Psychologist & Psychotherapy Reimbursement in Luxembourg: Complete Guide 2026
Since 1 February 2023, the CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé) reimburses psychotherapy sessions at 70% for adults (CNS rate: €158.95 as of 01.05.2025, leaving approximately €47.68 out-of-pocket per session) and at 100% for children under 18. Only approved psychotherapists registered with the Luxembourg Ministry of Health are covered — consultations with a psychologist who does not hold a psychotherapy authorisation are not reimbursed by the CNS. A supplementary health insurance can cover all or part of the remaining costs, and in some cases extend coverage to services not covered by the CNS.
Compare supplementary health insurance in Luxembourg
Find the plan that covers your psychotherapy out-of-pocket costs — DKV, CMCM, Foyer medicis and AXA compared as of June 2026.
Compare health insurance plans →Psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist? What the CNS covers (and what it does not)
Understanding who is covered in Luxembourg in 2026 requires distinguishing between three professions that many people confuse. The CNS is very specific on this point: only two professional profiles qualify for reimbursement.
| Professional | Definition | CNS reimbursement — adults | CNS reimbursement — children (<18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | Medical doctor specialising in psychiatry (prescribes medication, makes diagnoses) | 88% (same as all medical specialists) | 100% |
| Approved psychotherapist | Psychologist or doctor with additional training recognised by the Ministry of Health (Law of 14 July 2015) | 70% of the CNS rate (€158.95 as of 01.05.2025) | 100% |
| Psychologist (without psychotherapy authorisation) | Master’s degree in psychology without a psychotherapy authorisation issued by the Ministry of Health | ✗ Not covered | ✗ Not covered |
Source: CNS Luxembourg — June 2026.
The Law of 14 July 2015 created and regulated the psychotherapist profession in Luxembourg. To be approved, a professional must hold a Master’s degree in clinical psychology (or be a doctor) and have completed a state-recognised specialist training in psychotherapy. Before your first session, always ask your practitioner: « Do you have a CNS provider code for psychotherapy sessions? »
In practice, many psychologists working in Luxembourg are also approved psychotherapists. However, this is not automatic: a psychologist without the additional psychotherapy training will not have a CNS provider code, and their sessions will not be reimbursed. Children and teenagers may also be seen at certain approved centres and through the ONE (Office national de l’enfance).
CNS reimbursement for psychotherapy: rates, fees and conditions in 2026
CNS coverage of psychotherapy sessions has been in place since 1 February 2023, following several years of negotiations between the CNS and Fapsylux (the federation of psychotherapist associations in Luxembourg). The official schedule rate, set by grand-ducal regulation, is €158.95 per session of 50 to 60 minutes (as of 01.05.2025 — the rate is reviewed periodically).
| Profile | Official CNS rate | CNS rate | CNS reimbursement | Out-of-pocket cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (≥ 18) | €158.95 | 70% | €111.27 | €47.68/session |
| Child/teenager (< 18) | €158.95 | 100% | €158.95 | €0 |
| Adult — above-schedule fees | Freely set (e.g. €180) | 70% of CNS rate (max.) | €111.27 max. | €68.73+/session |
Source: CNS — Psychotherapist schedule (01.05.2025). Switchr estimates — June 2026.
The conditions for obtaining CNS reimbursement are cumulative. A single missing criterion is enough to exclude coverage:
Medical prescription required
A prescription from your doctor (GP or specialist) is required. Exception: the first 3 SP01 sessions may take place without a prior prescription, provided one is issued within 90 days of the first session.
Psychotherapist approved by the Ministry of Health
The practitioner must have a CNS provider code. This also applies to psychotherapists based in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
In-person sessions only
Psychotherapy teleconsultations are not covered by the CNS. For telemedicine more broadly, see our supplementary health insurance guide for Luxembourg.
Prescription validity period
Treatment must begin within 90 days of the prescription date (unless otherwise stated by the prescribing doctor). After this period, the prescription is no longer valid.
Reimbursement after payment
Coverage operates on a pay-then-claim basis: you pay upfront and submit fee statements to the CNS with your 13-digit national registration number. PID (direct immediate payment) is not available for psychotherapy.
The CNS reimburses on the basis of the official schedule rate. If your psychotherapist charges more than €158.95, the difference remains entirely your responsibility — unless your supplementary health insurance covers above-schedule fees.
SP01, SP02, SP03 nomenclature: how the reimbursed sessions system works
The CNS has structured psychotherapy reimbursement into three categories of sessions, each governed by specific time-based caps. Understanding this nomenclature is essential for planning your treatment and making the most of your coverage.
| CNS code | Session type | Cap | Reference period | Prescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP01 | Introductory psychotherapy (initial assessment) | Max. 3 sessions | Every 5 years | Allowed after the fact (within 90 days) |
| SP02 | Supportive psychotherapy (regular follow-up) | Max. 24 sessions | Every 5 years | Required before the session |
| SP03 | Extended supportive psychotherapy (long-term treatment) | Max. 120 sessions | Every 10 years | Required before each block of 24 |
Source: CNS Luxembourg — Psychotherapist schedule — June 2026.
