Services reimbursed abroad

The reimbursement of bills and the procedures to be followed vary depending on whether the treatment was unscheduled or scheduled abroad.

For cross-border workers, the health insurance fund of the country of residence is responsible for reimbursing healthcare provided in that country.

Unplanned treatment abroad

Medical treatment required during a temporary stay abroad is considered unplanned if it cannot be postponed until the patient's return to Luxembourg without risk of their condition worsening.

The terms and conditions for covering healthcare costs vary depending on the country of destination. There are three possible situations:

  1. European Union countries as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and the United Kingdom.
  2. Countries with agreements with Luxembourg: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tunisia, Turkey, Cape Verde and Morocco.
  3. Countries without agreements with Luxembourg: coverage according to specific rules.

Planned treatment abroad

Medical treatment is considered planned when it can be scheduled in advance and does not require immediate intervention.

Coverage for this type of treatment abroad depends on whether or not prior authorisation from the National Health Fund (CNS) is required.

For treatment carried out in a European Union (EU) country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein:

  • Check whether the treatment requires prior authorisation from the CNS;
  • Find out about the formalities to be completed before departure.

For all other countries, prior authorisation from the CNS is mandatory.

When authorisation is required, the attending physician (general practitioner or specialist, practising in Luxembourg or abroad) must complete the prior authorisation form. This document, duly completed and medically justified, must be sent to the CNS, ideally at least two weeks before the start of treatment. The doctor must specify the medical reasons why the treatment cannot be carried out in Luxembourg, in another EU country, in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.

 

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