Studying abroad

Registration in the country of study

It is recommended that the student register with the competent social security institution in the country of study. Usually, healthcare costs are also covered upon presenting the European Health Insurance Card, but a prior registration will simplify the formalities for reimbursement.

If, for any reason, registration is not possible, necessary healthcare can still be covered based on the European Health Insurance Card. These treatments are provided in accordance with the legal provisions of the Member State of stay and reimbursed according to the rates applied there.

European Health Insurance Card

The card certifies the right in the Member State of stay to necessary medical care in order for the student to be able to continue their stay in safe medical conditions instead of being forced to interrupt the stay in order to be treated at home.

The European Health Insurance Card can only be accepted by contracted providers, i.e. those who are linked to the social security scheme of their country. However, if care is administered by a non-contracted / private provider, the medical costs can be reimbursed in accordance with Luxembourg conditions and tariffs. The institution of the country of study can provide information about contracted and non-contracted providers.

The card certifies the right in the Member State of stay to necessary medical care in order for the student to be able to continue their stay in safe medical conditions instead of being forced to interrupt the stay in order to be treated at home.

The European Health Insurance Card can only be accepted by contracted providers, i.e. those who are linked to the social security scheme of their country. However, if care is administered by a non-contracted / private provider, the medical costs can be reimbursed in accordance with Luxembourg conditions and tariffs. The institution of the country of study can provide information about contracted and non-contracted providers.

With a contracted healthcare provider and in the event of necessary care, the European card should not be rejected.

If the student does not have the card and in case of necessary treatment, they will have to pay the costs of the services received and request a reimbursement from his competent health insurance fund upon his return.

Before leaving for one of these countries, it is important to check whether the European card is still valid.

If necessary, a provisional replacement certificate for the European Health Insurance Card may be requested from the competent fund.

Certificate of entitlement to benefits in kind 

If the student is studying in one of these countries, they must submit a form to the social security institution of the country of study. This form certifies that they are entitled to benefits in kind for the duration of their stay. The student must submit the relevant form to the institution in the country of study in order to be registered and thus benefit from care under the same conditions as residents. The student may then submit invoices directly to the competent institution on site, which then reimburses the medical expenses incurred during the stay according to the rates and tariffs it applies. The student can also send the invoices to the competent Luxembourg fund for a reimbursement according to the Luxembourg conditions, rates and tariffs.

It is recommended that the student request information from the institution of the country of study about the conditions of coverage and reimbursement.

The appropriate form must be ordered at least fifteen days before departure.

Non-contracted healthcare providers (in other words, private providers) will not accept the form. The student has to pay the invoices and then request a reimbursement from the competent Luxembourg fund.

These are all the other countries in the world, outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland and not bound by bilateral agreement with Luxembourg, such as the United States, Australia,....

Invoices from these countries are to be sent to the competent Luxembourg health fund and are reimbursed according to the Luxembourg rates and tariffs, provided that the tariffs applied in Luxembourg cover the situation in question.

The costs of medical and hospital services can differ significantly from one country to another and even cost substantially more than in Luxembourg. Hence, there may be a considerable difference between the costs incurred and the reimbursement of the CNS, to the disadvantage of the insured. If a student studies in one of these countries, it is recommended to take out additional insurance. To do this, the student can contact a private insurer specialised in this type of coverage.

Students should also obtain information from the social security institution of the country of study about how the health system works, how healthcare is provided, the cost of care, etc.

Use of the European Health Insurance Card

On 1 January 2021, the UK left the EU's single market and customs union, and with it all EU policies.

To minimise any disruption, the EU and the UK have signed a 'Trade and Cooperation Agreement' which governs their future relationship, now that the UK is a third country.

The agreement contains a number of social security coordination measures aimed at protecting the rights of EU citizens temporarily staying in the UK.

For example, a student, insured in Luxembourg, can continue to use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the UK from 1 January 2021 for medically necessary treatment during their temporary stay.