Children’s Healthcare in Luxembourg — A Simple Guide for Parents

Luxembourg has an excellent healthcare system, and that’s something many families really appreciate. That said, it works a little differently from what you might be used to. In most cases, you pay first and get reimbursed later — which can feel confusing at the beginning. But once you understand how it works, everything becomes much easier (and you avoid unnecessary stress and extra costs).

The system is managed by Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS): https://cns.public.lu

It’s worth saving this link — you’ll likely use it often.

When Your Child Is Sick — What To Do

If your child isn’t feeling well, the first step is simple:

Start with your pediatrician

If you already have one, call them first.

If not, it’s a good idea to register with a pediatrician in advance — not only when something urgent happens.

What happens next?

In most cases:

• You receive an invoice

• You pay it upfront

• You keep the proof of payment

This is important — don’t lose the documents.

Getting reimbursed

To get your money back, you’ll need to submit:

-The invoice

- Proof of payment

- Prescription (if applicable)

You can find the details here:https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements

A helpful tip: try to submit everything within the same month.You technically have more time, but doing it early keeps things simple.

Seeing a Specialist — What Many Parents Don’t Know

This is where many families (especially expats) lose money without realizing it.

Before booking a specialist, always ask your pediatrician:

“Do I need a referral for reimbursement?”

Some common specialists where this matters:

• Dermatologist

• Orthopedist

• Physiotherapist

• Speech therapist

• Psychologist / Psychiatrist

• Allergist

Without a referral, reimbursement may be lower.

When in doubt — just ask. It makes a big difference.

Glasses for Children — What’s Covered?

Many parents are surprised to learn that children’s glasses are partially reimbursed.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1 — Get a proper prescription

Make sure it’s a medical prescription (not just an optician test).

Step 2 — Buy the glasses

Keep a detailed invoice showing: Frames, Lenses and Prescription reference

Step 3 — Submit to CNS

Children are usually eligible for reimbursement at regular intervals — but if your child needs a new pair quickly, it’s worth checking first.

More Information: https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/aides-visuelles.html

Dentist & Braces — Plan Ahead

Basic dental care (check-ups, fillings) is generally reimbursed.

But orthodontics (braces) works differently.

If you think your child may need braces:

Start early

Book an evaluation in advance — it gives you more time to plan.

Check the process

Reimbursement often requires:

-An approved treatment plan-Specific documentation-Medical justification

Important: Don’t start treatment before confirming what’s required.

More Information: https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-medicales/medecins-dentistes.html

What about insurance?

If you have complementary insurance, check:

• What percentage is covered

• If there’s a waiting period

• Annual limits

Many families assume things are covered — and only discover the limits later.

Vaccinations & Preventive Care

Vaccination in Luxembourg follows a clear national schedule designed to protect children from an early age. The program is managed by the Ministry of Health, and all recommended vaccines are free of charge.

Vaccinations usually start at around 2 months old and continue throughout childhood, protecting against important diseases like measles, meningitis, polio, and more.

How it works in practice:

• Your pediatrician will guide you at each visit

• You’ll receive reminders during regular check-ups

• All vaccines are recorded in your child’s health booklet

What you need to do:

-Keep regular pediatric appointments

-Bring your child’s vaccination record

-Follow the recommended schedule

Vaccines are not mandatory in Luxembourg, but they are strongly recommended and widely followed. If you’re ever unsure, your pediatrician will guide you — you don’t need to figure it all out on your own.

You can find official information here: https://santesecu.public.lu/en/espace-citoyen/departement-sante/vaccination.html

In Case of Emergency

If it’s an emergency, call: 112

Pediatric emergencies

If your child becomes seriously ill, you can go to a pediatric medical centre or, if necessary, directly to the pediatric emergency department.

Both services are located at the KannerKlinik, within the Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg (CHL). When you arrive, go to reception — a triage nurse will assess the situation and guide you to the appropriate service.

• Pediatric emergency department: open 24/7

• Pediatric medical centre (CHL):

  • Monday to Friday: 7pm – 10pm

  • Weekends & public holidays: 9am – 9pm

There is also the Pediatric Polyclinic at Kirchberg Hospital, open every day from 8am to 8pm.

Pediatric emergency services in Luxembourg treat children from birth up to 15 years old.

Do You Need Complementary Insurance?

Many families choose it for:

• Private hospital rooms

• Dental and orthodontics

• Glasses

• Additional therapies

Before signing (or renewing), take a moment to check:

-What you pay yearly

-What is actually reimbursed

-Any limits or waiting periods

A quick yearly review can save you money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are small things that can make a big difference:

-Seeing a specialist without checking referral

-Forgetting to submit invoices

-Missing orthodontic approval steps

-Assuming glasses aren’t reimbursed

-Keeping outdated insurance-Losing documents

A bit of organization goes a long way.

Healthcare in Luxembourg is reliable, well-structured, and offers great support for families — but it does require a bit of organization, especially when it comes to payments and reimbursements.

The system may feel unfamiliar at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to navigate day-to-day.

You don’t need to know every detail — just focus on a few simple habits:

-Ask questions when you’re unsure

-Keep all your medical documents and invoices

-Submit reimbursements regularly

- Stay a little organized

With time, these small habits become part of your routine — helping you avoid delays, reduce unnecessary costs, and feel more confident managing your child’s healthcare.