Medicine & Veterinary Luxembourg

Luxembourg operates a comprehensive health insurance system that provides access to healthcare services for all residents, including foreign nationals. The system consists of mandatory state health insurance and supplementary private insurance policies.

Mandatory State Health Insurance

All officially employed individuals, self-employed persons, pensioners, and unemployed persons are required to participate in the state health insurance system, managed by the National Health Fund. Social security contributions are split equally between the employee and employer and amount to about 2.8% of each person’s gross income. Self-employed individuals pay the full contribution amount themselves.

The state insurance system covers a significant portion of healthcare expenses:

Doctor and dentist consultations: reimbursement is about 88% for adults and 100% for children.

Hospital stays: patients pay a fixed amount for each day of stay, with the remaining costs reimbursed.

Medications: the standard reimbursement rate is 80%, with some medication categories reimbursed up to 100%.

Family members of the insured person, including spouses and children under 18 (or up to 27 when studying), are also covered by state insurance.

Private Health Insurance

Despite the extensive coverage of the state system, about 75% of Luxembourg’s population additionally purchase private health insurance. Private insurance allows for:

Covering expenses not reimbursed by the state system, such as services beyond standard coverage.

Access to extended healthcare services, including treatment abroad, private rooms in hospitals, and specialized procedures.

International insurance companies offering programs for expats in Luxembourg include: IMG, Aetna International, Allianz Care, Cigna Global, Bupa Global, Swisscare.

Registration in the Healthcare System

To access healthcare services, one must register with the Joint Centre for Social Security Funds. The employer usually handles the registration of employees, but self-employed and other individuals need to do this themselves. After registration, a social security card is issued which should be presented whenever seeking medical assistance.

Public Medical Institutions

Public hospitals in Luxembourg are grouped into hospital centers that offer a wide range of medical services. Key institutions include:

Central Hospital of Luxembourg (Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, CHL): includes several departments such as:

- CHL Centre: a general hospital providing a broad range of medical services.

- CHL Maternité: the Grand Duchess Charlotte Maternity Hospital, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

- CHL KannerKlinik: a pediatric clinic providing medical care for children.

- CHL Eich: a general clinic located in the Eich district.

Robert Schuman Hospitals (Hôpitaux Robert Schuman): include several hospitals such as:

- Hôpital Kirchberg: a modern hospital providing 24-hour emergency care.

- Clinique Bohler: specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.

These institutions provide services in various fields of medicine, including emergency care, surgical operations, childbirth, and pediatrics.

Private Medical Institutions

In addition to public hospitals, Luxembourg has numerous private medical offices and clinics offering specialized services. Many of them have agreements with the National Health Fund (CNS), allowing patients to receive partial reimbursement of expenses. However, some services may not be covered by state insurance, so it’s advisable to check payment conditions in advance.

Access to Healthcare Services for Immigrants

Immigrants residing and working in Luxembourg are entitled to healthcare services provided they register in the social security system and obtain a CNS card. This card confirms health insurance coverage and should be presented when seeking medical assistance.

Registering with a Family Doctor

In Luxembourg, patients have the right to choose their family doctor (general practitioner) independently. To register:

Choosing a doctor: Use online platforms like Doctena Luxembourg to search for doctors by specialty, location, and communication language. The platform allows filtering specialists by the language they speak and choosing a suitable appointment time.

Contacting the doctor: After selecting a doctor, contact their office by phone or email to inquire about the possibility of registration. Some doctors may accept new patients, while others may not, so prior clarification is necessary.

Submitting an application: If the doctor agrees to register you, you will need to fill out an application to be included in their register. The application form is usually provided at the doctor's office or on their website.

Registration confirmation: After submitting the application, the doctor will notify you of acceptance or rejection within seven working days. In case of rejection, a reason must be provided.

Scheduling an Appointment with a Specialist

In Luxembourg, a referral from a family doctor is not required to visit a specialist. The process of making an appointment involves:

Finding a specialist: Use platforms like Doctena Luxembourg to search for specialists by medical field, location, and communication language. The platform allows searching by specialty, location, and language, as well as booking appointments online.

Online booking: Many specialists offer the possibility to book through online services. On the Doctena platform, you can select a convenient appointment time and book by filling out the required information.

