Wondering how the CNS reimburses your dental care in Luxembourg, and what you need to do to get the most back? Our team at Dentalplus Luxembourg answers the questions patients ask us most often, simply and openly. A quick Q&A guide to help you plan your next treatment with peace of mind.
Q1: How much of my dental care does the CNS reimburse in Luxembourg?
For adults covered by Luxembourg social security, the national health fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé, CNS) generally reimburses 88% of the official agreed tariff for check-ups and routine care (scaling, fillings, extractions, root canal treatment). The remaining 12% is paid by the patient (the "ticket modérateur", or co-payment).
For children and young people up to their 18th birthday, routine care is covered in full: 100% of the agreed tariff.
Q2: Is scaling fully covered by the CNS, and how often?
Yes, standard scaling (procedure code DS1) is covered by the CNS. You're entitled to it twice per calendar year (1 January to 31 December), reimbursed at 88% for adults and 100% for children.
For deeper periodontal scaling (procedure code DP41) as part of gum treatment, the CNS covers it once per calendar year.
Q3: Are local anaesthetics at the dentist covered?
Yes. Local or regional anaesthesia given by your dentist for potentially painful treatment (such as a deep filling or an extraction) is fully reimbursed at the usual CNS rates (88% or 100%). Under normal circumstances, it doesn't lead to any extra charge outside the official fee schedule.
Q4: How do I get a crown or bridge reimbursed in Luxembourg?
For fixed prosthetics (crowns, bridges) or removable ones (dentures), the CNS's basic reimbursement is 80% of the official agreed tariff. To get it, there's a mandatory procedure to follow:
- Your dentist at Dentalplus draws up a precise, itemised quote.
- The quote is sent as a request for mandatory prior approval (ACM) to the social security medical board (Contrôle Médical de la Sécurité Sociale, CMSS).
- You must wait for the CNS's written go-ahead before the prosthesis is made and fitted, to secure your reimbursement.
Important note on timing: a new reimbursement for the same tooth is only possible after a renewal period of 12 years for a fixed prosthesis and 5 years for a removable one.
Q5: Are dental implants reimbursed by the CNS in Luxembourg?
No, as a general rule the CNS doesn't reimburse the dental implant itself (the surgery to place the titanium screw in the jawbone). Implants are treated as care outside the official fee schedule.
However, the ceramic crown fitted on the implant is partly reimbursed. It's treated like a traditional crown and covered at 80% of the official base tariff for a standard crown (once the CNS has given prior approval).
Q6: Up to what age does the CNS cover orthodontic treatment?
For orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners) to be covered by the CNS in Luxembourg, it must have started before the patient's 17th birthday and have been authorised in advance by the social security medical board.
For adults over 17, cosmetic or comfort orthodontics isn't reimbursed by the CNS. Only top-up or private health insurance offers specific reimbursement packages.
Q7: Why is there a "remaining cost", and what is an excess fee?
CNS reimbursements are calculated on fixed, regulated tariffs. Two situations can leave you with extra costs to pay:
- The co-payment (ticket modérateur): the statutory share not reimbursed by the CNS (12% on routine care, 20% on prosthetics).
- Excess fees (DSD / CP8 / CP9): when a treatment calls for advanced technology or high-end materials not covered by the standard fee schedule. At Dentalplus, any excess fee is agreed with you in writing beforehand, with a transparent quote, so you know exactly what to expect.
Q8: What's the difference between the CMCM and private insurers such as DKV, Foyer or AXA?
To cover what's left to pay and fund treatment the CNS doesn't reimburse (implants, adult orthodontics), top-up health insurance is a must in Luxembourg. There are two models:
| What to compare | Mutual insurer (e.g. CMCM) | Private insurers (e.g. DKV, Foyer, AXA) |
|---|---|---|
| Health questionnaire | No medical questionnaire required. No exclusions based on age or medical history. | Medical questionnaire required. Premiums or exclusions depend on your health. |
| Pricing | A single flat-rate contribution for the whole household, based on solidarity. | Individual premium based on your age bracket and the level of cover you choose. |
| Dental reimbursement | Clear reimbursement packages (via the Denta & OptiPlus option). | Very high reimbursement ceilings, often based on actual costs. |
Tax tip: all your top-up health insurance premiums in Luxembourg are tax-deductible (Art. 111 of the LIR income tax law) up to a ceiling of 672 € per person per year in your tax household.
Official resources and useful links
- Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS): to check official tariffs and current rates, visit cns.public.lu.
- Guichet.lu (government portal): all the fact sheets on reimbursements: guichet.public.lu.
- CMCM (mutual top-up insurer): overview of its solidarity-based plans: cmcm.lu.
- DKV Luxembourg (private insurer): plans and premium dental packs: dkv.lu.
- Foyer Assurances: tailored top-up health cover: foyer.lu.
Key takeaways in 5 points
- General dental care is covered at 88% for adults and 100% for under-18s.
- Scaling is reimbursed twice a year.
- A quote and prior CNS approval are required before any prosthesis is fitted (crown, bridge).
- Implants aren't reimbursed directly, but the ceramic crown on the implant is partly covered.
- Taking out top-up health insurance lowers what you pay yourself and gives you a worthwhile tax advantage.
Plan your treatment with confidence at Dentalplus Luxembourg
Need a dental check-up, a crown or an implant? Our dentists and specialists see patients 7 days a week in Bonnevoie. We put together clear treatment plans and itemised quotes to make your claims with the CNS and your top-up insurer as easy as possible.
Phone: (+352) 27 52 18 25