Senior Health Insurance in Luxembourg: Complete Guide 2026
In retirement in Luxembourg, the CNS maintains cover at 88% of the agreed tariffs for pensioners — the same rate as for working adults — but healthcare needs grow with age, and the costs not reimbursed (private room, dental prostheses, glasses, hearing aids, alternative medicine) add up quickly. A well-chosen supplementary health insurance can effectively fill those gaps, provided you select the right provider for your profile. This Switchr guide analyses the four main players in the Luxembourg market — CMCM, DKV, Foyer medicis and AXA OptiSoins — to help you make the most informed choice in 2026.
Compare senior health insurance plans in Luxembourg
Find the plan best suited to your retirement profile from CMCM, DKV, Foyer medicis and AXA OptiSoins.
Compare health insurance plans →CNS in retirement: what stays the same, what changes
Good news for retirees in Luxembourg: enrolment in the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS) is automatically maintained as soon as you receive a Luxembourg old-age pension. Unlike the situation in some neighbouring countries, no special steps are needed to keep your compulsory health cover.
The reimbursement rate remains the same as during your working life: 88% of the agreed tariffs for adults. Health contributions are deducted directly from your pension by the CCSS. Co-insured dependants (a spouse with no income of their own) remain covered at no additional cost.
CNS and retirement abroad: if you receive a Luxembourg pension but live in another EU country (France, Belgium, Germany…), your CNS enrolment is maintained under European coordination rules (EC Regulation No 883/2004). Healthcare costs in your country of residence are reimbursed on the basis of CNS tariffs. Check the territorial scope of your supplementary insurance contract with your insurer.
What does not change in retirement is the structural out-of-pocket cost built into the Luxembourg system: 12% on consultations, the vast majority of dental prostheses outside the CNS schedule, corrective lenses above the CNS ceiling (~€49), hearing aids only partially covered, and above all the private hospital room — never reimbursed by the CNS. For a senior who visits the doctor more frequently and whose health requires more care, these costs mount up quickly.
| Treatment / service | CNS adult rate | Estimated out-of-pocket | Role of supplementary insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP consultation | 88% | ~€7 | Covers the remaining 12% |
| Specialist consultation | 88% | €5–11 + any excess fees | Excess fees covered |
| Private hospital room (1st class) | Not covered by CNS | Full cost | Fully covered with hospi+ plan |
| Dental prosthesis (crown, bridge) | Partial, per schedule | High (outside CNS schedule) | Top-up reimbursement up to plan ceiling |
| Progressive lenses (~€200–500) | Ceiling ~€49 | €150–450 | Top-up to plan ceiling |
| Hearing aid | Partial | Very high (often €1,000+ per ear) | Reimbursement depends on plan |
| Physiotherapy | 70% (agreed tariff) | ~30% + any excess fees | Covers the remaining 30% |
| Osteopathy / acupuncture | Not covered by CNS | €60–120 / session | Covered if included in the plan |
Source: cns.public.lu — agreed tariffs and reimbursement rates 2026.
Key healthcare needs after 60 in Luxembourg
Healthcare spending patterns change significantly with age. A Luxembourg retiree aged 65–75 has very different needs from a 35-year-old in work. Our Switchr analysis identifies five priority spending areas to cover in 2026.
Dental: prostheses, implants and crowns
After 60, replacing missing teeth becomes increasingly common. The CNS reimburses 88% of routine dental care, but complex prostheses and implants remain only partially covered or not covered at all. A bridge can cost €800–2,000; a single implant €1,500–2,500. Dental cover is the top selection criterion for a senior supplementary plan. See our dental insurance guide.
Optical: progressive lenses and regular check-ups
Age-related vision problems (presbyopia, AMD, glaucoma) make renewing progressive lenses almost inevitable. Yet the CNS ceiling for corrective lenses is only ~€49 — far short of the €200–500 that quality progressive lenses typically cost. Optical cover is therefore essential for seniors.