Telephone booking: If online booking is unavailable, contact the specialist's office by phone to arrange an appointment time.

Features of Online Booking

Online platforms like Doctena offer the following advantages:

- Convenience: Ability to book an appointment at any time without the need to call during working hours.

- Choice by criteria: Filtering doctors by specialty, location, and communication language.

- Managing appointments: Viewing and managing your appointments through a personal account.

However, it is worth noting that some doctors may not use online services, so in such cases, it is recommended to contact directly by phone or email.

Important Recommendations

Checking Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the chosen doctor or specialist operates within your medical insurance framework to avoid additional expenses.

Timely Booking: Popular specialists may have long waiting times, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Cancelling or Rescheduling: If you cannot attend the scheduled appointment, notify in advance to free up time for other patients and avoid possible penalties.

Luxembourg has an efficient emergency medical care system that ensures prompt response in emergency situations. All residents and visitors of the country have access to these services, regardless of having medical insurance.

Calling an Ambulance

Emergency service number: In case of an emergency, immediately dial 112 — the single emergency number valid across Europe. This number can be used to call for ambulance services, police, or fire services.

Cost of the call: Calling an ambulance is not free, but in many cases, the costs are covered by state medical insurance. For example, for children, insurance covers 70–80% of the call costs. The cost of a regular ambulance is about 120 euros, and with the involvement of a doctor (SAMU) — about 270 euros.

Emergency Departments

In Luxembourg, several hospitals provide 24-hour emergency services:

Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg: located at 4, rue Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg (Belair). Phone: (+352) 44 11 11.

Hôpital Kirchberg: located at 9, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg. Phone: (+352) 24681.

KannerKlinik: specializes in pediatric care; address: 4, rue Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg. Phone: (+352) 44 11 31 33.

If emergency care is needed, it is recommended to go to the nearest department providing appropriate services.

Pharmacies and On-Call Medical Centers

During non-working hours and on weekends, there are on-call pharmacies and medical centers in Luxembourg. Information about them is available in local newspapers, on hospital websites, and within the medical facilities themselves.

Recommendations for Immigrants

Knowledge of emergency numbers: Always carry a list of emergency numbers and the addresses of the nearest hospitals.

Health insurance: Ensure that your health insurance is up-to-date and covers emergency situations.

Language support: In emergencies, a language barrier may become an obstacle. It's recommended to learn basic medical terms in French or German or to have a contact who can assist with translation.

In Luxembourg, the process of submitting medical tests and undergoing examinations is efficiently organized and accessible to all residents, including immigrants.

Consulting a doctor: The first step is to consult with a general practitioner or specialist. The doctor will assess your condition and, if necessary, issue a referral for appropriate tests or diagnostic procedures.

Choosing a laboratory or diagnostic center: Luxembourg has a wide range of laboratories and diagnostic centers where you can submit tests or undergo examinations. Some offer services without prior appointment, but it is recommended to verify this in advance.

Booking an appointment: For patients' convenience, Luxembourg offers online services for booking appointments with doctors or laboratories (Doctena.lu - a platform where you can choose a specialist by language and available time slots).

Undergoing examinations: At the appointed time, visit the chosen medical facility to submit tests or undergo examinations. You will need to have a referral from a doctor and identification.

Receiving results: Results may be sent directly to your treating physician or provided to you personally.

Payment and cost reimbursement: Medical services in Luxembourg are paid by the patient; however, a significant portion of expenses is reimbursed by the National Health Fund (CNS). To obtain reimbursement, it is necessary to provide the CNS with paid invoices and relevant documents.

Luxembourg has several major medical laboratories offering a wide range of diagnostic services. Among the most well-known are:

Laboratoires Réunis: one of the leading laboratory networks in the country, offering a variety of tests and diagnostic services.

Ketterthill: a large laboratory with branches throughout Luxembourg, specializing in clinical biology and medical diagnostics.

Bionext Lab: a modern laboratory providing services in genetics, biochemistry, and other medical research areas.

Choosing a Hospital and Doctor

Luxembourg has several maternity hospitals offering high-quality services:

Maternité Grande-Duchesse Charlotte: located in the Central Hospital of Luxembourg (CHL) and offers modern conditions for childbirth, including options for water births.

Clinique Bohler: specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, providing an individual approach to each patient.

