Health insurance, social security, and health insurance
In Luxembourg, health insurance is mandatory for anyone who lives or works in the country. The system is based on a centralized structure, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.
This page helps you understand:
- how to enroll,
- which are the key institutions,
- what health insurance covers,
- and the benefits of supplemental insurance.
National Social Security Fund and Insurance
Mandatory enrollment in a health insurance fund in Luxembourg
All residents and workers in Luxembourg are required to enroll in a health insurance fund. This mandatory insurance covers Luxembourg citizens, residents, cross-border workers, and individuals with a valid residence permit in the event of illness or inability to work. This coverage extends to adults and their children and dependents.
Health Insurance: Access to Quality Healthcare and Services
Health insurance is mandatory in Luxembourg. It guarantees all citizens access to necessary health services. The Luxembourgsystem promotes equitable access to healthcare. Furthermore, it helps maintain high-quality health services in the country.
Health insurance funds, health insurance providers
In Luxembourg, residents can choose from several approved health insurance providers. These providers must comply with the regulations and guidelines of the CCSS (Joint Social Security Center) and the CNS (National Health Fund).
Contributory financing of health insurance
Several contributors fund mandatory health insurance in Luxembourg. Individuals, employers, and the government share this funding.
Employees and employers each contribute a percentage of the individual’s income, subject to certain thresholds. At the same time, the government provides financial subsidies to ensure that insurance remains affordable for low-income individuals and families.
Health coverage and healthcare services
Health insurance covers a wide range of healthcare services. Health coverage and care include general medical consultations or visits to specialists,hospitalization and surgical procedures, preventive care such as vaccinations or diagnostic tests, and the purchase of prescription medications.
Health coverage also extends to maternity care, mental health services, and rehabilitation.
Dental care, although not fully covered, is partially reimbursed. The same applies to vision and hearing aids.
Key Social Security Agencies
The Joint Social Security Center (CCSS)
The CCSS, or Joint Social Security Center in Luxembourg, is the public agency responsible for enrolling insured individuals. It collects contributions, organizes and processes data and contributions on behalf of various social security institutions.
It operates in several areas:
- health and long-term care insurance on behalf of:
- the National Health Fund (CNS) for private-sector employees,
- the Health Fund for Civil Servants and Public Employees (CMFEP), the Health Fund for Municipal Civil Servants and Employees (CMFEC), and the Medical Mutual Aid Association of the Luxembourg National Railway Company,
- the Employers’ Mutual Insurance Fund, particularly for self-employed workers
- workplace accidents through the Accident Insurance Association,
- pensions through the National Pension Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund,
- family benefits through the Fund for the Future of Children,
- the Employment Administration.
Common procedures with the CCSS
You can, in particular:
- apply for a social security card
- obtain a certificate of enrollment. This request can also be made via Myguichet.lu to receive the document immediately as a PDF.
- report a change in circumstances (address, status, etc.)
Most procedures are available via MyGuichet.lu.
Registration with the CCSS
The employer must register the employee with the CCSS on the employee’s behalf. The CCSS thenhandles the person’s enrollment with the appropriate health insurance fund.
The spouse or partner (if they are not the primary insured person themselves) and the children are automatically insured under the primary insured person. They are referred to as “co-insureds.” Please note: the CCSS must receive all necessary documents when the primary insured person is enrolled (marriage certificate, family record book, etc.). You can also submit your information via the CNS website.
Self-employed individuals must, for their part, take the necessary steps to register with the CCSS as soon as they establish themselves. Self-employed individuals can register with the CCSS directly via MyGuichet.
Following registration with the CCSS, the citizen and their dependents are assigned a 13-digit national identification number. You will be asked for this identification number for many administrative procedures, such as opening a bank account.
Are you hiring a babysitter, nanny, or au pair to care for your children? You must register them with the CCSS.
The CCSS accepts appointments for all requests and personal inquiries. Appointments must be requested via Myguichet.
Learn more about the Common Social Security Center.
CNS – National Health Fund or D’Gesondheetskeess
The CNS is your primary point of contact for everything related to:
- medical reimbursements,
- sick leave,
- health-related benefits.
It primarily covers private-sector employees and their dependents.
