Are you about to arrive in Luxembourg and would like to know how to benefit from health reimbursements? Depending on your situation, there are different ways of joining the CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé). Here's everything you need to know.
In a nutshell:
- Employees are automatically covered by Luxembourg social security (CNS).managed by the employer with immediate protection from the first day of work
- Self-employed workers must make their declaration of entry to the CCSS within 8 days of starting their business activity
- Cross-border commuters enjoy double protection maintain their rights in their country of residence while being covered in Luxembourg
- Voluntary membership costs €151.41 per month, with a waiting period of 3 months.compulsory for residents who are unemployed or risk expulsion within 90 days
Table of contents
You arrive in Luxembourg with an employment contract
In this case, your membership of Luxembourg social security will be automatic.
If you are moving to Luxembourg because you have landed a job there, your Luxembourg employer will take care of all the formalities, in particular the declaration of entry (which must be carried out by your employer within 8 days of your arrival).
Next:
- Your national registration number will be allocated to you automatically
- You will be immediately affiliated to the National Health Fund (CNS)
- You will receive your social security card (with your CNS number) within 15 days.
Your protection starts on your first day at workwithout any action on your part.
Note that if you are affiliated to the CNS, your spouse and children will also be co-insured by Luxembourg social security. You must apply to the CNS's Co-Insurance Department (Find out more).
You are opening your company in Luxembourg to set up as a self-employed person
As an expatriate entrepreneur, you are responsible for registering yourself:
- Make your declaration to the Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale (CCSS) no more than 8 days after you start work. (see the procedure)
- You will need to complete the "Declaration of entry for self-employed workers" form. and send it to the CCSS
- In general, you will be asked to provide a settlement permit, proof of activity and proof of identity.
Important for contractors: If you take this step early on, you will avoid any delays in your social security cover.
If you live in France, Belgium or Germany and work in Luxembourg as a cross-border commuter
Benefit from exceptional dual protection
You are automatically affiliated to Luxembourg social security by your employer.
- Your healthcare entitlements and reimbursements in your country of residence are maintained
- You can be treated in 2 countries (your country of residence and the country where you work)
This dual cover optimises your access to healthcare while respecting your choice of residence.
You have arrived in Luxembourg and do not have a job
In this case, you must apply for voluntary affiliation to Luxembourg social security.
In plain English: you will have to pay a fixed amount (€151.41 per month) to take out health cover in Luxembourg and benefit from CNS reimbursements.
There is a 3-month waiting period between your enrolment and reimbursement (3 months during which your treatment will not be covered - to limit abuse).
Note that :
- With voluntary affiliation, your cover will be the same as that of employees (after the 3-month waiting period)
- You cannot combine this cover with cover in another country
- If you are not affiliated, Luxembourg may ask you to leave the country within 90 days. Health cover is compulsory for everyone in Luxembourg (except for employers who have private or different health systems, such as the European institutions).
Find out more about voluntary affiliation to Luxembourg social security
Once you are covered by the CNS, remember to take out an insurance policy. mutual - this complementary health insurance will enable you to be reimbursed at 100% for most treatments.
And to find out exactly how the Luxembourg healthcare system works as a whole, watch this video :
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Luxembourg social security scheme if I have an employment contract?
Membership is automatic and managed by your Luxembourg employer. It makes the declaration of entry within 8 daysYou will receive your national registration number automatically and your CNS card within 15 days, with immediate protection from day one.
What is the procedure for the self-employed in Luxembourg?
Entrepreneurs must make their declaration to the Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale (CCSS) no later than 8 days after starting their business. Complete the "Declaration of entry for self-employed workers" form, together with authorisation of establishment, proof of activity and proof of identity.
How does social security work for cross-border commuters in Luxembourg?
Cross-border commuters benefit from exceptional dual protection: automatic affiliation to the CNS by their Luxembourg employer, while maintaining their healthcare rights in their country of residence (France, Belgium, Germany), enabling them to receive care in both countries.
How much does voluntary membership of Luxembourg social security cost?
Voluntary membership costs €151.41 per month, with a waiting period of 3 months before the first reimbursements are made. This cover is identical to that for employees after the waiting period and cannot be combined with any other national cover.
What happens if I don't register for social security in Luxembourg?
Health cover is compulsory for all Luxembourg residents. If you are not covered, Luxembourg may ask you to leave the country within 90 days. The only exceptions are employees of European institutions or specific private health systems.
Are spouses and children covered by the CNS?
Yes, if you are affiliated to the CNS, your spouse and children can be co-insured by Luxembourg social security. You must apply to the CNS co-insurance department with the appropriate supporting documents.
