Health care system in Luxembourg
Find out all about how the healthcare system works in Luxembourg, from registering with the system to seeing a specialist.
Luxembourg's healthcare system is accessible to everyone in the country: residents and the large number of expatriates, including those working across the border.
If you look at the 2022 Bloomberg Global Health Index, Luxembourg ranks 11th among the healthiest countries. The Grand Duchy seems to spend very little on health care. Thus, Luxembourg is ranked 114th in terms of GDP spending on it, which means 5.5%.
Why is the Bloomberg Global Health Index data significant?
- The ranking is based on data from WHO, the UN Population Division and the World Bank and covers 169 countries.
- The result is composed of a set of figures. It considers life expectancy, access to clean water and health care, anti-smoking and anti-obesity measures and the environment.
Thus, the quality of the health care services provided in the Grand Duchy is the highest. All citizens have free access to the public health system. It includes public health centers and hospitals, pharmacies, patient care services. You can ask for help in private medical offices. Also, they are overwhelmingly accredited by the National Health Fund (CNS).
What makes the health care system so effective
There are many reasons for this. Let us tell you about only the most significant ones.
The Ministry of Health has its own portal to help you find qualified professionals and important health information:The Ministry of Health has its own portal to help you find qualified professionals and important health information:
- The directory of medical specialists;
- Information on the authorization of doctors and other healthcare workers;
- Reports on relevant health issues;
- Various medical publications;
- Healthcare news and an events calendar;
- Information on diseases, medical tests and procedures;
- Data on reimbursement of healthcare costs;
- Healthcare laws;
- Campaigns of the Ministry of Health and advice on health promotion and disease prevention.
The application process for government insurance is usually a fairly easy process.
In order to obtain insurance, you must make an appointment at the Social Security Center (CCSS). You will receive all your documents and the card will be issued after verification.
You can apply for an appointment online
- Go to MyGuichet.lu and select the "Appointment booking"
- Read the mandatory information on the CCSS website and confirm your consent to the processing of personal data.
- Provide personal information including first and last name, contact phone number and email, date and place of birth.
- Detailed description of the purpose of the upcoming meeting
- Select a meeting date and attend CCSS
You will receive your card in 3 weeks at the address of your official residence
Why one might need private health insurance
Government insurance, even if it is affordable, does not cover 100% of medical costs. And some services are not covered at all, such as some services for pregnant women. In such cases, you can use the services of a private insurance company.
a comment from our reader in an interview with Luxtoday
Private insurance is arranged on a case-by-case basis. Coverage and costs depend on the benefits specified in the policy.
Once you have your CNS card, you can make an appointment. This is not difficult. Just follow a few simple steps:
- Check that you have all your documents and insurance (passport, residence permit, CNS number, etc.)
- Go to Doctena.lu and select the specialist you need.
- Make an appointment and wait for your scheduled date.
- At your appointment, you will receive a specialist's recommendation and a prescription for the medication you need.
- Buy your medications from a pharmacy. Keep all receipts and checks.
- Request reimbursement from CNS or private insurance if you have a contract.
Read more about each step in a special guide:
There are many public and private hospitals in Luxembourg. For practical reasons, the former are grouped together in hospital centers that offer patients a full range of medical services.
Hospitals are also divided into general and specialized facilities.
Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg
One of the major and best medical centers in Luxembourg, located in the south of the capital. It has four hospitals, two of which are specialized and two — general hospitals.
CHL - Centre
CHL - Maternité
CHL - KannerKlinik
CHL - Eich
CHL is a full-service medical center that provides all kinds of care to patients, including emergency medical and dental care.
Les Hôpitaux Robert Schuman
The second largest hospital center in Luxembourg. Like the CHL, the Robert Schuman complex consists of four institutions: two general and two specialized. The main difference, however, is that almost all the clinics are on different sites.
Hôpital Kirchberg
ZithaKlink
Clinique Bohler
Clinique Sainte Marie
a comment from our reader in an interview with Luxtoday
Luxembourg has a large number of public and private medical centers. A detailed description of the clinics can be found in an article in our Knowledge Library.
Luxembourg pharmacies are open almost in the same way as most shops: from 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
On Sunday and at night, most pharmacies are closed!
There are also pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day, but there is a 5-10 euro surcharge for after-hours purchases. This is not covered by your insurance.
Amount of compensation by the insurance system
You cannot buy drugs without a prescription anywhere. A pharmacist is responsible for your health, so he will not sell you a restricted drug without a doctor's prescription.
The pharmacist can also consult with your doctor by phone if he or she wants to substitute the drug or suggest analogs.
Can I buy medication without a prescription?
