Supplementary health insurance for cross-border workers in Luxembourg: how to choose the right cover

Who is considered a cross-border worker in Luxembourg?

Under European legislation, you are considered a cross-border worker if you work in the territory of one Member State while residing in another, returning home, in principle, every day, or at least once a week. And the good news is that your protection starts from day one: if you are a Luxembourg cross-border worker, you are automatically affiliated to the Luxembourg social security system via the Joint Social Security Centre (CCSS) and the National Health Fund (CNS).
 

In practical terms, the CNS becomes your safety net for all treatment received in Luxembourg: doctor, dentist, medicines, hospitalisation. But for it to cover you at home as well, there is one important step not to forget: register with your local health insurance fund (the CPAM in France, for example) using the specific form required (S1, S072 or BL1). This is the key to being properly covered, wherever you are.

Why take out supplementary health insurance when you are a cross-border worker in Luxembourg?

The CNS offers solid protection, but it does not cover everything in full. As a result, part of the costs remains payable by you, the famous patient contribution, which can quickly add up, especially for treatment received in France, where excess fees are common. This is exactly where supplementary health insurance comes in: it takes over for the areas that tend to be the most expensive, such as optical care (glasses, contact lenses), dental care (crowns, implants) and hospitalisation (private room, accommodation costs).
 

How does supplementary health insurance for cross-border workers in Luxembourg work?

It is simple: your health insurance top-up supplements the reimbursements made by your basic social security scheme, whether that is the CNS, CPAM, ONSS or Sociale Sicherung. In practice, you pay for your treatment, send the invoice to the CNS, and receive a reimbursement statement. You then simply send this statement to your supplementary health insurer, which covers the portion provided for under your policy.
 

What cover should you choose for your supplementary health insurance?

To make sure you are properly protected day to day, here are the key areas to look at closely:

• Routine care: comprehensive cover for your consultations (GP, specialist) and your laboratory tests.
• Hospitalisation: a solid lump sum to ensure you have a private room and greater comfort if the unexpected happens.
• Optical and dental care: higher reimbursement limits for your glasses and contact lenses, as well as for more expensive dental care such as implants or orthodontics.
• Complementary therapies: financial support for sessions such as osteopathy, psychology or physiotherapy.
   

How much does supplementary health insurance for cross-border workers in Luxembourg cost?

It is difficult to give a single figure: it all depends on your profile and your needs. As a rule, expect to pay between 30 and 60 euros per month for an individual plan, and between 80 and 150 euros (or even more) for premium cover or a comprehensive family policy. Three criteria affect the price: your age, the level of protection chosen and the composition of your household.
 

How do you choose the right supplementary health insurance?

To make the best choice for your supplementary health insurance, consider the following points: 

• Identify your main healthcare spending areas.
• Analyse the reimbursements already provided by the CNS and your health insurance fund in your country of residence. 
• Compare several offers.
• Check the reimbursement limits.
• Review exclusions and any waiting periods.
• Take into account the needs of your whole family.
• Assess the balance between the cost of the contribution and the expected reimbursements.
• Read the general terms and conditions carefully before signing.