Updated on
19/12/2024
Contribution - Illness (Healthcare)
What is the health fund? — The health fund refers to a health insurance fund that manages and reimburses healthcare costs, such as medical consultations, hospital stays, and prescriptions. In Luxembourg, this system ensures that residents have access to healthcare services while offering reimbursement for eligible treatments and expenses.
Who is eligible? — All residents of Luxembourg, as well as cross-border workers, are required to register with the CNS or other Caisse maladie. Self-employed individuals must also contribute.
What medical expenses are covered? — The Caisse maladie covers a wide range of medical expenses, including general healthcare visits, hospital stays, prescribed medication, dental care, and specialist consultations. Certain additional treatments may require pre-authorization.
What is the contribution for illness (healthcare)? — The term "contribution for illness (healthcare)" refers to the mandatory health insurance contributions that employees, employers, and self-employed individuals in Luxembourg must pay. These contributions fund the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS), which provides healthcare coverage for residents and cross-border workers.
Who is required to pay contributions? — In Luxembourg, both employees and employers are required to contribute to the CNS through payroll deductions. Self-employed individuals must pay contributions based on their declared income, contributing directly to the CNS for their health coverage. The rates remain the same, but the contribution process differs as they handle payments themselves.
How much is deducted from my salary for health insurance? — The contribution rate for health insurance in Luxembourg is typically 5.6% of the gross salary. This is split equally between the employee and the employer, meaning each pays 2.8% of the employee's gross salary and reported in monthly payroll documentation.
How are contributions calculated? — Contributions are calculated based on the employee's gross income and are automatically deducted from the monthly salary. These contributions are then transferred to the CNS by the employer.
Are there any contribution limits? — There is a ceiling on contributions, meaning that only salaries up to a certain limit are subject to the 5.6% rate. Any income above this threshold is not subject to additional health insurance contributions.
Do contributions cover all medical expenses? — The contributions contribute to a system that covers essential healthcare costs, such as general practitioner visits, hospital stays, and prescribed medication. However, certain treatments or services may only be partially reimbursed, and supplementary health insurance might be needed for full coverage.
What is the difference between "healthcare" and "cash benefits" contributions?
- Contribution for illness (healthcare) covers medical expenses like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
- Contribution for illness (cash benefits) funds cash benefits that compensate employees who are unable to work due to illness or other reasons like maternity leave.