Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Luxembourg
- CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé) enrollment is mandatory for all workers—employer/employee split contributions.
- CNS reimburses 80-100% of medical costs; supplemental mutuelle covers the remainder.
- ~50% of Luxembourg residents are foreign—healthcare system is very expat-friendly.
- Small country with excellent healthcare, but some specialists require cross-border travel to Belgium/France/Germany.
- EU Blue Card and high salaries attract finance, EU institution, and Big 4 professionals.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Luxembourg?
All workers in Luxembourg must enroll in CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé). Contributions are ~5.5% of salary, split between employer and employee. CNS provides comprehensive coverage but reimburses rather than direct billing—you pay upfront and get 80-100% back. Most expats add a supplemental mutuelle to cover the remaining 0-20% and extras like private rooms. Self-employed and non-workers can voluntarily join CNS or must show private coverage.
Insurance is required for:
- All workers—CNS enrollment is mandatory; supplemental mutuelle recommended
- EU institution employees—typically have their own schemes (JSIS, RCAM); verify what's covered
- Self-employed—can join CNS voluntarily or use private insurance
- Those wanting private room coverage—CNS covers shared rooms only
- Cross-border workers—special rules apply; may keep home country coverage
Public vs Private Healthcare in Luxembourg
Public Healthcare
CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé)
- Access: All workers (mandatory), voluntary for self-employed/non-workers
- Cost: ~5.5% of salary (employer/employee split); minimum ~€120/month for voluntary
CNS provides excellent coverage: GP visits reimbursed 80-88%, specialists 80%, hospital 100% (shared room), medications 40-100% depending on category. Reimbursement system—you pay upfront, submit to CNS, receive refund within days. Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) and Hôpitaux Robert Schuman are main hospitals. Quality is excellent; waits are minimal for routine care.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €50-150/month (supplemental mutuelle); €200-500/month (full private replacement)
Most expats use CNS + supplemental mutuelle (from DKV, Foyer, LALUX). Mutuelle covers the 0-20% CNS doesn't reimburse, plus extras like private rooms, dental, and optical. Full private insurance exists but is uncommon given CNS quality. Cross-border care in Belgium (Brussels), France (Metz, Nancy), and Germany (Trier, Saarbrücken) is covered by CNS with prior authorization. Many specialists practice cross-border.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Luxembourg. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Luxembourg
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Luxembourg
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Luxembourg
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Reimbursement system: Unlike direct billing, you pay upfront and submit to CNS for refund. Keep all receipts and tiers payant (third-party payment) forms. Refunds are fast (3-5 days) but requires cash flow management.
- Private rooms not covered by CNS. If you want a private hospital room (common expectation for executives), you need mutuelle or pay €200-400/day out of pocket.
- Small country means limited specialists. Rare conditions, complex oncology, or specialized pediatrics may require cross-border care (covered by CNS with authorization) or travel to larger centers.
- EU institution employees: If you work for EU institutions (Commission, Parliament, EIB, etc.), you likely have JSIS or RCAM coverage, not CNS. Verify what's included and whether you need supplemental coverage.
- Cross-border workers (frontaliers): Special rules apply. You may keep your home country healthcare while working in Luxembourg. Understand which system covers you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CNS reimbursement work?
You visit the doctor, pay the full fee (typically €40-60 for GP), and receive a feuille de soins (care form). Submit this to CNS online or by mail. Reimbursement (80-100% depending on service) arrives in your bank account within 3-5 days. Some providers offer tiers payant (third-party payment) where they bill CNS directly for their portion. Pharmacies usually offer tiers payant for medications.
Do I need a mutuelle in Luxembourg?
Technically optional, but most expats have one. CNS covers 80-100% of costs, but the remaining 0-20% adds up, and CNS doesn't cover private hospital rooms, extensive dental, or optical. Mutuelle costs €50-150/month and covers: the CNS remainder (ticket modérateur), private rooms, dental/optical, alternative medicine, and sometimes worldwide coverage. Major providers: DKV, Foyer, LALUX, AXA.
What if I work for an EU institution in Luxembourg?
EU institution employees (European Commission, Parliament, Court of Justice, EIB, etc.) typically have their own health schemes: JSIS (Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme) or RCAM. These are comprehensive but have their own rules and reimbursement rates. You're generally not in CNS. Review your scheme details carefully—some expats add private supplemental coverage for gaps, especially dental and private rooms.
Can I use healthcare in Belgium, France, or Germany?
Yes, and many Luxembourg residents do. CNS covers cross-border care with prior authorization (easy to obtain). Brussels hospitals (45 min drive), Metz and Nancy in France (1 hour), and Trier/Saarbrücken in Germany (30-45 min) are common destinations for specialists or procedures with shorter waits. Reimbursement is at Luxembourg CNS rates, which are generous.
How much does healthcare cost in Luxembourg?
Before reimbursement: GP consultation €40-60, specialist €60-120, private hospital room €200-400/day, MRI €200-400. After CNS reimbursement (80-100%), out-of-pocket is minimal. With mutuelle, most routine care is effectively free. Luxembourg healthcare is expensive at sticker price but excellent value after CNS/mutuelle coverage.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.