Physical Therapy, Osteopathy, and Paramedical Care in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, paramedical care plays an important role in health monitoring, rehabilitation, prevention, and support for both children and adults. Physical therapists, osteopaths, speech-language pathologists, speech therapists, orthoptists, and audiology services may be involved as needed, with different reimbursement options.

This page helps you understand which professionals to turn to, when a prescription is required, which treatments may be reimbursed by the CNS, and how to navigate the system if you’ve just moved to Luxembourg.

What is meant by “paramedical care” in Luxembourg?

Paramedical care encompasses several healthcare professions that work alongside physicians. It may involve rehabilitation, mobility, speech, hearing, vision, child development, or functional well-being.

Depending on the situation, these services may be prescribed by a doctor, covered by the CNS, partially reimbursed by supplemental insurance, or paid for by the patient.

The main professionals involved

• physical therapists: rehabilitation, pain management, mobility, breathing, sports, and post-operative care;
• Osteopaths: functional disorders, musculoskeletal pain, mobility;
• speech-language pathologists: oral and written language, speech, communication;
• orthoptists: screening and rehabilitation for certain visual disorders;
• Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Services: prevention, screening, and management of hearing, speech, and language disorders.

For initial medical guidance, see also our page on seeing a doctor in Luxembourg.

Seeing a Physical Therapist in Luxembourg

Physical therapy is one of the most common types of paramedical care. It is used following an injury, surgery, accident, illness, persistent pain, or loss of mobility.

When should you see a physical therapist?

A physical therapist can help with, among other things:

• back, neck, joint, or muscle pain;
• sports injuries;
• rehabilitation after surgery;
• rehabilitation after an accident;
• respiratory disorders;
• certain neurological conditions;
• gait or balance disorders;
• perineal rehabilitation;
• mobility needs in older adults.

Is a prescription required for physical therapy?

To be reimbursed by the CNS, physical therapy must be prescribed by a doctor. The prescription specifies the type of treatment, the number of sessions, and the condition being treated.

According to the CNS, physical therapy treatments fall under the categories of common conditions, serious conditions, or post-surgical rehabilitation, each with different reimbursement rates. Reimbursement ranges from 70% to 100%, depending on the case.

Reimbursement for Physical Therapy Sessions

Physical therapy treatments may be reimbursed by the CNS when they meet the specified conditions: a medical prescription, the type of condition, recognized procedures, and compliance with deadlines and formalities.

As a general rule, treatment for common conditions in adults is partially covered. Certain situations, such as serious medical conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation, or treatment for children and adolescents, may be covered at 100%.

To fully understand the coverage guidelines, consult our guide on healthcare reimbursement in Luxembourg.

How do I find a physical therapist?

You are free to choose your own physical therapist. The prescribing doctor can refer you to a practitioner, but you can also look for a practice near your home, your workplace, or your child’s school.

Before making an appointment, check availability, languages spoken, the type of treatment offered, and the administrative procedures related to the prescription.

Osteopathy in Luxembourg

Osteopathy is based on a manual approach aimed at treating certain functional disorders, pain, or limitations in mobility. It is practiced by professionals who are trained and licensed to practice in Luxembourg.

When Should You See an Osteopath?

Patients often consult an osteopath for:

• back, lower back, or neck pain;
• joint pain;
• posture-related functional disorders;
• muscle tension;
• sports-related pain;
• functional discomfort in adults, children, or infants.

Osteopathy is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. In cases of acute pain, trauma, fever, neurological symptoms, or if you have any doubts, consult a doctor first.

Is osteopathy covered by insurance?

Osteopathic sessions are not currently covered by the CNS in Luxembourg. However, some supplemental health insurance plans may cover part of the costs, depending on the terms of the policy.

How do you choose an osteopath?

The profession of osteopath is regulated in Luxembourg. Practitioners must hold a license to practice. The Ministry of Health has established the procedures for the recognition and regulation of the osteopathic profession.