The choice of a gynecologist or obstetrician is made based on personal preferences. Many specialists work in both public and private clinics. It is recommended to become familiar with reviews and qualifications of doctors in advance and discuss the pregnancy and birth plan.

Health Insurance

In Luxembourg, mandatory state health insurance is managed by the National Health Fund (CNS). To obtain full coverage for pregnancy and childbirth-related costs, it is necessary to:

Employment: The employer registers the employee with the social security system, after which a CNS card is issued.

Self-employment: Personal registration with the CNS to obtain insurance coverage.

State insurance covers a significant portion of pre-natal care, childbirth, and post-natal care expenses. However, some services, such as home births, may not be included in the standard coverage.

Childbirth Preparation Courses

Many maternity hospitals and medical centers in Luxembourg offer childbirth preparation courses in various languages, including English, French, and German.

Additional Recommendations

Registration of Newborn: Within three days after birth, the father is required to register the child at the city hall or local reception to obtain a birth certificate.

Postnatal Care: After being discharged from the maternity hospital, mothers and newborns are provided with assistance from a district midwife, including a minimum of three home visits.

Partner-Assisted Childbirth

In Luxembourg, several medical institutions offer the opportunity for partner-assisted childbirth. These include: Maternité Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Clinique Bohler.

It is recommended to contact the chosen institution in advance to clarify the conditions for partner-assisted childbirth and necessary requirements. It is advisable to start processing documents at 35–36 weeks of pregnancy to allow sufficient time for preparation. In public maternity hospitals, partner-assisted childbirth is usually conducted free of charge. However, some services, such as a private room, may be provided for an additional fee. In private clinics, partner-assisted childbirth is a paid service, and the cost depends on the selected service package.

Vaccination of Newborns

In Luxembourg, vaccination of newborns and children is carried out according to the national vaccination schedule, developed based on the recommendations of the Permanent Vaccination Committee of the Robert Koch Institute. This schedule includes vaccinations against various infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal infection, measles, mumps, rubella, and others.

Vaccination of children in Luxembourg is recommended but is strongly encouraged by medical institutions and educational organizations. Vaccination is not mandatory, but confirmation of certain vaccinations may be required to attend kindergartens and schools.

For up-to-date information on vaccinations and the vaccination schedule, please contact medical professionals and official sources of the Luxembourg Ministry of Health.

In the event of the death of a foreign national in Luxembourg, the following steps must be taken:

1. Notify Authorities

Local Authorities: Immediately report the death to the local police station or city hall where the incident occurred.

Consular Services: Inform the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country of origin. They will provide necessary support and information on further actions.

2. Documentation

Death Certificate: Issued by the city hall of the commune where the death occurred. This document confirms the fact of death and is necessary for subsequent procedures.

Apostille: To use the death certificate outside Luxembourg, an apostille must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg.

3. Repatriation of Body

If the family wishes to transport the body of the deceased back to their homeland, they must:

Select a Funeral Agency: Local funeral services in Luxembourg provide repatriation services. They handle body preparation, document processing, and transportation arrangements.

Required Documents:

- Death certificate with apostille.

- Permit for body export issued by local authorities.

- Certificate of embalming and hermetic sealing of the coffin.

- Coordination with the consulate of the destination country.

Transportation: Repatriation can be carried out by air or land transport. The agency coordinates the process with airlines and transportation services.

4. Financial Aspects

Insurance: If the deceased had insurance that covers repatriation expenses, contact the insurance company for instructions.

Own Funds: In the absence of insurance coverage, repatriation expenses are borne by the relatives. The cost depends on the distance, chosen transportation, and agency services.

5. Alternatives to Repatriation

Cremation: Cremation in Luxembourg with subsequent sending of the urn with ashes to the homeland is possible. This process may be less expensive and simpler to organize.

Burial on Site: The family may decide to bury the deceased in Luxembourg. In this case, contact local funeral services to arrange the ceremony.

6. Consular Assistance

The consular institutions of the deceased person's country of origin provide the following support:

Consultations: Information on procedures, necessary documents, and local laws.

Assistance: Help with document processing and coordination with local authorities.

Timely contact with the consulate can help ease the process and ensure compliance with all legal formalities.

