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Liechtenstein Expat Health Insurance

As the smallest country in Europe and the sixth smallest in the world at only 160 square kilometers, this nation of about 35,000 still has a lot going for it. With twice as many companies registered in Liechtenstein as there are people, primarily because it is a tax haven with a government imposed tax caps both for employees and corporations, the economy is booming. Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein has strong social, economic, and political ties with both its neighbors. Famous for its quaint Alpine village feel and excellent downhill skiing in winter, it is the only country located entirely within the Alps, tourism is highly popular and profitable in Liechtenstein. As a result of all this income, Liechtensteiners have one of the highest standards of living and are considered by most to be the wealthiest per capita country in the world.

The Liechtenstein Healthcare System

While not a member of the European Union (EU), primarily for economic reasons, Liechtenstein has a compulsory health care system similar to most EU countries. Medical services are overseen by the Office of Public Health and as one would expect for such a wealthy state, are first rate. While most care is from the public, government-funded sector, private care is available to those who choose it. There are currently about 64 general practitioners serving Liechtenstein, resulting in a doctor to population ration of about 1:550 persons, exceptionally high by worldwide standards. Staff are very well trained and facilities are typically ultra-modern. The majority of health care in Liechtenstein is conveyed through the many health centers located conveniently throughout the country. These facilities offer outpatient care including general medicine, pediatrics, maternity care, dental, imaging, diagnostics, and some emergency and trauma capabilities. All heath centers, public and private, have right of referral to the public hospital.

The aptly named National Hospital (called Liechtensteinisches Landesspital in the native German) located in the capitol city of Vaduz, is the only hospital in Liechtenstein. Funded by the state, it is staffed by contracted public and private physicians and offers a range of services including but not limited to: OB-Gyn and birthing, internal medicine, surgical theaters, psychiatry, and some specialists offerings. While not equipped for every treatment available in Europe, most any normal and the large portion of more specialized care can be performed there. For patients who will require referral to another hospital for treatment not available domestically at the National Hospital, agreements are in place for transfer and financial coverage of care to both Switzerland and Austria, and even further afield in Europe in the unlikely event that neither of those countries' hospitals can contain the situation.

Liechtenstein Medical Insurance

All registered residents and citizens are covered by the Lichtenstein medical insurance program, which pays for all necessary medical treatment utilizing tax funding and a small co-pay on behalf of the patient. All that is required to see a doctor through the public system is to arrange appointment through the Office of Public Health, thankfully however emergency situations require no prior arrangement. Some persons in Liechtenstein, such as war veterans, pregnant women, and some with incurable disease, who are classified as being in “vulnerable groups” are eligible to receive health care at no charge whatsoever. As a member nation of the European Economic Area and a party to its charters, EU health card holders are also entitled to healthcare in Liechtenstein at their resident countries' co-pay rates, though they cannot go to Liechtenstein expressly with the purpose of medical treatment at its public facilities in mind, as the agreement is intended to serve those in emergency situations only. Non-EU residents are offered emergency care in the case of an accident, but once stabilized, the patient is expected to make arrangement for any further treatment at the standard rate of fee. It is for this reason advisable that anyone not covered by EU medical insurance and not a resident of Liechtenstein strongly consider international traveler's health insurance if planning to visit Liechtenstein or relocated on a non-permanent basis. Uninsured, out of pocket expenses for health care are very high and can quickly cause a major financial burden if caught without medical coverage.

Most doctors and health centers are part of the national health care system, and Liechtensteiners are free to select any doctor they want for their primary care provider, so long as they are contracted with the system for government payment. For those who chose to forego the Lichtenstein Health Insurance Program, private care is available at a cash rate and most of the doctors outside the national health care network belong to private insurance networks and will honor private medical insurance coverage. These facilities are funded and operated strictly by the doctors and thus do not require permission from the public health office. Additionally, private sector practitioners typically have shorter waiting times to be seen than their public health care counterparts, facilitating much quicker service. The drawback is that anyone receiving treatment there will be required to arrange payment personally, though with appropriate coverage this can be very affordable.

Liechtenstein Travel Insurance Information

Liechtenstein has a low crime rate, low unemployment and exceptionally high standard of living, thus as expected all sanitation and safe-drinking water standards for European countries are met and exceeded. Normal childhood vaccinations are always recommended for everyone, but travelers planning to visit in warmer months may want to consider vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis, as it is a common threat particularly for hikers.

Liechtenstein Global Expat Health Insurance

When traveling or relocating to places such as Liechtenstein, it is easy to overlook the possibility of an emergency. Of course should one arise, time is of the essence and cost is not to be considered as an factor, however after treatment and the tense moments have subsided, the price of care can be appalling if you are left to cover the bill alone. Global Health Insurance offers Liechtenstein expat health insurance as well as worldwide health insurance to make sure that you are never left to fend for yourself financially should the unexpected occur. Our Insurance Experts will help you, at no cost, select a package of coverage that best fits your needs in Liechtenstein, the Expat health insurance we work with can offer you quality coverage, regardless of group size, destination, length of stay, or budget to provide the peace of mind that you require when away from home.