 |
|
|
|
| |
Luxembourg International Health Insurance / Healthcare System |
|
|
|
|
| |
Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located in Western Europe; it borders Belgium, Germany and France and has a population of 500,000 people. It is one of the smallest member state of the European Union, with a sound economy, an affluent society and a low level of unemployment.
The fundamental principle of the Luxembourg healthcare system is the right for a patient to select their healthcare provider, which is facilitated through the application of compulsory health insurance and for healthcare providers to comply with a fixed level of fees for the services performed.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Security jointly have the responsibility for managing the supply of healthcare services in Luxembourg and for maintaining quality standards.
The Luxembourg healthcare system is similar to those in neighboring countries Belgium, Germany and France, and is mainly publicly funded through social health insurance, with out-of-pocket payments towards healthcare services contributing to financing arrangements. Citizens of Luxembourg make payments into a compulsory social health insurance scheme, which entitles the individual and their family members to access publicly run health services; this includes access to a comprehensive benefit package and choice of healthcare providers.
All employees working in Luxembourg must make payments into the social health insurance scheme, with the employer also making contributions. Self-employed workers must also pay into compulsory social health insurance provision. All dependent family members are covered for public health services in Luxembourg through contributions made by family members. Students and the unemployed element of the population are also covered and will have access to the Luxembourg healthcare system.
The Luxembourg healthcare system went through a period of reform during the 1980’s and 1990’s, which was mostly focused on funding the health sector in the country, including the development of a stable revenue stream to adequately finance the provision of healthcare services. Even though the Luxembourg health sector has been significantly improved, it still lags behind the top European countries for the standard of health provision.
The Luxembourg Ministry of Social Security and Ministry of Health are the gatekeepers of the healthcare system, combining responsibility and ensuring the health sector is financed, regulated and the citizens of Luxembourg receive quality healthcare services.
The Ministry of Social Security in Luxembourg is divided into two divisions. Firstly the General Inspectorate of Social Security supervises legal, statutory, regulatory, financial and contractual operations, with the role of the Office of Medical Control being to manage disabilities at work, authorize medical health service reimbursement (including treatment outside Luxembourg), medical profiles, the supervision of outpatient care and to prevent possible abuse of the healthcare system.
The compulsory insurance contributions are managed by the Union of Sickness Funds, with individuals identified to one of nine agencies depending on their occupation and status. The healthcare services, and eligibility for reimbursement of charges, are shown in lists provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health in Luxembourg oversees the health sector with overall responsibility to provide citizens with quality, efficient and accessible health services without discrimination in respect of their income. It is conscientiously working towards providing a preventative and curative health service, ensuring quality provision of healthcare and the satisfactory wellbeing of the citizens of Luxembourg.
The vast majority of the population in Luxembourg is covered by the government’s compulsory health insurance scheme; people can obtain private medical insurance for Luxembourg, which is usually administered through the state run healthcare system. This form of insurance is often provided by non-profit agencies or mutual associations known as mutuelles, which are affiliated to the Ministry of Social Security in Luxembourg and offer members wider health coverage - including health services outside the state funded Luxembourg healthcare system.
The Caisse de Maladie decides the fee a patient is required to pay for healthcare services. The Caisse de Maladie works in partnership with the Union of Sickness Funds and sets annual healthcare costs. The set fee must be adhered to by healthcare providers and if there is any abuse of the healthcare system then strict penalties are imposed. Public healthcare services are free to vulnerable groups; referrals (made by the patient’s doctor) to see a specialist consultant are also free. Patients, who have paid public healthcare fees for services, need to submit their receipts to the Caisse de Maladie for assessment of the level of reimbursement. In some cases 100% of the health service costs will be refunded to the patient by the Caisse de Maladie.
