Healthcare for children and pediatrics in Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a vibrant European gem, 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.

In this article, we will explore the complexities of pediatric healthcare in Luxembourg, both the public and private sectors, routine check-ups, and immunizations, and highlight the best children's hospitals in the country.

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Pediatrics in Luxembourg: general health and numbers

In Luxembourg, the standard of healthcare for children is commendable, encompassing a range of services that are available at no cost. Navigating the landscape of healthcare services for children in Luxembourg can be a concern for families relocating to the country.

The nation boasts an exceptional public healthcare system, a fact affirmed by its seventh-place ranking on the 2018 Euro Health Consumer Index and its also remarkable 12th place of 167 countries for healthcare in the 2021 Legatum Prosperity Index.

Eurostat data

The health statistics for children reveal that 70% of families with high income and 59% of families with low income enjoy very good health. These figures align closely with the European Union averages of 76.1% and 63.2% respectively. When considering the broader population in general an impressive 96.5% of individuals report being in very good or good health, mirroring the European Union's overall health status.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the 2021 EU health profile for Luxembourg highlights the nation's excellence in terms of physical activity and childhood vaccinations. However, while the country excels in these aspects, it falls below the EU average concerning childhood obesity and smoking.

Pediatricians in Luxembourg: what they do and how to find one

As described in the pediatrician job description, it is a medical professional specializing in the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents. Their expertise spans various aspects of young patients' well-being, including physical, emotional, and developmental health. Finding the best pediatrician for your child's needs is a crucial step in ensuring their health and growth.

The optimal way to connect with a qualified pediatrician in Luxembourg is by reaching out to the Luxembourg Pediatric Society (La Société Luxembourgeoise de Pédiatrie). This society serves as a unifying platform for pediatricians and other healthcare practitioners dedicated to the well-being of children and adolescents, both in private practice and hospital settings.

Their website offers a comprehensive directory that details all the pediatricians practicing in Luxembourg. This resource simplifies the search for the right healthcare professional for your child.

Below, we provide you with a table showcasing some of the pediatricians available in different communes and neighborhoods in Luxembourg.

Children healthcare insurance

In Luxembourg, the national health insurance system, known as the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS), takes center stage in ensuring the well-being of residents. This organization manages the public health insurance framework and extends coverage to all individuals residing within Luxembourg's borders.

To secure state health insurance within Luxembourg, prospective beneficiaries need to embark on a registration process with the Social Security Center (CCSS).

When enrolling, individuals are prompted to include any dependents within their family unit on the policy. If circumstances change and a child enters the family after initial registration, you need to notify social security services.

Notably, children can avail themselves of predominantly cost-free healthcare resources under their parents' or guardians' insurance coverage until reaching the age of 18. This provision extends until the age of 27 for children engaged in full-time studies.

Public and private medicine for children: pros and cons

In Luxembourg, the distinction between public and private healthcare providers differs from the conventional approach seen in many European countries. While most medical professionals operate within private practices, a significant number maintain contracts with the CNS, thus offering state-funded healthcare services. It's worth noting that a subset of doctors and specialists solely practice within the private domain.

Residing in Luxembourg renders you and your children beneficiaries of state health insurance. Pediatric consultations are comprehensively covered under this system. However, the option to choose private health insurance exists, catering to private-only professionals or services not encompassed by public insurance.

Private health insurance introduces an array of elements that are not covered by public health insurance, such as

alternative therapies,

cosmetic procedures,

personalized conveniences.

For example, osteopathy, a therapeutic approach is not covered by state health insurance and may hold significance in specific cases. To preempt potential financial constraints, considering private insurance for these services, which can cost between 80 and 100 euros per consultation, is advisable.

How much private healthcare plan cost in Luxembourg

The landscape of private insurance is diverse, each offering unique coverage. Some policies may extend supplementary benefits tailored for children, underscoring the importance of comparing different options before finalizing a choice.