Only over the counter medications are covered. If you buy medicine without a doctor's prescription, no insurance will reimburse you. This is the main reason why Luxembourgers go to the doctor at the first opportunity
Urgent medical care in Luxembourg is expensive, but is also covered by insurance if your case was truly an emergency.
Emergency number for the Grand Duchy — 112.
If the patient is not lying down during transport, the emergency "taxi" service will cost more.
Hospitals for urgent care in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, several hospitals are open around the clock for emergencies, offering specialized care for those in need. When you call an emergency, you will be taken to the closest hospital that is on duty.
В Luxembourg has a large number of doctors. It is easy to find the right specialist through the Doctena.lu website or by contacting a private clinic.
In Luxembourg, women have access to a comprehensive healthcare system that includes gynecological services. Luxembourg ranks 10th in the European Union in terms of health on the 2020 Gender Equality Index with a score of 89.5 out of 100.
How much do gynecologist services cost
The cost of gynecological services in Luxembourg can vary greatly depending on the procedure itself, the specialist you are treated by, and whether you have insurance.
- 20-50 euro for the pap test.
- 50-100 euro for a consultation, examination and/or vaginal ultrasound.
- 100-150 euro for a colposcopy.
- 200-300 euro for hysteroscopy.
- 300-500 euro for a laparoscopy. It is the most expensive procedure.
As in all other cases, you must first pay for the services of a specialist and then submit a claim for reimbursement to your insurance company.
How to make an appointment
To make an appointment with a gynecologist in Luxembourg, follow these steps:
Find CNS-accredited gynecologists practicing in Luxembourg
Check if your health insurance covers gynecologist visits
Call the clinic or office
Provide all necessary information when making an appointment
Make sure your visit is covered by insurance
Find out what documents you need to provide for your first visit
Choose a suitable time
Come to the clinic 10-15 minutes early on the appointed day
Luxembourg makes the health of its residents a top priority, especially its youngest inhabitants. From the early stages of pregnancy through birth and into young adulthood, Luxembourg is committed to providing the finest healthcare services to its children.
Routine health check-ups
Luxembourg implements a structured regimen of child health assessments spanning the formative years and school-age period. Beyond routine medical check-ups in school for children, vaccinations play an essential role in safeguarding their health and warrant utmost consideration.
Schedule and type of checkups
- 2 perinatal examinations
- Neonatal blood tests conducted within the first 3 days of birth
- Ongoing monitoring of height and weight
- Hearing screenings carried out at 2 days old and at 30 months old
- Vision tests administered between 10 and 40 months of age
- Evaluation for language or communication disorders at 30 months old
- Vigilant monitoring of motor skills, cognition, and behavior
Where to find public pediatricians?
For residents of Luxembourg, the Kannerklinik Center is the primary destination for pediatric healthcare. This center, an integral component of the Center Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), the public hospital of Luxembourg, is dedicated to delivering optimal healthcare solutions for children from infancy through adolescence. As part of the broader Center Hospitalier de Luxembourg, this center ensures a comprehensive spectrum of medical services and specialties.
In Luxembourg, children receive vaccines through the Ministry of Health's guidelines. Both residents and non-residents have access to vaccinations, with residents covered by the national healthcare system.
The vaccination process
- The Ministry of Health establishes a comprehensive vaccination schedule for children, including recommended vaccines for various diseases.
- Parents or guardians take their children to healthcare providers like general practitioners or pediatricians for vaccine administration. These professionals are well-informed about the schedule and provide guidance.
- Trained healthcare professionals administer the vaccines through injections or oral doses, following proper techniques and dosages.
Residents vs. Non-Residents
- Residents in Luxembourg can receive vaccines through the national healthcare system by registering with a healthcare provider who maintains their medical records and administers vaccines according to the recommended schedule.
- Non-residents, including tourists or temporary residents, can also get vaccinated in Luxembourg. They should consult healthcare providers or vaccination clinics to inquire about vaccine availability and cost. Non-residents may need to cover vaccine expenses or provide proof of travel insurance with vaccination coverage, depending on their circumstances.
When to vaccinate your children
Vaccination for newborns in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, newborn babies do not receive vaccines immediately after birth. However, it is common practice to give vitamin K drops orally to newborns to prevent vitamin deficiency.
The vaccination calendar in Luxembourg follows recommended guidelines set by the Ministry of Health. These guidelines outline the timing and types of vaccines that children should receive as they grow.
2 months
- 1st dose of the combined vaccine (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, Hep B) protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, polio, and hepatitis B.
- 1st dose of rotavirus vaccine, protecting against rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- 1st dose of pneumococcal vaccine, protecting against invasive pneumococcal infections.
