Compression garments

The CNS covers the costs of both round knitted (60%) and flat knitted compression stockings (80%) on a pro rata basis. Compression garments for other parts of the body are fully reimbursed (100%) by the CNS.

Compression garments, both round and flat knitted, with silver threads are not covered by the CNS.

Within a 12-month period, insured persons are entitled to 2 pairs of round-knitted compression stockings/tights and 4 pairs of flat-knitted compression stockings/tights. The prescription can be renewed at the end of the 12 months.

For other compression garments, a decision is taken on the basis of a justified medical prescription (ordonnance médicale motivée).

The treatment protocol (protocole thérapeutique) replaces the traditional medical prescription. This means that with this document you can purchase your compression garments directly from your pharmacy or medical supply store. You do not have to send the document to the CNS in advance.

Depending on whether the product must be made to measure or approved in advance by the CNS (flat knitted or other compression garments), you may not be able to take the product directly with you. If prior authorisation from the CNS is required, the seller will usually take the necessary steps.

Compression garments can be purchased in the pharmacy as well as in a medical supply store. Please see in advance whether the prescribed compression garments are being sold at the selected store.

For flat knitted compression stockings and other compression garments at a cost of 125 Euro or more, the supplier must submit a cost estimate to the CNS. This request must be approved by the CNS prior to delivery (titre de prise en charge).

Compression stockings are only covered by the CNS if the fully completed protocole thérapeutique (Annexe N), the cost estimate (only for flat knitted compression garments if price ⩾ 125 €)  and a measurement protocol (details according to Annexe H) are attached to the invoice from the pharmacy or the medical supply store.

For other compression garments, the fully completed protocole thérapeutique (Annexe N), as well as the cost estimate if the price is ⩾ 125 €, must be attached to the pharmacy or medical supply store's invoice.

In the event of refusal (refus de prise en charge), the patient is free to submit a written objection to the Council of Administration of the CNS within forty days of notification.

To be admissible, an objection must be signed by the patient himself, his legal representative or his proxy. The proxy may be a lawyer or a representative of a professional association or trade union of which the patient may be a member and must have a special written power of attorney.

It is advisable to send the objection by registered post to the address of the Council of Administration of the CNS.

There are three different cases:

1. My prescription has been issued abroad and I wish to buy the compression garments in Luxembourg

As foreign doctors are generally not familiar with the Luxemburgish form (protocole thérapeutique), foreign prescriptions are also accepted if it is clearly specified which service in Luxembourg corresponds to the prescribed one. Luxembourg tariffs and regulations (cost estimates, measurement sheets, etc.) apply.

The third-party payer system applies for services from 125€ on.

2. My prescription was issued in Luxembourg, but I would like to buy the compression garments abroad.

In this case, Luxembourg tariffs and regulations (cost estimates, measurement sheets, etc.) also apply. If the foreign doctor prescribes flat knit compression stockings or other compression garments, an estimate must be submitted to the CNS and approved before delivery. However, the patient must advance the costs and submit the reimbursement request to the CNS with the necessary supporting documents (measurement sheet, cost estimate if necessary).

3. My prescription was issued abroad and I would like to buy the compression garments abroad.

Luxembourg tariffs and regulations also apply in this case. If the foreign doctor prescribes flat knit compression stockings or other compression garments, a cost estimate must be submitted to the CNS and approved before delivery. In all cases, the patient must advance the costs and submit the reimbursement request to the CNS with the necessary accompanying documents (measurement sheet, cost estimate if necessary).

Three cases should be distinguished:

1. As a cross-border worker, I would like to receive services in my country of residence.

In this case, the competent health insurance fund of the country of residence is in charge. The tariffs and regulations of this health insurance fund apply.

2. As a cross-border worker, I wish to receive services in a country other than my country of residence (except Luxembourg).

In this case, Luxembourg regulations and tariffs apply and the documents must be submitted to the CNS. Benefits will be refunded.

3. As a cross-border worker, I would like to benefit from services in Luxembourg.

In this case, Luxembourg regulations and tariffs apply. Documents must be submitted to the CNS.

For services above 125 €, the third-party payment system applies.