Essential Guide to the Health System in Luxembourg
Summary: Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Luxembourg and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.
Luxembourg has a public healthcare system that provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents. The public healthcare system is called the Luxembourg Health Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé). Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Luxembourg, however, they are not eligible for the same benefits as citizens. The public healthcare system is used by foreigners, however, it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Luxembourg are generally well-equipped and provide quality care.
Luxembourg's Private Healthcare System
Luxembourg also has a private healthcare system that is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Luxembourg are well-equipped and provide quality care.
Luxembourg's Top Hospitals
The most well-known hospitals in Luxembourg include:
- Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (public hospital located in Luxembourg City)
- Clinique de l'Europe (private hospital located in Luxembourg City)
- Clinique Bohler (private hospital located in Luxembourg City)
- Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (public hospital located in Esch-sur-Alzette)
- Clinique du Nord (private hospital located in Ettelbruck)
- Centre Hospitalier du Nord (public hospital located in Ettelbruck)
Health Insurance Companies in Luxembourg
The most popular private health insurers in Luxembourg are Bâloise Assurances, DKV, and Sanitas. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Luxembourg: How to Navigate the Health System
"Luxembourg offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including both public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical care to all citizens. Private healthcare is also available and is generally of a high standard. Luxembourg has a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and many more. The country also has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, offering a range of treatments and services. Luxembourg also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications," commented one member living in Luxembourg.
"Purchase supplemental health insurance. You need your CNS card to do it and that usually takes a few weeks to arrive. As soon as it does, you can purchase the insurance which covers things like private rooms, whatever CNS doesn't cover and travel abroad. Go directly to the insurance company (there are many to choose from) and ask for a quote. Going to an independent agent can be much more expensive. I came from the US where we had international insurance until January when we went "local" and went onto Luxembourg's health insurance system (CNS) . I broke a tooth in February and we didn't have our CNS cards yet. But I mailed in all my expenses after the tooth extraction, stiches and post implanted (this was 2200 euro) . They paid zero. I have resubmitted my request after the implant was completed for an additional 1500 euro and still have not received anything from CNS. Also I find it very difficult with CNS because of the language barrier on my end. In the meantime we applied for supplemental insurance and was told I had to wait 8 months for dental coverage. I also travel to the US to see our children. I have a separate policy for that at a cost of 119 euro a year + 43 euros a month if I stay over 3 months. My daughter is employed, but we also had to purchase independent insurance for my college aged son at a cost of $1700/year. The supplemental insurance for my husband and me costs about 225 euro/month. If you don't go to the US for more than 4 weeks, you are set, but if you do, you may want to look into costs of coverage. CNS will only pay what they would pay in Luxembourg for coverage so you really do need something," commented one expat living in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
"Luxembourg offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, and expats in Luxembourg can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local commune and obtaining a health insurance card. Expats can also opt for private healthcare, which is more expensive but offers more choice and flexibility," mentioned one expat living in Luxembourg.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Luxembourg Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Luxembourg
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Luxembourg
- Best Places to Live in Luxembourg
- Real Estate in Luxembourg
- Guide to Real Estate in Luxembourg
- Pros & Cons of Living in Luxembourg
- Cost of Living in Luxembourg
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Luxembourg
- Educational System in Luxembourg
- 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Luxembourg
- How to Buy a Home in Luxembourg
- 2024 Guide to Living in Luxembourg
- Pros and Cons of Living in Luxembourg 2024