Before making an appointment, check the practitioner’s training, license to practice, fees, language of consultation, and whether your supplemental insurance covers the treatment.

Speech-Language Pathology and Language Disorders

Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists depending on the context, are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of spoken and written language, speech, voice, communication, and swallowing.

For which disorders should you seek consultation?

For children, support may be helpful in cases of:

• language delay;
• pronunciation difficulties;
• stuttering;
• speech disorders;
• difficulties with reading or writing;
• dyslexia, dysorthography, or other learning disabilities;
• difficulties related to multilingualism or academic adjustment.

In adults, speech-language therapy may be provided following an accident, a stroke, a neurological disorder, or in cases of voice or swallowing disorders.

Expatriate Children and Multilingualism

For expatriate families, language issues can be sensitive. A child may be exposed to multiple languages at home, in daycare, or at school. Multilingualism can make it more difficult to identify a language delay or a learning disability.

If in doubt, it’s best to discuss the matter with a pediatrician, a primary care physician, the school, or a specialized professional. Early detection often allows for better support for the child.

See language support for foreign children.

Speech Therapy Center

The Speech Therapy Center in Strassen, under the supervision of the Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth, provides care for certain children with speech, language, and communication disorders, particularly in a school setting.

For newly arrived families, it is helpful to consult with the school, educational services, or healthcare professionals to identify the appropriate support pathway.

See also our page on the primary school system in Luxembourg.

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Service: Hearing, Language, and Speech

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Service of the Health Directorate is responsible for the prevention, screening, and treatment of speech, language, phonation, and hearing disorders. The service’s services are free of charge.

Newborn Hearing Screening

In Luxembourg, all newborns receive a free hearing screening. The test is performed starting on the baby’s second day of life, either at the maternity ward or at the Audiology and Speech Therapy Service’s facilities.

Bilan 30: Language Screening at 30 Months

The Audiophonology Service also organizes the “Bilan 30,” a free early screening for language disorders in children at 30 months of age. This assessment is conducted quickly and in a playful manner, in the child’s native language, and includes an associated hearing test.

Support for Children and Adults

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Department can provide support to children and adults with speech, language, hearing, or voice disorders. For expatriate families, these services can be particularly helpful when a child enters a multilingual school environment.

Orthoptics and Vision Screening for Children

Orthoptics involves the screening, evaluation, and rehabilitation of certain visual disorders. In Luxembourg, the Health Department’s orthoptics service provides free nationwide vision screening for young children.

Vision Test 10 and Vision Test 40

The free vision screenings are for children aged 10 months and 40 months. Parents receive an invitation by mail and can schedule an appointment via Guichet.lu. These tests are optional but highly beneficial for the early detection of certain vision disorders.

When Should You See an Ophthalmologist?

An orthoptic screening does not replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist. If the results are positive, if you have any concerns, or if your child has strabismus, vision difficulties, headaches, or academic problems that may be related to vision, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist.

See also our page on medical consultations in Luxembourg.

Paramedical Care for Expatriate Children and Families

For expat families, paramedical care can be helpful when settling into life in Luxembourg. A change in country, language, school, or lifestyle can make certain existing difficulties more apparent or cause new ones to emerge.

Points for parents to watch for

• delayed speech or pronunciation difficulties;
• learning difficulties in a multilingual environment;
• hearing or comprehension difficulties;
• visual impairments that may affect reading or writing;
• need for rehabilitation after an accident or surgery;
• postural pain related to sports, growth, or a sedentary lifestyle.

If in doubt, start by consulting a general practitioner, a pediatrician, or a school health professional. Early intervention often leads to better care.

For issues related to psychological well-being or emotional difficulties, visit our page on mental health in Luxembourg.

How can you get reimbursed for paramedical care?

Reimbursement depends on the type of care, the professional consulted, whether or not a medical prescription is required, and the conditions set by the CNS.

