Luxembourg is one of the three countries in the Benelux region, a popular area for expatriates who may require medical insurance abroad – indeed, this region provides a base for the European Union government departments as well as many European Corporate headquarters including Shell, Unilever, General Electric, IBM and Skype.

Belgium and the Netherlands are ranked within the top 25 countries to live in, according to the HSBC Expat Explorer survey 2010, and it is widely known that the standard of living in the region is extremely high. The Belgium and Dutch economy ranked six and eighth on a global index of the world's 60 largest economies, according to a report published by Ernst & Young in collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

English is widely spoken across the region and, with each country providing healthcare under insurance-based schemes, albeit at various levels, there are many opportunities for intermediaries to create partnerships with providers and, in particular through corporate clients, to target expats in the region.

Health insurance in Luxembourg

Health insurance is mandatory in Luxembourg and basic cover is generally provided by the national social security system with contributions paid by both employers and employees.

Foreigners living in Luxembourg that do not work must produce proof of health insurance in order to obtain a residence permit.

Expatriates who qualify for ‘non-resident’ tax status, may not be required to contribute to national social security and are covered by employer’s health care plans, if not they must arrange a private plan.

Accessing healthcare in Luxembourg

Hospital services are good although there are no private hospitals in Luxembourg. All hospitals are run by the state and all non-emergency hospital admissions are arranged by a GP. There are three classes of service and there can be a waiting list for non-emergency surgery.

All doctors charge the same amount that is set by the state. The doctor is paid directly and is reimbursed by the insurance company.

Normally dentists are paid directly for their services and provide a receipt for reimbursement. Most major dental work require pre-approval whereby the dentist must submit a proposal to the insurance company or national health service before the work is done.

The selling of drugs and medicine are strictly regulated in Luxembourg, whether you want over the counter remedies or need a prescription filled. A chemist or pharmacy is often the only place you can buy most kinds of medicines and healthcare products.

The health insurance opportunity in Luxembourg

Any client who is relocating to Luxembourg as an individual must have evidence of health cover before they will be allowed entry to the country so it’s best to make sure that they have a suitable plan before they leave. There may also be opportunities for intermediaries to set up appropriate cover for their company clients expanding into Luxembourg.