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Liechtenstein Medical Insurance
Liechtenstein is a German-speaking country located in central Europe. The country is bordered on the East by Austria and by Switzerland on the South, West, and the North. Liechtenstein is also the only European country whose border countries are also surrounded by land. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total area of only 160 square kilometers. Liechtenstein has a temperate, alpine climate, with warm, wet summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from -1°C in January to 21°C in July. Liechtenstein is a beautiful country full of mountain scenery. The principality’s capital, Vaduz, is a modern city, a major center of commerce and international banking. Liechtenstein is a popular country if you are into sports, offering skating and cycling tours along the Rhine, skiing in the high peaks and some truly spectacular mountain walks. Among the beautiful forests, vineyards and mountains also host an array of birds of prey, which gives the country its uniqueness and natural beauty.
The healthcare system in Liechtenstein is comprised of both State healthcare and private healthcare. By law, universal public healthcare is available to all citizens and registered residents in Liechtenstein. European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who have a valid European health insurance card (EHIC) are also entitled to public healthcare in the country while visiting. The Ministry of Public Health is responsible for the general health policy for the country. It also oversees, supervises and implements public health services, health insurance, pharmaceutical products and food safety. It is mandatory that all qualified employees and their employers, as well as self-employed persons contribute to the public healthcare system. Contributions made by employed family members also cover dependant family members. For the unemployed, pensioners, people on long-term illness benefits and maternity leave, there is no required contribution to the healthcare fund. The national healthcare system covers most medical services including treatment by specialists, hospitalisation, prescriptions, pregnancy and childbirth and rehabilitation.
Health centres in Liechtenstein provide mainly outpatient care by qualified doctors and nurses. Medical services provided include general practice, maternity care, child healthcare and dental care. The health centres also provide emergency medical aid as well as laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic services. People who are qualified to participate in the State healthcare system can register with the General Practioner (GP) of their choice, but they must ensure that their doctor is under a contract with the Liechtenstein State funded healthcare scheme. GPs prescribe drugs, treat acute and chronic illnesses, and provide preventive care and health education. Private clinics are also available in Liechtenstein and they are run and managed by independent doctors and specialists. All equipment and personnel are funded by the doctors themselves and from private insurance contributions. As such, treatments from private clinics are in general very expensive. If you choose to visit a doctor at a private clinic, you will not be covered by State healthcare and are required to make an out-of-pocket payment for all services rendered.
There is only one hospital in Liechtenstein, which is located in the capital city, Vaduz and it runs alongside private practitioners. Other than in emergency circumstances, in order to be admitted to a hospital, patients are required to receive a referral from their doctor/consultant. The Liechtenstein Government has also formed agreements with a number of hospitals outside of the country and it is therefore very common that patients receive medical treatments in neighbouring countries like Austria or Switzerland.
In summary, healthcare in Liechtenstein is of a very high standard, where equipment is modern and medical staffs are very well trained. However, as in the case with any universal healthcare system, there are always long queuing times that can be a hassle during your trip. Should you desire to receive immediate treatment at a doctor or clinic of your choice, then an expat medical insurance plan will be the optimal solution for you. This will give you peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered quickly and efficiently in case of an accident or illness for yourself and your family while travelling to Liechtenstein.
If you have an EHIC card, you are entitled to receive the necessary State medical healthcare free or at a reduced cost, however, if you wanted to ensure that you are fully covered for all eventualities, additional insurance on top of the basic State healthcare coverage will be required. As such, it is strongly recommended that EHIC holders, non-Europeans, and European citizens visiting or relocating to Liechtenstein obtain travel or Liechtenstein International medical insurance. This will give you and your family complete healthcare coverage for all medical necessities, including air ambulance evacuation and further medical costs if required.
We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations, and many others. Contact our professional advisers today to enjoy full insurance protection such as an Health Insurance Plan for yourself and your family.