Hearing aids: an often underestimated cost
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) affects around one third of people over 65. A properly fitted hearing aid can cost several thousand euros per ear in Luxembourg. The CNS covers part of the cost of approved audiological prostheses, but the remaining out-of-pocket amount is often very substantial.
Private hospital room and free choice of consultant
With age, planned hospital stays (orthopaedic, cardiac, urological surgery) become more likely. A private room and the choice of consultant surgeon are never reimbursed by the CNS. First-class hospitalisation cover is a cornerstone of any senior supplementary plan. See our hospitalisation insurance guide.
Alternative medicine and physiotherapy
Osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture are widely used by seniors to manage joint pain (osteoarthritis, lower back pain). However, the CNS does not reimburse osteopathy or acupuncture at all. Without supplementary insurance, each session costs €60–120 entirely out of pocket. See our alternative medicine guide.
Among our users aged 60 and over, we observe significantly higher supplementary health insurance quotes compared to younger Switchr users. Monthly premiums can easily exceed €100 for standard coverage with Luxembourg insurers (DKV, Foyer, AXA, CMCM, etc.). They can reach close to €200/month for comprehensive cover (dental, optical, hearing, etc.). These higher prices reflect the fact that healthcare expenditure increases with age. It is therefore advisable to take out supplementary health insurance as early as possible in order to lock in the same monthly premium for life.
Comparison of senior health insurance plans in Luxembourg 2026
The Luxembourg supplementary health insurance market offers four main players for resident seniors: CMCM (mutual insurer, no medical questionnaire, no age limit), DKV Luxembourg (private insurer, maximum entry age of 70 under tariff AT 1), Foyer medicis and AXA OptiSoins. The table below compares the key elements for a senior profile.
| Insurer | Recommended plan | Medical questionnaire | Age limit | Key senior strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CMCM RC + PrestaPlus + Denta & OptiPlus |
1st-class hospitalisation, dental, optical, alternative medicine | ❌ No | No age limit | Mutual solidarity model, dependants covered at no extra cost, CMCM app |
DKV EASY HEALTH (+ BEST CARE⁺ option) |
1st-class hospitalisation, dental, optical up to €500/2 yrs, alternative medicine, daily allowance €30/day | ✅ Yes | 70 (tariff AT 1) | BEST CARE⁺ (specialist within 5 days, optional), full European coverage |
Foyer medicis medicis confort |
1st-class hospitalisation, routine care 100%, dental (prostheses included), optical up to €200/2 yrs, alternatives 80% up to €1,000/yr | ✅ Yes | Check with Foyer | Actual-cost reimbursement, free choice of hospital in EU, MyFoyer app |
AXA OptiSoins Privilège |
1st-class hospitalisation, dental (implants up to €800/tooth), optical up to €700/2 yrs, alternatives up to €700/yr | ✅ Yes | Check with AXA | Care services during hospitalisation, Europe + worldwide cover (60 days), MyAXA app |
Sources: official brochures from CMCM, DKV, Foyer and AXA — reviewed June 2026. Exact conditions and premiums are personalised: request a quote tailored to your situation.
Pricing and medical selection: with private insurers (DKV, Foyer, AXA), premiums increase with age and are subject to a medical questionnaire. Any pre-existing condition (diabetes, heart disease, cancer…) may result in a premium loading, an exclusion of cover, or even a refusal of insurance. If you are refused, CMCM remains accessible with no health conditions and no age limit — that is its fundamental mutual advantage.
Compare the senior plans available in Luxembourg and find the one best suited to your profile.
Compare health insurance plans →CMCM: the solidarity advantage for Luxembourg retirees
The CMCM (Caisse Médico-Complémentaire Mutualiste), founded in 1956, is Luxembourg’s leading mutual insurer with approximately 280,000 members. For seniors, it offers structural advantages in terms of accessibility that no private insurer can match.
No medical questionnaire, no age limit. Are you 75, have type 2 diabetes and a hip replacement? CMCM will accept you without conditions at the same rates as any other member in your age bracket. This is the fundamental principle of mutual insurance: solidarity takes precedence over risk selection. Family members (co-insured dependants) enjoy the same cover at no extra cost.
