Learn about the Healthcare System & Medical Insurance Options for Expats in Luxembourg
The healthcare system in Luxembourg is one of the best in Europe. It accounts for about 6% of the country’s GDP. The basic healthcare facilities are available to all the citizens of Luxembourg. Plus, this country is a great place for retirees, digital nomads, global citizens, and expats. To acquire a resident’s permit, one of the things expats must do is to obtain health insurance.
Furthermore, public health insurance covers more than 90% of healthcare services. However, many expats purchase additional international health insurance policies to supplement the percentage of medical fees that are not covered by the government.
On the other hand, it is essential to visit your doctor one month before traveling to any country. It is one of the steps to ensure you are in good health to travel. The CDC has more information on health information and vaccinations. It is essential to visit your doctor one month before traveling to any country. It is one of the steps to ensure you are in good health to travel.
Overview of Healthcare System
Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS) manages all hospitals in Luxembourg. There are many benefits for citizens when they get Luxembourg healthcare. They get to choose insurance providers who must adhere to the structure of fees and services. All the employees in the country must make social security contributions. As a result, employees and their family members have access to government-funded Luxembourg healthcare system. Children residing in the country without personal insurance may be co-insured with a parent who holds an insurance policy.
If you have a non-resident tax status, there is no requirement to make contributions towards healthcare. Instead, you may find coverage within your employer’s healthcare insurance scheme. This coverage includes access to general medical practitioners or specialists, any diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and hospitalization.
Once you begin working in Luxembourg, your employment will be declared to the Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale (CCSS). The CCSS will then confirm your affiliation with the Luxembourg social security system.
How the Luxembourg Healthcare System Works for Expats?
Expats account for approximately 46% of Luxembourg’s population. Most expats are working in sectors such as insurance, finance, teaching, and gas and electricity. While life in Luxembourg is exciting, it is also expensive.
Luxembourg healthcare has an extremely high standard of government-funded healthcare, which is compulsory for every citizen and resident. Due to the universal healthcare system, long queues can be a bit of a hassle. If an expat requires immediate treatment at a medical facility, having international health insurance will be less of a hassle. It will be easier to take care of medical costs during a medical emergency.
Public Healthcare
The healthcare system of Luxembourg works on a reimbursement basis. The patients need to pay upfront before they avail of medical services. The reimbursement amount depends on the nature of treatment and the kind of private insurance plan you have. Employees, self-employed, and business owners contribute to the state system by paying a percentage from their wages. This system allows them access to the country’s healthcare system. Residents receiving unemployment benefits have their health insurance contributions deducted from the payment they receive as a benefit. It includes disability and retirement pensions.
People under the European Union (EU) making social security contributions have the same rights as the citizens of the country. The non-EU nationals need to showcase their health insurance coverage before obtaining a visa. Expats intending to reside in the country without engaging in any employment must produce their health insurance before securing a residence permit.
Private Healthcare
If you are an expat residing in Luxembourg and have access to private healthcare, it will cover the cost of eye-care, dental treatment, hospitalization, and other medical services. About 75% of residents in the country have private health insurance to cover unforeseen medical costs.
Emergency Medical Services
If you suffer from a condition that may require treatment on an emergency basis, dial 112 for help. The medical emergency department provides emergency care at large hospitals, and treatment is free for those without insurance. But all the hospitals in Luxembourg do not offer emergency services.
Medicines and Pharmacies
Expats can identify pharmacies by the green cross signage. If you require non-prescription drugs, you will have to pay the full price. If you have a prescription, the cost may be fully or partially reimbursed by your health care insurer. Most pharmacies are operational during business hours. Plus, there is always a pharmacist available during off-hours. But, the medication purchased during off-hours have additional costs and are non-reimbursable.
Best Private International Medical Insurance Plans for Expats in Luxembourg
Digital nomads, global citizens, and expats in the country must obtain an inclusive international health insurance policy that offers overseas medical treatment, evacuation, and airlift during a medical emergency. Cigna Global and Allianz International offer international insurance plans that are recognized by public healthcare institutions and private hospitals of Luxembourg.
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