7. Legal Aspects

Inheritance: After the death of a foreign citizen in Luxembourg, the process of resolving inheritance issues begins. It is recommended to consult a lawyer specializing in international law for proper inheritance arrangements.

Obligations: All financial and legal obligations of the deceased in Luxembourg must be settled, including payment of taxes, bills, and possible debts.

In Luxembourg, pet owners are required to meet certain vaccination and care requirements for pets. Let's consider the main mandatory vaccinations and procedures for dogs and cats.

Mandatory vaccinations: Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for all dogs and cats.

Recommended vaccinations for dogs: Distemper, parvoviral enteritis, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza.

Recommended vaccinations for cats: Panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia.

Animal identification

In Luxembourg, electronic identification of dogs and cats with a microchip is mandatory. The microchip contains a unique code that allows identifying the animal’s owner if it is lost or stolen. The microchip implantation procedure is performed by a veterinarian and is registered in the national database.

Travel and transportation

When traveling with pets within the European Union, it is necessary to have:

European Veterinary Passport: A document confirming vaccination against rabies and other diseases, as well as the presence of a microchip.

Health Certificate: Issued by a veterinarian and confirms that the animal is healthy and can travel.

Please note that the rules for importing animals may vary depending on the destination country. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the specific country in advance.

Animal Hotels

There are specialized animal hotels in the country that provide comfortable living conditions and professional care. These establishments offer various services such as feeding, walking, hygiene care, and medical supervision. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the holiday season, and to clarify accommodation conditions as well as vaccination and document requirements.

Animal Shelters

Shelters in Luxembourg are generally intended for homeless or abandoned animals, providing them with temporary shelter and care. However, some shelters may offer temporary accommodation for pets during the owners' absence. Before contacting a shelter with such a request, it is advisable to clarify the possibility and conditions of providing this service.

Accommodation with Pets in Hotels

Many hotels in Luxembourg allow guests to stay with their pets. When planning a trip, it is recommended to check the hotel's policy on pet accommodation in advance, any potential additional fees, and accommodation conditions. Among pet-friendly hotels, one can note:

Hotel Studios Au P'tit Max: offers the possibility of staying with pets.

Hostellerie du Grünewald: A highly rated hotel where pets are allowed.

Veterinary Clinics with Inpatient Services

Some veterinary clinics in Luxembourg offer inpatient services, which can be helpful in case of the need for medical supervision or care during the owners' absence.

Thus, Luxembourg offers many options for temporary accommodation of pets, allowing owners to ensure their pets’ comfort and safety during their absence.

In Luxembourg, the keeping of domestic animals is regulated by a number of legislative norms and rules aimed at ensuring animal welfare and maintaining public order. Let's consider the key features of keeping pets in the country.

Permitted types of animals

In Luxembourg, it is allowed to keep only those animals that are included in the so-called "positive list". If you plan to have a pet not included in this list, you need to obtain special permission from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Identification and registration

Microchipping: Dogs and cats are subject to mandatory electronic identification via microchip. The procedure must be carried out within a month after the animal’s birth, acquisition, or adoption from a shelter.

Registration: Dogs must be registered at the town hall of their place of residence. Upon moving, registration at the new address must be completed within a month. In case of death or loss of the animal, the owner is obliged to notify the town hall within 8 days.

Vaccination

Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for dogs and cats and is carried out regularly every two years. To register an animal at the town hall, a certificate from a veterinarian confirming the vaccination is required.

Taxes and fees

Dog owners are required to pay an annual tax. Guide dogs are exempt from the tax.

Walking and keeping rules

Leash: In public places such as public transport, parking lots, sports grounds, and construction sites, dogs must be on a leash.

Cleaning up after the pet: Owners are required to clean up after their animals. For this purpose, the city has installed special yellow bins with bags located at park entrances, on sidewalks, and in other public places.

Keeping in rented accommodation

Owners of apartments or houses have the right to prohibit the keeping of animals in rented accommodation. This condition is usually specified in the rental agreement. Therefore, it is recommended to discuss this issue with the property owner before moving in.

Animal protection

Luxembourg is strict about protecting animal rights. Over the past five years, 272 cases of animal cruelty have been registered, of which 62 cases were forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.

Compliance with these rules and regulations ensures the comfortable coexistence of pet owners and society, and also contributes to the welfare of the pets themselves.