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Liechtenstein International Health Insurance / Healthcare System |
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 Liechtenstein is a Principality in Europe sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, with a population of 35,000.
There are private and public healthcare facilities in Liechtenstein both providing a high standard of medical care for Liechtensteiners and visitors. All employed citizens and their employers contribute to the health system, known as the state-fund. The Ministry of Public Health is responsible for overseeing the health sector in Liechtenstein by monitoring and implementing regulations for healthcare providers. Under the Health Care Act all citizens in Liechtenstein are entitled to equal access to medical care.
Under the state-healthcare fund, citizens in Liechtenstein who are categorized as belonging to a vulnerable group e.g. pregnant women, diabetics, war veterans, and tuberculosis patients do not have to pay any charges towards medical costs. However, remaining groups in Liechtenstein will have to make co-payments to certain medical services, but GP consultants and referrals are free. So far as families are concerned, action was taken to lower costs for children up to 16 years of age - as part of the Health Insurance Act of April 2000 - with only reduced contributions being required.
There is one state run hospital in Liechtenstein and a number of public and private healthcare centers. The Amt für Gesundheit (The Office of Public Health) normally has to approve the admission of a patient – except in the case of a medical emergency. The National Hospital is Liechtenstein's only hospital, located in the capital Vaduz; it is a comprehensive medical facility, providing a high stand of medical treatment, with well trained doctors and medical specialists.
Private healthcare providers are present in Liechtenstein offering a high standard of medical care. The advantage of private medical centers in Liechtenstein is that a patient does not require permission from the Amt für Gesundheit (The Office of Public Health) to seek treatment. All patients are responsible for payments towards costs of private medical services.
Funding for the Liechtenstein healthcare system is generated from citizens who are permitted to reside in the country. All registered citizens living in Liechtenstein are obligated to make payments to fund the Liechtenstein healthcare system. Employers have to register their staff with the health insurance fund when a new employee starts work. Employees and employers pay into the healthcare fund. Liechtenstein has many workers who reside in Austria and Switzerland, who are not required to make any payments towards state funded healthcare. Dependents under the ages of 16 are covered by parents or guardians who are in employment and making contributions. Liechtensteiners who are unemployed, pensioners or long-term dependents of the state or women on maternity leave are not compelled to make contributions towards the Liechtenstein healthcare system.
The Liechtenstein state fund has a vast coverage of medical services, including specialist medical treatment, hospitalization, prescriptions, pregnancy, childbirth and rehabilitation. However, there are no public dentists in Liechtenstein - all persons requiring dental treatment in Liechtenstein are required to make their own payments towards private dental care.
People seeking treatment in Liechtenstein need to prove they are members of the state-funded healthcare system otherwise they will be required to pay out of pocket for medical services – whether the doctor works in the private or public healthcare sector. Healthcare centers in Liechtenstein can only provide outpatient care, but are able to offer specialist medical services. Medical consultants are present in Liechtenstein, with General Practitioners referring patients to the appropriate medical professional when they require certain specific medical treatments. If the healthcare facilities or the National Hospital in Liechtenstein are unable to meet a patient’s medical requirements, they will be referred to a medical facility in Austria or Switzerland; the Liechtenstein Ministry of Public Health has an agreement with healthcare providers in these countries to provide medical treatment for referred patients.
The National Hospital in Liechtenstein is overseen by the Ministry of Public Health, with both private and public doctors and medical care specialists working in the hospital. The National Hospital provides the best medical facilities and comprehensive healthcare in Liechtenstein, although GP's and medical specialists are present outside the capital Vaduz who are also well trained and fully capable in medical emergencies.
The Liechtenstein healthcare sector will provide medical care to anyone in an emergency. However, when a patient has stabilized, they will request the patient to prove membership of the state-funded healthcare scheme or require private insurance to cover medical costs. If a patient is unable to do this, they will be responsible for making out-of-pocket payments. As medical costs are very expensive in Liechtenstein it is important for all visitors to have Liechtenstein health insurance in place for the duration of their stay in the country.
Members of the European Union holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to Liechtenstein state-provided healthcare for a reduced fee or for free. The EHIC is reciprocal agreement between European countries for registered European citizens to have access to medical facilities to member countries. Healthcare systems in member states, will provide treatment for patients who fall ill or are involved in an accident while in the member country; although it does not give the right for a person to travel to a country to seek medical treatment – only if they need medical treatment while visiting the country. Also, it does not include costs for medical transportation or continuing medical treatment. Non-European Health Insurance Card holders, will be required to pay the full cost of medical treatment in Liechtenstein. Both EHIC holders and non-EHIC card holders are strongly advised to obtain Liechtenstein health insurance, to ensure you have comprehensive medical insurance coverage. There is no state-provided dental care in Liechtenstein, only private dentists are present in the country - this means ECIC holders and non-ECIC holders will be responsible for full dental costs.
It is strongly recommended that EHIC holders, non-European persons and European citizens visiting or relocating to Liechtenstein obtain Liechtenstein International medical insurance. This will give you and your family complete healthcare coverage and cover you for all medical eventualities, including air ambulances and further medical costs if required.
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Liechtenstein International Health Insurance |
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If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness for yourself and your family while traveling to Liechtenstein, international medical insurance plans will be the optimal solution for you. Plans can be tailored-made to give you flexibility, meet your individual needs, and may include benefits such as travel, maternity, dental and many other conditions. Should you require further information on Liechtenstein, global health insurance, or to receive a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now. |
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