3 months
- 2nd dose of the combined vaccine (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, Hep B) protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, polio, and hepatitis B.
- 2nd dose of rotavirus vaccine.
4 months
- 3rd dose of the combined vaccine (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV) with the same protection as above.
- 2nd dose of pneumococcal vaccine.
- 3rd dose of rotavirus vaccine.
12 months
- 1st dose of the combined vaccine (RORV) protecting against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.
- 3rd dose of pneumococcal vaccine.
13 months
- 4th dose of the combined vaccine (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, Hep B) with the same protection as above.
- Vaccination against invasive Meningococcal C (MenC) infections.
15-23 months
- vaccine (RORV) with the same protection as above.
5-6 years
- Recall of the combined vaccine (d, T, aP, IPV) protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis.
- Catch-up vaccination against invasive pneumococcal infections if not already done before the age of 5.
12 years
- Catch-up vaccination for hepatitis B if not previously administered.
Please note that this summary is for informational purposes only, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
When looking for a suitable dentist in Luxembourg to fit your needs, keep in mind that all doctors need to present a special permit issued by the Ministry of Health to be able to offer medical services. The CNS assigns a dentist code in compliance with legal provisions mandating registration.
Consequently, all dentists are subject to the mandatory provisions of the agreements between the CNS and the Association des médecins et médecins-dentistes.
- Dental prosthetic treatments (some complex treatments must still be approved by the medical board of CNS);
- Gingival care and dental extractions (including such procedures as plaque removal twice a year, dental fillings, reconstructions, and anesthetics);
- Orthodontic treatments (like braces and surgeries to fix misaligned teeth, but only if treatment starts before the age of 17).
How to find a dentist
As always, you can search for a specialist both online and offline.
To choose the right specialist, follow these steps:
- Make sure that the doctor you choose is accredited by the CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé).
- Take into account the doctor's availability and location, particularly if you require frequent visits.
- Look into reviews and recommendations from other patients.
- Verify the doctor's spoken language, and find a translator if needed.
- If you have a particular medical condition or require specific treatment, seek out a doctor who specializes in that area, using right filters.
The cost of dental services can reach several thousand euros. It all depends on the complexity of the work. However, up to 88% of the cost can be reimbursed by the CNS. For children, 100% of the cost is reimbursed.
If you feel that you need help with your mental health, you will need to contact your therapist (general practitioner) first. If necessary, he or she will refer you to specialized treatment. Health insurance in Luxembourg will be required to get reimbursed for the costs of the treatment, including therapy sessions, medicaments, and other procedures, that your doctors will prescribe to you.
You can also access services and treatment directly, without a referral from your GP, but then you will have to find a professional on your own and cover the costly bills too.
What doctors help with mental health?
There are different types of specialists when it comes to mental health in Luxembourg. Overall they can be divided into these specializations:
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Psychotherapist
Where to find a specialist?
- The Société Luxembourgeoise de Psychologie (SLP) guide with the option to filter the search by several criteria
- Collegemedical.lu website.
- the website of the national health information exchange agency esante.lu.
- By your primary care physician.
Help for children and youth
The mental health of children in Luxembourg is monitored from around the age of two and throughout the school years:
- If you got a diagnosis of mental health state already, you can get help through the Early Rehabilitation Service (Hëllef fir de Puppelchen) in Luxembourg, which supports children up to the age of 4 years old.
- If you have concerns about your child's mental health, you can talk to your family doctor, a specialist such as a child psychologist, or the school health team.
Other organizations that offer psychological support:
National Office of Children's Affairs (Office National de l’Enfance — ONE)
The Socio-Medical League (Ligue Médico-Sociale)
Psychosocial and School Support Center (Center Psycho-social et d’Accompagnement Scolaires — CEPAS)
Ambulatory service Elizabeth Group (SIPO)
If you are experiencing a crisis and need support, contact the Luxembourg hotline:
- SOS Distress — A crisis line for people who need immediate help or support. It also is open for suicidal issues. They only speak in 3 official languages of Luxembourg, non including English. Phone: 45 45 45 45. Working hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Kanner-Jugendtelefon — a crisis line for children and youth, giving help to kids in various situations, such as counseling and pieces of advice. Phone 116 111.
- Femmes en Détresse — crisis line for women. Phone: 12344.
- Domestic Violence Hotline — special helpline for the victims (men, women, kids) of domestic abuse, offering support and help if needed. Phone: 2060 1060.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can seek medical help?
How much does it cost to get treatment in Luxembourg?
Can I call an ambulance?
Source: guichet.public.lu, luxtoday.lu
We took photos from these sources: Unsplash, hopitauxschuman.lu, CHL
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