The full package recommended for a Luxembourg retiree combines three levels of protection:
| CMCM plan | What it covers (key points) | For seniors |
|---|---|---|
Régime Commun Basic cover — included automatically |
Hospitalisation and medical fees (private room for major procedures), physiotherapy, alternative medicine (osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, laser therapy — €50/session, max €100/yr), routine dental care, prostheses (50% of shortfall, max €1,000), CNS-approved hearing aids (max €400/device), CMCM-Assistance 24/7 (hospitalisation up to €100,000/incident, unlimited repatriation, emergencies €2,500/yr/member), holiday cancellation cover | ✓ Essential — the foundation of all cover |
PrestaPlus Optional cover |
1st-class private room for minor/moderate procedures, childbirth and non-surgical stays. Ambulance transport (max €150/yr if CNS-approved, max €100 for one non-approved trip). Alternative medicine: €50/session, max additional €100/yr (up to €200/yr combined). Orthopaedic insoles, Lipoedema Stage II (max €2,000/yr). | ✓ Priority for seniors — private room |
Denta & OptiPlus Requires RC + PrestaPlus |
Dental treatments up to €1,000/yr/member, adult orthodontics (€2,000 one-off) and children’s, dental prostheses (crowns €450, bridge elements €450, skeletal bases €450, resin plate €200) — ceiling €3,500/member/yr, implants €500/implant (max €2,000/yr), corrective lenses (max €150/yr), frames (max €30/yr), contact lenses (max €150/yr), refractive surgery (max €1,000/eye) | ✓ Essential for seniors — dental and optical |
Source: CMCM — Benefits brochure, statutes. The amounts shown are reimbursement ceilings per member per calendar year under the current statutes.
CMCM waiting periods: for a first enrolment, the waiting period is 3 months for the Régime Commun, PrestaPlus and Denta & OptiPlus. CMCM-Assistance (overseas emergencies, repatriation) has no waiting period. If you re-join after a gap in membership, longer waiting periods may apply. CMCM cancellation must be submitted before 31 December by recorded post. If you are planning major dental work, join as early as possible and do not let your membership lapse.
DKV Luxembourg: premium cover with an age limit to note
DKV Luxembourg, a member of the LALUX Group, offers a range of high-end private supplementary health plans. For seniors looking for a high level of cover and still able to complete a medical questionnaire, DKV is a serious option.
DKV age limit: 70 for tariff AT 1: DKV’s general conditions set a maximum entry age of 70 for tariff AT 1 (applicable to COMPACT HEALTH, PLUS HEALTH and EASY HEALTH). Beyond 70, taking out a first DKV supplementary plan under these tariffs is no longer possible. However, if you were already insured with DKV before the age of 70, your contract continues without any age restriction. If you are over 70 with no existing supplementary cover, CMCM remains accessible without medical conditions.
For a retiree aged 60–70 in good health, the EASY HEALTH plan offers the most comprehensive level of cover in the DKV range:
1st-class hospitalisation across Europe
Private room, consultant’s fees, free choice of hospital in Luxembourg and throughout the EU. Daily hospitalisation allowance of €30/day (€20/day for COMPACT HEALTH). Medically equipped transport included.
Dental care and orthodontics
Cover for dental treatments, prostheses and crowns even when the CNS does not contribute. Orthodontics included for diagnoses established before the age of 17. A major advantage for retirees requiring prosthetic work.
Visual aids up to €500 every 2 years
EASY HEALTH and PLUS HEALTH reimburse lenses and frames up to €500 every two years — far above the CNS ceiling (~€49 for lenses). COMPACT HEALTH is capped at €250/2 years. Refractive surgery (laser) is covered under EASY HEALTH up to €3,000.
Alternative treatments
EASY HEALTH includes cover for alternative treatments (osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and equivalents) — a growing expense after 60 for managing chronic joint pain. Refractive surgery (laser) is reimbursed up to €3,000 under EASY HEALTH — not available under COMPACT HEALTH.