Treatments Often Reimbursed Under Certain Conditions

• physical therapy with a medical prescription;
• certain rehabilitation treatments;
• certain procedures prescribed and recognized in the CNS nomenclature;
• certain support services for children, depending on the coverage framework.

Treatments with little or no reimbursement

• osteopathy covered by the CNS;
• certain wellness treatments;
• certain complementary therapies;
• certain non-prescribed or unrecognized procedures.

Supplemental health insurance may cover part of the cost of certain treatments that are not reimbursed or are only partially reimbursed, depending on the coverage provided in the policy.

For an overview, see our pages onhealth insurance, the CNS, and Social Security, as well as on the reimbursement of healthcare costs.

Treatment or Provider	Is a prescription required?	Reimbursement Possible
Physical therapy	Yes, for CNS reimbursement	Yes, depending on the condition and CNS guidelines
Osteopathy	Generally not covered	Not covered by CNS; may be covered by supplemental insurance
Speech therapy	Depending on the treatment plan	Depends on the treatment framework
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Department	Not for certain screenings	Free services provided by the public health system
Orthoptics Service	Invitation/appointment depending on the test	Free screenings for children

Before seeing a healthcare professional, a few simple checks can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

In summary

Paramedical care plays an important role in the healthcare system in Luxembourg. Physical therapy, osteopathy, speech therapy, orthophony, orthoptics, and audiophonology can address pain, rehabilitation, and language, hearing, and vision disorders, as well as certain challenges faced by children.

For expats and newcomers, the key points to check are the prescription, reimbursement conditions, languages spoken, appointment wait times, and the specific needs of children in a multilingual context.

FAQs on Physical Therapy, Osteopathy, and Paramedical Care in Luxembourg

Do you need a prescription to see a physical therapist in Luxembourg?

You can contact a physical therapist directly, but a doctor’s prescription is required to receive reimbursement from the CNS.

Are physical therapy sessions reimbursed?

Yes, physical therapy sessions may be reimbursed by the CNS under certain conditions. The reimbursement rate varies depending on the condition, the patient’s age, and the type of rehabilitation.

Is osteopathy reimbursed by the CNS?

No, osteopathy sessions are not reimbursed by the CNS. However, some supplemental insurance plans may cover part of the costs.

How do I find an osteopath in Luxembourg?

Check that the practitioner is licensed to practice, ask about their rates, and check with your supplemental insurance provider to see if they cover these services.

What is a speech-language pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist treats disorders related to language, speech, communication, voice, reading, writing, or swallowing.

Can multilingualism cause a language delay?

Multilingualism is not a disorder. However, it can make it more difficult to assess language development. If in doubt, it is best to seek professional advice.

What is the “Bilan 30” in Luxembourg?

The Bilan 30 is a free screening for language disorders organized by the Audiophonological Service for children aged 30 months, which includes a hearing test.

Are hearing screenings for children free?

Yes, Luxembourg offers free hearing screenings for newborns, as well as screening and care services through the Audiophonological Service.

What is the orthoptics service?

The orthoptics service provides, among other things, free vision screenings for young children to detect certain vision disorders early on.

Are all paramedical treatments reimbursed?

No. Some treatments are reimbursed under certain conditions, such as physical therapy prescribed by a doctor. Others, such as osteopathy, are not covered by the CNS.

Is supplemental insurance useful?

Yes, it can be useful for treatments that are only partially reimbursed or not reimbursed at all by the CNS, such as osteopathy or certain specific treatments, depending on the policy.

To learn more and take care of your health in Luxembourg

• The Healthcare System in Luxembourg
• Seeing a Doctor in Luxembourg
• Reimbursement for healthcare
• Health Insurance, CNS, and Social Security
• Mental health in Luxembourg
• Home Care, Medical Tests, and Blood Donation
• Hospitals, maternity wards, and clinics
• Vaccinations in Luxembourg