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Healthcare abroad: what is covered?

  • Writer: Lux-Assurances
    Lux-Assurances
  • Jul 9
  • 2 min read

Are you a resident of Luxembourg and planning to see a doctor abroad, either in a neighbouring country or further awway? What does the CNS cover? We guide you through the rules you need to know before seeing a doctor outside the Grand Duchy.


1. Can you visit a doctor abroad if you are insured in Luxembourg?


Yes, as a member of the Caisse nationale de santé (CNS), you are entitled to medical care abroad, subject to certain conditions. There are two different situations:

  • CAT. 1 Medical consultation in the European Union (EU) or in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein: European legislation on the coordination of social security systems applies.


  • CAT. 2 and 3 Consultations in a country outside the EU/EEA (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and all other non-contracted countries): reimbursements are possible, but subject to stricter rules.


2. What are the conditions for reimbursement of healthcare abroad?


1. Urgent and unforeseen treatment abroad

If you become ill unexpectedly during a temporary stay abroad (holiday, business trip, etc.), you are entitled to reimbursement for necessary medical treatment. The European Health Insurance Card facilitates direct payment for treatment in public establishments in EU/EEA member countries and Switzerland.


2. Planned treatment abroad

  • EU/EEA/Switzerland/etc. (Category 1)

If you deliberately plan to seek treatment abroad (e.g. to consult a specialist in France, Germany or Belgium), no authorisation is required for a simple consultation, an MRI scan or non-specialised treatment.


You will need to follow a specific procedure for hospitalisation, expensive specialist treatment or spa treatment:

➤ Prior authorisation request to the CNS using the S2 form for scheduled treatment, if the establishment is approved.

➤ Sinon, accord selon la directive 2011/24.


  • Countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (Category 2 or 3)

Any scheduled treatment requires prior approval for countries outside the EU/EEA, including those outside the agreements. Depending on the country, specific forms must be completed.


3. Supplementary health insurance: additional cover abroad


The CNS provides cover according to defined limits and scales. To cover expenses not covered (private treatment, excess fees, etc.), supplementary insurance is strongly recommended.


✓ Worldwide cover for up to 8 consecutive weeks during a stay

✓ Coverage of expenses incurred for a medically necessary transfer to the nearest resort or hospital during a stay abroad

✓ Choose the hospital where you wish to be treated anywhere in Europe



💡 Did you know? The insurance premium is tax deductible as a special expense (Art. 111 L.I.R).


Need personalised help?

At Foyer Lux-Assurances, our experts will help you choose the right health cover for your travels. Contact our advisors for a personalised assessment.

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