BEST CARE⁺: fast specialist access (optional)
Available as an option on EASY HEALTH, BEST CARE⁺ guarantees a specialist appointment within 5 working days and an international second medical opinion — particularly valuable when facing complex diagnoses (cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics). Reimbursements are processed via the easyAPP application.
DKV geographical coverage: the policy covers the whole of Europe. During the first month of a trip abroad, cover also applies outside Europe. If you were covered by equivalent insurance for at least 8 months before joining DKV Luxembourg, waiting periods may be waived — useful for retirees transferring their supplementary cover to Luxembourg.
Foyer medicis and AXA OptiSoins: the senior alternatives
Foyer and AXA Luxembourg round out the supplementary health insurance landscape for retirees.
Foyer medicis confort
- 1st-class hospitalisation (private room), free choice of hospital throughout the EU
- Medical treatments: 100% of the CNS shortfall (20% when CNS does not contribute)
- Dental care 100% on top of CNS, prostheses and implants 100% / 50% depending on CNS contribution
- Lenses and contact lenses 100% up to €200/2 yrs, frames €50/2 yrs, refractive surgery up to €1,000
- Alternative therapies: 80% up to €1,000/yr (naturopath, osteopath, chiropractor, traditional Chinese medicine)
- Second medical opinion via Best Doctors network (over 50,000 specialists)
- 24/7 assistance on +352 437 43 43
- MyFoyer app for online reimbursements
- Medical questionnaire required at subscription
- Age conditions: check directly with Foyer
AXA OptiSoins Privilège
- 1st-class hospitalisation (private room + companion)
- Routine care, dental, physiotherapy, psychotherapy (prior approval required)
- Optical: lenses and frames up to €700/2 yrs
- Implants and crowns: up to €800/tooth (prior approval required)
- Alternative medicine: up to €700/yr (osteopath, chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath)
- Europe + worldwide cover (temporary stays up to 60 days)
- Included services: childcare, home help, essential goods delivery, pet sitting — during and after hospitalisation
- MyAXA app for reimbursement requests
- Medical questionnaire required at subscription
- Prior approval required for certain reimbursements (hospitalisation, prostheses)
- Minimum initial term of 2 years
Long-term care in Luxembourg: what health insurance doesn’t cover
A crucial point that is often misunderstood by Luxembourg seniors: supplementary health insurance is not long-term care insurance. These two arrangements are complementary but distinct. Luxembourg has a compulsory long-term care insurance scheme managed by the CNS, funded by a contribution of 1.4% on all income (wages and pensions).
Luxembourg’s long-term care insurance covers the costs of assistance and care for essential daily activities (personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility, dressing) when a person needs at least 3.5 hours of help per week on an ongoing basis. It applies whether the person is at home or in a residential facility (CIPA — Centre Intégré pour Personnes Âgées). Applications are submitted to the CNS, which forwards the file to the Administration d’évaluation et de contrôle (AEC).
What long-term care insurance does not fund: it covers care and assistance but not the accommodation costs (room rental, food, hotel-style services) in a residential facility. These costs remain entirely the responsibility of the elderly person or their family, and can be very substantial in a Luxembourg CIPA. Supplementary health insurance covers part of the medical costs in a care facility, but not the accommodation costs. A retirement savings plan or pension provision contract may be advisable to prepare for this potential financial burden.
Technical aids (wheelchair, hospital bed) and home adaptations are also covered by long-term care insurance on the recommendation of the AEC. In summary, for a Luxembourg senior, optimal protection rests on three layers: CNS health insurance (compulsory), supplementary health insurance (voluntary, for out-of-pocket medical costs), and long-term care insurance (compulsory, for extended care needs). A fourth layer — retirement savings or pension provision — can help cover accommodation costs in a CIPA.
How to choose your supplementary health insurance after 60
Choosing supplementary health insurance after 60 in Luxembourg requires a personalised approach. Here is the Switchr method for selecting the plan best suited to your situation in 2026.
