Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a universal public healthcare system coordinated by the Joint Social Security Center (CCSS) and primarily administered through the National Health Fund (CNS). 

The system offers coverage for illness, maternity, accidents, pensions, and long-term care.

All residents of Luxembourg—including workers, students, and family members—must be affiliated with the social security system to access public healthcare benefits.

The system operates on a reimbursement model, meaning patients initially pay for services and are later reimbursed by CNS, with hospitalizations typically covered in full.

Medical Emergencies While Travelling in Luxembourg

In an emergency, you may go directly to any hospital. EU/EEA citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens that are covered under some EU/EEA country’s social security system can access state-provided medical services using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

• Outpatient treatment is reimbursed up to 88% for adults and 100% for minors.
• Hospitalizations are usually fully covered by CNS.

For planned treatments, EU residents should normally obtain a prior authorisation S2 form. EU/EEA and non-EU travelers that are not covered under any EU/EEA country’s social security system should rely on private travel insurance for coverage.

Healthcare Services When Living in Luxembourg

1. Employed Individuals

Employment in Luxembourg includes automatic enrollment in the public health system via CNS, managed by the employer through the CCSS.

Upon registration, employees are covered for:

• Illness and maternity (CNS),
• Pensions (CNAP),
• Accidents (AAA),
• Long-term care.

Employees receive a 13-digit social security number and a social security card (one side valid in Luxembourg, the other throughout the EU/EEA).

Changing jobs requires re-affiliation, which is handled by the new employer.

2. Self-Employed and Freelancers

Self-employed individuals must:

• Register as a sole trader with the appropriate professional body.
• Register themselves with the CCSS for healthcare coverage.

They may also opt into Employers’ Mutual Insurance (MDE) to receive income protection in case of illness.

3. Pensioners

Pensioners who receive a Luxembourgish pension are entitled to CNS coverage.

If they receive a pension solely from Luxembourg, no additional registration is needed. Pensioners returning or moving to Luxembourg from abroad must consult the CNS about maintaining or transferring their coverage.

4. Students

Students are typically covered by:

• Family insurance under a parent, or
• Compulsory student insurance arranged by the educational institution.

Students not already insured are registered by their university or research center with the CCSS and receive a social security number and health coverage.

5. Family Members (Dependents)

Family members may be co-insured under the primary insured person’s plan. This includes:

• Minors,
• Spouses,
• Adult children under 30 residing in Luxembourg.

Registration is not automatic—the primary insured must request co-insurance from CNS via email (cns@secu.lu), submitting supporting documents such as certificates from previous insurers or residence affidavits, depending on the country of origin.

6. Posted Workers

Posted workers (temporary assignments in Luxembourg):

• Employers must register them with the CCSS for CNS coverage.
• This process mirrors standard employee registration (see Section ”Employed Individuals” above).

Posted self-employed workers must follow the same process as freelancers (see Section “Self-Employed and Freelancers” above).

7. Remote Workers

Employees working remotely for Luxembourg-based companies must be registered by their Luxembourg employer with the CCSS, regardless of physical location.

8. Nomads and Individuals on Sabbatical

There is no automatic coverage for digital nomads or those on sabbatical. However, they may apply for voluntary insurance, provided they meet residency and eligibility requirements.

See more details on voluntary insurance below.

9. Au Pairs

Before registration, host families must apply for accreditation from the National Youth Service (SNJ). Once approved:

• They declare the Au Pair with the CCSS.
• A ministerial approval document must be submitted.

If the Au Pair lacks a social security number, the host family provides their ID and date of birth. Insurance is valid for a maximum of one year, and early departures must be reported.

10. Voluntary Health Insurance

Individuals without compulsory or co-insurance may apply for voluntary insurance under one of two schemes:

10a. Voluntary Continued Health Insurance

Eligibility:

• Aged 18+
• Lost previous compulsory/co-insurance
• Was insured for at least 6 continuous months
• Application must be submitted within 3 months of losing prior insurance

Contributions start from the first day of the month after coverage ends. Applicants must reside in Luxembourg, the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

10b. Voluntary Optional Health Insurance

Eligibility:

• Aged 18+
• Not eligible for any insurance
• Resident of Luxembourg, the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
• No outstanding contributions

Coverage begins only after a three-month contribution period, during which no reimbursements are made.

Contribution Rate:
5.60% of the minimum wage (€2,570.93) = approximately €143.97/month

Applicants must fill out the official CCSS application form and may need to provide proof of previous insurance or residence.

Last updated on 28 May 2025