Luxembourg’s healthcare system is broadly effective, with high coverage and low unmet needs, but challenges remain, including access issues for vulnerable populations and a reliance on foreign medical staff. The system also lacks strategic public health initiatives and robust regulation in areas like dental care, prompting recent efforts to enhance primary care and address unhealthy habits.
This report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Luxembourg’s healthcare system. While the country enjoys high healthcare coverage rates and abundant patient satisfaction, it faces challenges such as fragmented decision-making, data scarcity, and barriers to access, particularly for vulnerable groups like those without official addresses or employment. The 2024 Luxembourg Health System Review indicates that healthcare coverage is comprehensive, with the national insurance covering 91.8% of the population. Unmet healthcare needs among insured individuals are among the lowest in Europe, with low rates of preventable and treatable mortality. Additionally, household out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare are significantly lower than in many EU countries, aided by a health expenditure per capita of $7,515, ranking Luxembourg fifth among European nations.
However, the report emphasizes the need for improvement in access to care. Some individuals find it challenging to navigate the system due to bureaucratic obstacles and a shortage of human resources. Although a universal coverage scheme, the CUSS, exists, implementation has been sluggish, leading many patients to pay upfront for treatments and await reimbursement. The density of practicing physicians in Luxembourg also falls below the EU average, creating reliance on foreign medical professionals. Efforts to enhance local training for healthcare providers are underway through increased medical courses at the national university.
Additionally, some health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation, are concentrated in limited areas, making access uneven. Critically, the report notes a lack of a strategic framework for public health and prevention, particularly concerning prevalent risk behaviors like smoking and alcohol consumption. Recent initiatives, like the “I love my Housedokter” campaign, aim to strengthen the primary care system by encouraging patients to consult general practitioners instead of specialists. Lastly, the report points out deficiencies in dental care regulations, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement to address issues and unhealthy practices.