Assess your current health
If you have chronic conditions (diabetes, heart failure, treated cancer…), the medical selection applied by private insurers may close doors or result in premium loadings. In this case, CMCM is often the best solution: guaranteed access with no medical questionnaire, same rates for everyone in your age bracket. If you are in good health, you can freely compare all available options.
Identify your priority spending areas
Dental prostheses on the horizon? Progressive lenses due for renewal? Hearing aids being considered? Planned hospital stays? Depending on your specific needs, some plans will suit you far better than others. Always check the reimbursement ceilings in euros for each item — not just the percentage rates. See our CNS reimbursements guide.
Check waiting periods
If you are planning significant treatment in the near term (tooth extraction, prosthesis, cataract surgery), waiting periods are a critical factor. At CMCM, they are 3 months for a first enrolment. With DKV, the waiting period may be waived if you were covered by equivalent insurance for at least 8 months beforehand.
Compare the cover-to-premium ratio
A higher monthly premium does not necessarily mean better cover for your specific profile. Estimate your expected annual reimbursement on your priority items and compare it with the annual premium. Use our Switchr comparison tool to get estimates across the available plans.
Act early — don’t wait
The longer you wait, the higher the premiums with private insurers. Waiting until your health deteriorates may also make you ineligible. Ideally, subscribe before the age of 65 to benefit from more favourable rates. Beyond 70, only CMCM remains accessible without medical conditions (DKV closes enrolment under tariff AT 1 at age 70).
Mutual insurer (CMCM) vs private insurer (DKV, Foyer, AXA): mutual insurers apply solidarity — same rates for everyone in the age bracket, no medical exclusions. Private insurers practise risk selection — premium based on health status, possibility of refusal. To explore this further, see our health insurance coverage guide.
Tax deduction on supplementary health insurance: a benefit for retirees too
Good news for Luxembourg retirees: supplementary health insurance premiums remain tax-deductible in retirement. Article 111 of the LIR (Income Tax Act) allows supplementary health insurance premiums to be deducted as special expenses, up to a ceiling of €672 per person per year. This ceiling is shared with other eligible insurance premiums (motor third-party liability, mortgage protection).
In practice, for a retiree whose annual premium exceeds €672, the full ceiling is deductible. For a retiree taxed at between 25% and 35%, this represents a tax saving of €168 to €235 per year. If the annual premium is below €672 (shared with other eligible premiums), the actual amount paid is deductible. All relevant insurers automatically provide the documentation needed for your tax return:
- DKV Luxembourg: tax certificate (Art. 111 LIR) available via the easyAPP application at the start of the year
- CMCM: annual summary of contributions provided on request for your tax return
- Foyer medicis: premium deductible under Art. 111 LIR; certificate provided by your agent
- AXA OptiSoins: premium deductible under Art. 111 LIR; certificate available in your MyAXA online account
One further point: the CNS complementary reimbursement may benefit retirees whose annual out-of-pocket costs exceed a certain threshold. If you reach that threshold, you can apply for a supplementary reimbursement directly from the CNS. Check cns.public.lu for the current conditions in 2026.
Frequently asked questions: senior health insurance in Luxembourg
Does the CNS continue to cover me after I retire in Luxembourg?
Yes, CNS enrolment is maintained automatically in retirement as soon as you receive a Luxembourg old-age pension. The reimbursement rate remains 88% of agreed tariffs for adults. Health contributions are deducted directly from your pension by the CCSS. If you live in another EU country while receiving a Luxembourg pension, European coordination rules (Regulation 883/2004) apply.
Can you take out supplementary health insurance after the age of 70 in Luxembourg?
Yes, through CMCM, which imposes no age limit on enrolment and requires no medical questionnaire. DKV Luxembourg, however, caps enrolment under its AT 1 tariff (COMPACT HEALTH, PLUS HEALTH, EASY HEALTH) at 70 years of age. Foyer and AXA have their own age conditions — check directly with them. For a senior over 70 who has no existing supplementary cover, CMCM is generally the most accessible option, with no medical conditions and no age limit.
Does CMCM really accept seniors without a medical questionnaire?
