Dental prosthesis reimbursement in Luxembourg: How does it work?
Over time, it's only natural for our teeth to wear down, become brittle and sometimes even fall out. Fortunately, with the help of dental prostheses, you can regain a radiant smile. But how are these dental prostheses reimbursed by Luxembourg’s National Health Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS))? Do you need supplementary health insurance to cover these costs and avoid high out-of-pocket expenses? We tell you all there is to know to face this step with confidence.
How are dental prostheses reimbursed in Luxembourg?
Dental prostheses can represent a substantial investment, with an initial outlay of around €1,600, which can rise depending on the type of prosthesis, the dentist chosen and the quality of materials used.
The different types of dental prosthesis covered by the CNS
- Removable prosthesis - This prosthesis, which may be total or partial, can be removed at any time, when brushing your teeth for example. It is practical and flexible, but may be less stable than a fixed prosthesis.
- Fixed prosthesis (bridgework) - Permanently fixed to one or more teeth, it offers superior stability and a natural appearance. Although more expensive, it's a long-lasting option for your dental health.
How much of the cost of a dental prosthesis is covered?
When calculating the reimbursement, the National Health Fund (CNS) covers 80% of the government-regulated rates for dental prostheses. This rate can even be as high as 100% if you have consulted a dentist for a preventive check-up every year for the past two years.
Important! Temporary dental prostheses are only reimbursed if they are deemed essential by the Social Security Medical Control Board (CMSS), and if your chewing capacity is less than 50%.
How is the reimbursement of a dental prosthesis calculated?
Marianne is due to have a total removable prosthesis fitted. Below is a simulation of her out-of-pocket expenses, after reimbursement by the CNS and AXA thanks to her OptiSoins* supplementary health insurance.
*Active package
Jean needs to have a fixed dental prosthesis fitted. Below is a simulation of his out-of-pocket expenses, after reimbursement by the CNS and AXA thanks to his OptiSoins* supplementary health insurance.
*Active package
What is the renewal period for dental prostheses applied by the CNS?
For the reimbursement of dental prostheses, the renewal period differs according to the type of prosthesis:
- Removable prosthesis - Renewable every 5 years.
- Fixed prosthesis (bridgework) - Renewable every 12 years, with some exceptions.
A step-by-step guide to dental prosthesis reimbursement:
- Quotation: You or your dentist submit(s) a quote to the CNS for approval.
- Control: The CNS checks that the administrative paperwork is in order and submits it to the CMSS for a medical opinion.
- Approval: If the opinion is favourable, the CNS returns the quotation stamped with its approval, specifying the exact reimbursed amount.
- Reimbursement: After receiving treatment, you will need to send the receipted invoice and quotation to the CNS to obtain your reimbursement.
Tip: You don't need to affix a stamp on your envelope if you send your documents from a post office in Luxembourg. And don't forget your national identification number and bank details if it's your first time!
When does my supplementary health insurance come into play? Do I really need it?
Supplementary health insurance covers some of the costs not covered by the CNS. It may also offer additional benefits, such as reimbursement of certain types of dental prostheses, or more favourable conditions for dental prosthesis renewal than those offered by the CNS.
The benefits of supplementary health insurance:
- Extensive coverage: Supplementary health insurance may reimburse expenses in excess of the ceiling set by the CNS.
- Seek dental treatment with complete peace of mind: With supplementary health insurance, you can choose the best practitioner to treat you without worrying about costs and possible fee overruns.
How to pick a supplementary health insurance?
When selecting supplementary health insurance, it's important to compare offers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
- The premiums charged.
- The proposed level of coverage.
- The reimbursement conditions.
- The waiting periods.
With AXA's OptiSoins health insurance, you're choosing a supplementary health insurance that comes with a wide range of benefits. To avoid unpleasant surprises, compare the benefits on offer and discover the added perks of AXA's health insurance.
For example, when it comes to reimbursing your dental prostheses, even the basic Active package covers the costs of prosthetic treatment, including fixed or removable dental prostheses, repairs, dentist fees, equipment and laboratory costs, as well as the preliminary measures before the fitting of prostheses, up to a maximum of 80% of the actual costs incurred minus the amount of the statutory health insurance benefits.
Useful address:
CAISSE NATIONALE DE SANTE
SERVICE REMBOURSEMENTS
L-2980 Luxembourg