Maximum total reimbursed: 3 (SP01) + 24 (SP02) + 120 (SP03) = 147 sessions over 10 years. The first prescription covers a maximum of 27 sessions (3 SP01 + 24 SP02). After that, a new prescription is required for each block of 24 SP03 sessions. SP01, SP02 and SP03 codes cannot be combined on the same day.
Practical example: You first see a psychotherapist in March 2026 and your doctor issues a prescription within 90 days — the clock starts from your first session. You have 3 SP01 + 24 SP02 sessions available over the next 5 years, then 120 SP03 sessions over 10 years. A weekly follow-up over one year represents approximately 50 sessions, all within CNS limits.
Psychotherapy out-of-pocket costs in Luxembourg: what a session really costs
The true cost of psychotherapy follow-up in 2026 depends on several factors: session frequency, the fees charged by your therapist, and your supplementary cover. Here is an estimate by profile, based on the official CNS rate.
| Scenario | Session fee | CNS reimbursement | Out-of-pocket/session | Monthly cost (4 sessions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult — CNS rate (€158.95) | €158.95 | €111.27 | €47.68 | ~€190/month |
| Adult — CNS rate + supplementary covering the balance | €158.95 | €111.27 + suppl. | €0 (ideal) | ~€0 net |
| Adult — above-schedule fees (e.g. €180) | €180 | €111.27 (CNS cap) | €68.73 | ~€275/month |
| Child < 18 (CNS rate) | €158.95 | €158.95 | €0 | €0 |
| Adult — non-approved psychologist (outside CNS) | Variable (free rate) | €0 | Full cost | Variable |
Switchr.lu estimates — indicative figures based on the official CNS rate — June 2026.
🔍 Our analysis: The €47.68 per-session cost translates to around €190 per month for weekly therapy — a significant sum over 6 to 12 months. This is precisely where a supplementary health plan with outpatient cover makes a real difference. Over an annual course of 40 sessions, the potential saving exceeds €1,900.
Also worth noting: the CNS offers a supplementary reimbursement (Art. 154bis of the CNS statutes) when your cumulative annual co-payments exceed 2.5% of your previous year’s taxable income. This mechanism can provide meaningful relief for those undertaking intensive long-term psychotherapy.
How supplementary health insurance covers psychotherapy in Luxembourg
A Luxembourg supplementary health insurance plan can assist with your psychotherapy costs in 2026 in two distinct ways:
Covering the CNS co-payment (30% for adults)
Plans with outpatient cover (DKV EASY HEALTH, DKV COMPLETE HEALTH, Foyer medicis confort, AXA OptiSoins depending on the option) reimburse all or part of the CNS co-payment on CNS-recognised psychotherapy sessions. Always check the specific terms of your policy: some plans apply an annual cap on outpatient care.
Covering sessions outside CNS scope or beyond the CNS cap
Some plans include specific cover for consultations with psychologists who are not approved psychotherapists, or cover sessions beyond the CNS cap of 147 sessions per 10 years. CMCM PrestaPlus, for example, covers psychology consultations for children under 18 up to €100/year — an explicit and rare benefit on the Luxembourg market.
CMCM PrestaPlus is the only Luxembourg supplementary insurer to explicitly state in its statutes coverage for psychotherapy follow-up for adults (€40/year, for consultations with a CNS-authorised psychotherapist) and psychological follow-up for children under 18 (€100/year with a psychologist). CMCM is also the only insurer that requires no medical questionnaire at enrolment — a decisive advantage for anyone with a mental health history.
DKV, CMCM, Foyer, AXA compared: psychotherapy cover in 2026
| Insurer | Plan | CNS co-payment for adults (30%) | Non-CNS psychologist | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKV Luxembourg | EASY HEALTH | ✔ Full outpatient cover (includes medical care and CNS-recognised alternative treatments) | To be confirmed with DKV | ✔ CNS 100% + suppl. on any balance |
| DKV Luxembourg | COMPLETE HEALTH | ✔ Full outpatient cover (includes alternative treatments) | To be confirmed with DKV | ✔ |
| DKV Luxembourg | COMPACT HEALTH | ✗ No outpatient cover (hospitalisation, dental and optical only) | ✗ Not included | ⚠ Depending on options |
| CMCM | Régime commun + PrestaPlus | ✔ Up to €40/year (CNS-approved psychotherapist) | ✔ €100/year for children (<18) with a psychologist | ✔ €100/year for child psychology |
| Foyer medicis | confort | ✔ 100% of the CNS co-payment on recognised psychotherapy sessions | ✔ 20% of fees if CNS does not contribute | ✔ CNS 100% |
| AXA Luxembourg | OptiSoins (with outpatient cover) | ✔ Outpatient medical care included depending on option | Alternative treatments subject to conditions — confirm with AXA | ✔ CNS 100% |
Sources: dkv.lu, cmcm.lu, foyer.lu, axa.lu — June 2026. Indicative data — always refer to the general and specific terms of your policy.
