Luxembourg Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Luxembourg are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food and Drink

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Luxembourg. Most Luxembourgers drink bottled mineral water, but this is a taste preference, and not based on any perceived medical risk. Food served in restaurants is generally prepared to exacting hygiene standards and poses no specific risks. As anywhere, travellers’ diarrhoea can strike those without strong constitutions, but this can be caused by a change of water supply and is not necessarily a sign of infection. As with anywhere, shellfish can be a problem, so exercise reasonable caution, although incidences of infection are rare and isolated.

Other Risks

There is a slight risk of Lime Disease (carried by deer ticks) in rural areas, but cases are exceedingly rare and normal precautions (wearing long trousers when walking through thickly forested areas) are sufficient. Avoid drinking water directly from streams. Insect bites, particularly from horseflies, can also be a factor in rural areas, but these are more of a nuisance than a serious issue, resulting in swelling and itching rather than major health problem. Consider carrying some form of anti-histamine cream as relief if you are planning on doing any hiking.