and more expats in recent years. Read more about why foreigners are choosing Luxembourg in 2024, as well as about the benefits and prospects of moving to this country.

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