🔍 Our analysis: Foyer medicis confort stands out for its particularly clear psychotherapy cover: 100% of the CNS co-payment and even 20% coverage when the CNS does not contribute. CMCM PrestaPlus is the only insurer to publish dedicated named caps — including a children’s psychology benefit unique to the market. Its decisive advantage: no medical questionnaire. However, the €40/year adult cap covers just one session — a regular course of treatment requires broader outpatient cover (DKV EASY HEALTH, COMPLETE HEALTH or Foyer confort). DKV COMPACT HEALTH has no outpatient cover and therefore does not cover psychotherapy.
CMCM PrestaPlus
- No medical questionnaire
- Explicit child psychology cap (€100/year)
- Solidarity-based pricing, universal access
- Limited adult cap (€40/year)
- 3-month waiting period (first enrolment)
DKV EASY HEALTH
- Broad outpatient cover
- BEST CARE⁺ (specialist access within 5 days)
- easyAPP for fast claims
- Medical questionnaire required
- Possible exclusions based on health history
Cross-border workers and psychotherapy: what the CNS covers abroad
Cross-border workers affiliated with the CNS have the same entitlements as Luxembourg residents for psychotherapy coverage. The CNS reimburses sessions carried out in all EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland at the same rates (70% for adults / 100% for children), up to the CNS rate of €158.95.
Practical example: a French cross-border worker seeing a psychotherapist in France who charges €120 will be reimbursed 70% of €120, i.e. €84. If the fee is €180, the CNS will reimburse 70% of €158.95 (the CNS cap), i.e. €111.27 — the remainder is the patient’s responsibility.
Important note for cross-border workers: A French cross-border worker affiliated with the CNS cannot claim CNS reimbursement for sessions carried out in France (their country of residence). The CNS only covers care received in Luxembourg or in an EU/EEA/Swiss country other than the worker’s country of residence. A prescription from a foreign doctor (French, Belgian or German, depending on your country of residence) is however accepted.
How to claim psychotherapy reimbursement in Luxembourg: step by step
CNS reimbursement for psychotherapy sessions works exclusively on a pay-then-claim basis. There is no PID (direct immediate payment) system for psychotherapy — you must pay the full cost upfront and then apply for reimbursement.
Get a medical prescription
See your GP or a specialist to obtain a psychotherapy prescription. For the first 3 SP01 sessions, the prescription can be obtained up to 90 days after the first session. For SP02 and SP03, it must be issued before the sessions take place.
Check your psychotherapist’s status
Make sure your therapist is approved by the Luxembourg Ministry of Health and has a CNS provider code.
Pay for sessions and keep your fee statements
Your psychotherapist will issue a fee statement (paid invoice) after each session or at regular intervals. This document must include your name and 13-digit national registration number.
Submit your file to the CNS
Send the CNS your paid fee statements along with the original prescription (for the first submission). Address: Caisse Nationale de Santé, L-2980 Luxembourg.
Forward the balance to your supplementary insurer
Once the CNS has reimbursed its share, send the CNS settlement statements to your supplementary insurer (DKV, CMCM, Foyer or AXA) to claim the co-payment. DKV offers the easyAPP, Foyer the MyFoyer client portal — check with your insurer for document submission details.
CNS reimbursement is typically processed within a few weeks of receiving a complete file. The CNS has an online personal space where you can track your reimbursements. For cross-border workers, the process is the same — prescriptions issued by a foreign doctor are accepted.
How to choose your supplementary health insurance for psychotherapy coverage
Not all supplementary health insurance plans offer the same level of mental health cover. Here are the key criteria to assess based on your situation.
Check that outpatient cover includes psychotherapy
Some plans cover outpatient care broadly (which inherently includes CNS psychotherapy), while others may exclude certain mental health treatments. Read the general terms carefully or ask your insurer directly. Note: DKV COMPACT HEALTH does not cover outpatient care.
Watch out for waiting periods
CMCM applies a 3-month waiting period for PrestaPlus (first enrolment). DKV waives the waiting period when switching from an equivalent policy held for at least 8 months. If you need immediate cover, ask about waiting period waiver conditions.