Yes, this is the fundamental mutual principle of CMCM: no medical questionnaire, no health-based selection, no age limit on enrolment. All members in the same age bracket pay the same contribution regardless of their medical condition. This is the essential difference from private insurers such as DKV, Foyer or AXA. Co-insured family members enjoy the same cover at no extra cost.
What waiting periods apply at CMCM for a senior joining for the first time?
For a first enrolment at CMCM, the waiting period is 3 months for the Régime Commun, PrestaPlus and Denta & OptiPlus. CMCM-Assistance (overseas medical assistance, repatriation) has no waiting period. If you re-join after a lapse in membership, longer waiting periods may apply. It is therefore essential not to let your membership lapse once you have joined.
What dental reimbursements can you expect from CMCM as a senior in Luxembourg?
With the Denta & OptiPlus cover (which requires the Régime Commun + PrestaPlus), CMCM reimburses dental prostheses as follows: crowns, pivot teeth and bridge elements €450 each; dental implants €500/implant (annual ceiling €2,000/member); removable skeletal-base prostheses €450, resin plates €200. The overall annual ceiling for dental prostheses is €3,500/member. Conservative treatments (mouthguard, inlay, periodontal treatment, pulpectomy…) are reimbursed up to €1,000/yr/member. See our dental insurance guide for full details.
How does long-term care insurance work in Luxembourg for elderly people?
Luxembourg’s long-term care insurance is a compulsory scheme separate from the CNS, funded by a 1.4% contribution on all income. It covers care and assistance costs for people who need more than 3.5 hours of help per week on a sustained basis. Applications are submitted to the CNS, which forwards them to the AEC for assessment. Important: accommodation costs (room, board) in a CIPA remain entirely the responsibility of the resident. Supplementary health insurance does not cover these accommodation costs.
Is the supplementary health insurance premium tax-deductible for retirees?
Yes. Article 111 of the LIR allows supplementary health insurance premiums to be deducted as special expenses, even for retirees. The ceiling is €672 per person per year (shared with other eligible insurance premiums such as motor liability). DKV, CMCM, Foyer and AXA all provide the documentation needed for your annual tax return.
Can a retiree living in France take out a Luxembourg supplementary health plan?
It depends on your health insurance enrolment. If you receive exclusively Luxembourg pension income and live in France, you remain in principle enrolled with the CNS (European coordination rules). In that case, you can in principle take out a supplementary plan with a Luxembourg insurer (DKV, CMCM, Foyer, AXA). If you have a mixed career and are enrolled for health insurance in France, you will need to find a plan suited to your French scheme. Check your exact situation with the CNS and see our guide on health insurance for cross-border workers.
How do you cancel a senior supplementary health plan in Luxembourg?
Cancellation follows the rules of the Luxembourg law of 27 July 1997 on insurance contracts. For CMCM, cancellation must be submitted before 31 December by recorded post. For DKV and Foyer, the notice period is 30 days before the annual renewal date; note that DKV imposes a minimum non-cancellable initial term of 2 years. For AXA OptiSoins, the contract runs for an initial 2-year term, then renews annually by tacit agreement (30 days’ notice before renewal). Cancellation is also possible within 60 days of an unjustified premium increase for all insurers. Before cancelling, make sure you have taken out new cover to avoid any gap — waiting periods restart from scratch when you join a new plan.
What is the difference between CMCM and DKV for a Luxembourg senior?
The fundamental difference is this: CMCM is a mutual insurer — it operates on solidarity principles, with no medical questionnaire, no age limit, and the same rates for all members in an age bracket. DKV is a private insurer — it practises risk selection (mandatory medical questionnaire, premiums based on health status) and caps enrolment at 70 under its standard tariffs. In terms of reimbursement ceilings, DKV EASY HEALTH can offer high amounts on certain items (optical €500/2 yrs, specialist access in 5 days via BEST CARE⁺ option). Foyer and AXA Privilège also offer competitive ceilings — notably AXA with €700/2 yrs on optical. For healthy seniors under 70, several options are worth comparing. For seniors with health histories or over 70, CMCM is often the only genuinely accessible choice.