Accessing healthcare in Luxembourg

You will be treated on the same basis as a resident of Luxembourg. Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. If you have to make such a payment , you may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in Luxembourg.

It is important that you ensure that you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative.

Services covered

The Luxembourg state healthcare system will cover the following services:

Medical and dental treatment
Paramedical treatment (nursing, physiotherapy, etc.)
Laboratory analyses and blood tests
Dental, orthopaedic an other prostheses
Medicines
Visual aids (spectacles, contact lenses, etc.)
Bandages, accessories an various appliances
Stays in hospital
Therapeutic and convalescent cures
General and occupational rehabilitation
Travel and transport expenses (this does not include repatriation to the UK)

Where to get information while in Luxembourg

Contact Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO (Sickness Insurance Fund for Manual Workers) for information.

Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO
125 Route d’Esch
L-2973 Luxembourg Ville

Telephone: 00352 49 83 311

E-mail: ucm@secu.lu

Information in English is available online from the 'Organismes de sécurité sociale' (Social security) website.

Emergency numbers

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Luxembourg, dial 112. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Treatment, coverage and costs

You always have to pay first and then you claim reimbursements from the Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers - CMO (Sickness Insurance Fund for Manual Workers). Stays in hospital and medicines are funded fully by the CMO.

Doctors

You may consult any doctor as they are all covered by the CMO. Charges for seeing a doctor vary and you must make sure you are given receipt for anything for which you pay.

Specialist

You can go directly to a specialist as it is not necessary to have a referral. You must present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Dentists

You may consult any dentist as they are all covered by the CMO. However, for some dental treatment you must seek approval from the CMO in advance. Fees for dental treatment can be waived in some circumstances. It is not necessary to be referred for treatment.

Hospital treatment

All hospitals in Luxembourg have a contract with the CMO. You will still have to present your EHIC on admission to the hospital.

Hospital treatment is free of charge. However, inpatients will have to pay a standard daily fee of 12 Euro and this is not refunded. Children under 18 are free of charge. There may also be an amount payable to the treating doctor directly.

Prescriptions

Take your prescription to any pharmacy in Luxembourg. Some prescriptions must be authorised by the CMO before you can obtain the medicine. The reimbursement due will vary depending on the medicine required. You should therefore check with the doctor if you need to contact the CMO.

Ambulance

Emergency ambulance transport is free of charge. In all other cases, you will have to pay a non-refundable fee.

Air ambulance

No information available

Making healthcare arrangements in advance

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO (Sickness Insurance Fund for Manual Workers) to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK.

Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO
125 Route d’Esch
L-2973 Luxembourg Ville

Telephone: 00352 49 83 311

E-mail: ucm@secu.lu

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Luxembourg nearest to where you will be staying. However, the provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Luxembourg.

Routine diabetic care, such as blood tests

Blood tests are covered by healthcare insurance, but a prescription is necessary.

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Luxembourg

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

Reimbursements are claimed directly from the Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO (Sickness Insurance Fund for Manual Workers). However, you may not receive a full refund as it is necessary to pay part of the cost for some state healthcare in Luxembourg. You will need to send your original receipts with your claim. Remember to keep copies of anything you send for your records.

If you have had to pay for the cost of your care and have been unable to claim a refund during your stay in Luxembourg you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK. However, this process will take longer than claiming for a refund in Luxembourg.

Living in Luxembourg

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the health authorities in Luxembourg.

However, if you move to Luxembourg to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to contact the Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO (Sickness Insurance Fund for Manual Workers. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

You don't have to register with a doctor or dentist. You are free to choose any healthcare provider.

Working in Luxembourg

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106

How to register your E106

You will need to contact the Caisse de Maladie des Ouvriers -CMO (Sickness Insurance Fund for Manual Workers. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

You don't have to register with a doctor or dentist. You are free to choose any healthcare provider.

Am I still eligible for treatment under the NHS?

UK citizens registered in another EEA country and using an E106 or E121 are not automatically eligible for free treatment in the UK.

You should also visit the 'Planned treatment abroad' section for detailed information.

Last reviewed: 23/06/2011

Next review due: 23/06/2013

Country-by-country guide