Medical questionnaire and exclusions based on health history
DKV, Foyer and AXA require a medical questionnaire at sign-up. A psychiatric or psychological history may lead to specific exclusions. CMCM, a non-profit mutual, requires no medical questionnaire — a decisive advantage for anyone with a mental health background.
Estimate your annual out-of-pocket costs
Weekly therapy amounts to around 50 sessions per year (~€2,384 in CNS co-payments at €47.68/session). Check your plan’s annual outpatient reimbursement cap to make sure it covers your actual situation.
Don’t forget the tax deduction
Your supplementary health insurance premiums are tax-deductible under Article 111 LIR, up to €672 per household member per year. This cap is shared with other deductible insurance premiums (motor liability, home insurance, life insurance, accident/disability cover). DKV, Foyer and AXA provide an annual tax certificate. CMCM issues an annual contribution summary.
Frequently asked questions — Psychologist & Psychotherapy in Luxembourg
Is psychotherapy covered by the CNS in Luxembourg in 2026?
Yes, since 1 February 2023. The CNS reimburses psychotherapy sessions at 70% for adults and 100% for children under 18, based on an official rate of €158.95 per session (as of 01.05.2025). A medical prescription is required, except for the first 3 SP01 sessions (a prescription can be obtained within 90 days of the first session).
What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, the distinction is regulated by the Law of 14 July 2015. A psychologist (Master’s in psychology) cannot bill the CNS without a psychotherapy authorisation. A psychotherapist is a psychologist or doctor with additional state-recognised training — their sessions are reimbursed at 70% (adults) by the CNS. A psychiatrist is a medical specialist, reimbursed at 88% (adults) by the CNS like all medical specialists.
How much does a psychotherapy session cost in Luxembourg after CNS reimbursement?
At the official CNS rate of €158.95 (as of 01.05.2025), the CNS reimburses €111.27 for an adult, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of €47.68 per session — approximately €190/month for weekly therapy. A supplementary health plan with outpatient cover (DKV EASY HEALTH or COMPLETE HEALTH, Foyer medicis confort) can cover all or part of this €47.68. Compare plans →
How many psychotherapy sessions does the CNS cover?
The CNS covers a maximum of 147 sessions over 10 years: 3 SP01 sessions (introductory, every 5 years) + 24 SP02 sessions (supportive, every 5 years) + 120 SP03 sessions (extended supportive, every 10 years). The first prescription covers 27 sessions (SP01 + SP02). A new prescription is required for each subsequent block of 24 SP03 sessions.
Are consultations with a non-approved psychologist reimbursed?
Not by the CNS. The CNS only reimburses sessions with a psychotherapist who has a CNS provider code. However, some supplementary plans provide specific coverage: CMCM PrestaPlus covers psychology consultations for children under 18 up to €100/year. For adults seeing a non-approved psychologist, check the specific terms of each policy.
How do I claim CNS reimbursement for psychotherapy sessions?
There is no PID for psychotherapy: you pay upfront, then send the CNS your paid fee statements (including your 13-digit national registration number) along with the original medical prescription (for the first submission). Address: Caisse Nationale de Santé, L-2980 Luxembourg. Reimbursement is typically processed within a few weeks.
Which supplementary health insurer offers the best psychotherapy cover in Luxembourg?
Based on 2026 policy documents, Foyer medicis confort offers the most explicit psychotherapy cover: 100% of the CNS co-payment, and 20% if the CNS does not contribute. DKV EASY HEALTH and COMPLETE HEALTH provide broad outpatient cover that includes CNS psychotherapy. CMCM PrestaPlus features dedicated caps (€40/year adults, €100/year children) with no medical questionnaire. Compare on switchr.lu →
Can cross-border workers see a psychotherapist abroad and be reimbursed by the CNS?
Yes, in EU, EEA and Swiss countries — but not in the cross-border worker’s country of residence. A French cross-border worker affiliated with the CNS cannot claim reimbursement for sessions in France. They can, however, see a psychotherapist in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg or any other EU/EEA/Swiss country and receive CNS reimbursement at the standard rates. Prescriptions issued by a foreign doctor are accepted.
Is there a waiting period for psychotherapy cover in supplementary health plans?
It depends on the insurer. CMCM PrestaPlus applies a 3-month waiting period (first enrolment). DKV waives the waiting period when switching from an equivalent policy held for at least 8 months. Foyer and AXA apply variable waiting periods depending on the benefit. If you need psychotherapy cover quickly, ask each insurer about waiting period waiver conditions.
Are supplementary health insurance premiums tax-deductible in Luxembourg?
Yes. Under Article 111 LIR, supplementary health insurance premiums are deductible as special expenses, up to €672 per household member per year. This cap is shared with other deductible insurance premiums under Art. 111 LIR (motor liability, home insurance, life/accident/disability cover). DKV, Foyer and AXA provide an annual tax certificate. CMCM issues an annual contribution summary.