CNS Enrollment and Social Security Contributions
All private-sector employees are required to register with the CNS. Upon hiring , the employer is responsible for enrolling the new employee with the CNS through the CCSS.
The employee pays monthly social security contributions based on their salary. Their employer will pay them a net salary, after deducting the employee’s contributions.
Reimbursement of healthcare expenses
You must send your bills (doctor, pharmacy, etc.) to the CNS to receive reimbursement at the current rates. More information on this page.
Sick leave
In the event of sick leave:
- one copy is sent to the CNS,
- another to your employer,
- within 3 days.
More information on sick leave on this page.
Insured Member Portal and Online Procedures
The MyGuichet.lu platform simplifies your administrative tasks by providing a fully secure CNS member portal, accessible via a secure ID card or the Luxtrust app, which you can obtain from your bank.
From your personal account, you can:
- track your reimbursements,
- download certificates,
- verify your information, such as your bank details for reimbursement of your healthcare costs
- view the number of remaining days of family leave
- activate eDelivery to receive your documents digitally (e.g., reimbursement statements, certificates) in PDF format in a secure portal. Once activated, it replaces mail delivery. This feature can be deactivated at any time.
Social Security Identification Number in Luxembourg
Personal Social Security Card
After enrolling with your health insurance fund, you will receive a personal national social security card. The social securitycard confirms that you are enrolled in the Luxembourg health insurance system.
The social security card is personal.
It identifies you in your dealings with social security institutions and healthcare providers (doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, etc.) in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You must present it at every appointment.
13-digit Luxembourg registration number
The social security card displays the insured person’s last name, first name, and 13-digit registration number. The 13-digit registration number is the personal and individual Luxembourg national identifier. You will be asked for this number in all your dealings with government agencies, schools, etc.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are traveling in Europe, be sure to request the European Health Insurance Card. This card has two sides. One side is valid in Luxembourg, and the other is valid in countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area.
It allows you to:
- access healthcare in EU and EEA countries,
- to be reimbursed according to the rules of the country you are visiting or of Luxembourg.
Please note:
- it does not cover medical care outside Europe,
- it must be renewed regularly by submitting a request to the CCSS via this link.
Download the “European Health Insurance Card” app on your smartphone.
Available in 25 languages, the “European Health Insurance Card” app includes instructions for using the European Health Insurance Card, as well as emergency phone numbers and the service to contact if the card is lost.
Please note: the European Health Insurance Card does not cover healthcare costs when traveling outside the European Union. To ensure you are properly covered, inquire about travel insurance.
See our page dedicated to healthcare for cross-border workers in Luxembourg for registrationprocedures and specific insurance benefits.
New to Luxembourg? Find our essential information on insurance here.
Key Points
- Enrollment in social security is mandatory upon your arrival or when you start working
- The CCSS handles your registration, and the CNS handles your reimbursements
- Basic insurance covers the essentials, but not everything
- Supplementary health insurance may be appropriate depending on your situation
Learn more
- Complete your registration: MyGuichet.lu
- Official information on the Joint Social Security Center: ccss.lu
- Official information from the National Health Fund: cns.lu
Supplemental Health Insurance: Is It Necessary?
Mandatory health insurance does not cover all healthcare costs. Some costs remain the patient’s responsibility. Supplemental insurance then covers certain medical and healthcare expenses not reimbursed by public agencies. Reimbursements are provided in addition to those from the CNS.
When you submit a reimbursement claim, the insurer reviews the request, deducting any reimbursements already made by public health insurance funds. They will reimburse you for a portion of the costs based on the coverage rates agreed upon beforehand. Reimbursement rates vary depending on the service and the type of insurance coverage selected when the policy was signed.
While supplemental insurance is not mandatory, it nevertheless allows you to:
- reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- improve healthcare reimbursements. The overall reimbursement rate can then reach 100% of the costs incurred for care.
- access additional benefits, such as a private hospital room, or receive additional coverage for dental care or vision expenses.
- receive reimbursement for so-called “alternative” medicines.
Before signing up, however, be aware that a 3-month waiting period may apply. Additionally, you will likely be asked to complete a medical questionnaire beforehand, and in some cases, you may be required to undergo additional tests. Certain expenses may be excluded from the scope of supplemental insurance.
Review the coverage options, rates, and benefits offered by providers in the market.
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