The Luxembourg state healthcare gives citizens wide public health service coverage and provides the majority of treatment by general practitioners (GPs) and specialist consultants. Healthcare services such as laboratory tests, medical prescriptions, rehabilitation, childbirth, pregnancy care services and hospitalization are also provided through the Luxembourg social health insurance scheme.
GPs and healthcare centers provide primary healthcare services. Patients must ensure that the GP is registered with the state to ensure that healthcare services are free of charge or reimbursable. GPs in Luxembourg hold 'walk-in' surgeries and appointment bookings for patients and, if deemed necessary, will refer a patient to a specialist. All GPs working in Luxembourg are required to be approved by the Ministry of Health.
Secondary and tertiary care in Luxembourg is delivered by medical specialists in hospital facilities. Each hospital negotiates separately, without state interference, a yearly budget with the Union of Sickness Funds. If a GP refers a patient, who is a registered Luxembourg citizen, to a hospital in Luxembourg, they will receive health services free of charge. However, without a referral, a patient will need to pay all costs incurred, unless it is in a medical emergency.
Non-profit agencies or mutual associations called mutuelles, connected with the Ministry of Social Security, offer numerous state-health insurance schemes to cover Luxembourg citizens; these provide various forms of health services used to supplement individual compulsory state health insurance. The independence insurance coverage is designed to give a person access to long term healthcare in old age. Accident cover can protect citizens against industrial accidents, commuting accidents and diseases giving them access to health services and prolonging treatment for incapacity benefits.
In order to reside in Luxembourg foreign nationals, without pre-arranged employment, must obtain private expatriate health insurance to ensure that they have medical coverage before they are granted the right to reside in the country.
In 2004, the Luxembourg healthcare system was comprised of 14 acute-care hospitals; one of which was run for profit and specialized in maternity services. The remaining 13 hospitals are spread across the country, with 4 general hospitals in the capital Luxembourg City, which have emergency rooms operating on a 24 hour rotation system. There are also specialist hospitals providing patients with health services depending on what health insurance contributor they are paying into. The specialist Luxembourg hospitals also provide healthcare services for patients holding private health insurance.
The Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg is located in the capital Luxembourg City and has a capacity of 579 beds, with facilities for diagnosis, care, hospitalization treatment and teaching. The Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg is divided into a municipal hospital and a clinic. The hospital and clinic facilities provide for paediatric care, maternity care, acute diseases, emergency and intensive care, with approximately 400,000 out-patients and 26,000 in-patients each year.
While the standard of healthcare in Luxembourg is good, in the case of a serious medical emergency, a patient may need to be transported to neighboring Belgium or France for treatment such as extreme burns. The Luxembourg healthcare system operates on a 24-hour rotation system, and in cases of medical emergencies a person should dial 112 for medical assistance. It is advisable not to self-refer as the healthcare facility chosen may not be appropriate for acute medical needs. By calling 112 for medical assistance, it is possible to ascertain the correct facility to treat patient needs.
Members of the European Union holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to Luxembourg state-provided healthcare for a reduced fee or free of charge depending on the treatment given. The EHIC is a reciprocal agreement between European countries for registered European citizens to have access to medical facilities while visiting member countries. Healthcare systems in member states provide treatment for patients who fall ill, or are involved in an accident, while in the member country. The healthcare system provides a person with an EHIC the equivalent care a citizen of Luxembourg is entitled to. However, it is still recommended that an EHIC holder obtains International medical insurance for Luxembourg to provide them with full healthcare coverage, including repatriation costs.
As a visitor to Luxembourg, you will be required to pay for healthcare services. If you are a holder of an EHIC card, you will only be covered for specific health services. It is recommended that you obtain International health insurance for the duration of your stay in Luxembourg to give you full medical coverage. It is advisable that repatriation cover is included, as this can be a costly service if required.
|
|
Luxembourg International Health Insurance |
| |
If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Luxembourg, international health insurance plan will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Luxembourg. Should you require further information on Luxembourg, international health insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now. |
|
|
|
|