Monthly premium costs can vary significantly, ranging from a modest few tens of euros to upwards of 100 euros.

For non-residents of Luxembourg who yet reside in EU member countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), issued by the health authorities of their respective countries, enables access to healthcare within Luxembourg.

For those not holding residency in Luxembourg and embarking on short visits, procuring private health insurance is imperative to ensure comprehensive medical coverage during their stay.

Routine health check-ups and immunization for children in Luxembourg

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.

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Health check-ups and back-to-school medical check

In Luxembourg, a comprehensive system of child health check-ups underscores the nation's commitment to children's well-being. This regimen mandates 2 perinatal examinations and an additional 4 subsequent medical assessments until the child reaches the age of 2 years old.

The perinatal examinations are conducted either at the maternity ward of birth or in a pediatric hospital unit, while the subsequent assessments can take place in a pediatric hospital unit or medical practice.

It is advisable to consider supplementary assessments between the ages of 2 and 4 to maintain a comprehensive understanding of your child's health. These health evaluations encompass a range of vital checks and include:

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.

For children aged 4 to 13 years, a regime of regular check-ups is recommended. In the early years, semi-annual medical examinations are preferable.

During every visit to the doctor, parents are required to present the child's health record. This vital document is issued during the process of registering the child's birth by the relevant government authority.

Immunizations schedule

While routine vaccinations for children are not obligatory in Luxembourg, their significance cannot be underestimated, as some of them hold utmost importance. In the Luxembourg context, a vast majority of parents opt to vaccinate their children.

These vaccinations are free and play a crucial role in shielding children from potentially perilous and even fatal diseases. The list below provides a concise overview of the vaccination calendar for children in Luxembourg.

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.

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.

Best children's hospitals in Luxembourg

In times of medical need, finding the best care for your child is paramount. In this section, we will tell you where to go to get the support you need, and we will guide where to seek urgent assistance for your child's well-being.

Kannerklinik

Luxemburger Wort

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.

Urgent help for children in Luxembourg

In situations demanding urgent medical attention for children, having a clear understanding of accessible options is of paramount importance. Luxembourg's well-structured healthcare system ensures that swift and effective aid is readily accessible when required.

For situations that require urgent attention but allow for personal transport, two primary options are available.

Emergency Service at KannerKlinik

The first option resides within the KannerKlinik Center, which encompasses two distinct units catering to urgent medical needs: the Pediatric Emergency Service and the Pediatric Medical House.

The Pediatric Emergency Service attends to children aged 0 to 15 who necessitate immediate medical or surgical intervention. In contrast, the Pediatric Medical House accommodates children in need of urgent medical attention outside their regular pediatrician's consultation hours, offering non-hospital care.

The Pediatric Emergency Service within KannerKlinik operates round-the-clock.

Emergency Pediatric care in Clinic Bohler Kirchberg

Another avenue for urgent pediatric care is the Pediatric Emergency Service at the Private Clinic Dr. E. Bohler, a division of the Kirchberg Hospital. This service operates 24/7, ensuring continuous access to immediate medical attention for children.

Pediatric dentistry and children’s dentists in the country

Recognizing that children, like adults, encounter dental concerns, specialized oral healthcare services tailored exclusively for this age group are imperative. Ensuring children's dental well-being is paramount, with regular checkups advised every 6 to 12 months.

However, experts often suggest scheduling this inaugural visit between the child's first and second year when primary teeth begin to emerge.

Many dentists concur that the initial visit should not involve any treatments. Instead, its primary purpose is to foster a sense of comfort in the child and lay the foundation for future treatments, should they be necessary. This strategic approach aims to mitigate the development of dental anxiety or phobia, ensuring a positive association with dental procedures in the future.

The following table will give you a glimpse of some recommended dentists for kids in Luxembourg but there are many others. You can find more at, for example, Center Medico Dentiare of Luxembourg.