Alternative Therapies Covered by Insurance in Switzerland
Your guide to navigating complementary medicine coverage, from acupuncture to osteopathy, through basic and supplementary insurance.
Alternative Medicine in the Swiss Healthcare System
Switzerland stands out globally for its progressive approach to complementary and alternative medicine. In 2009, Swiss citizens voted to include certain alternative therapies in the nation's constitution, leading to their integration into the basic health insurance system by 2017.
This unique recognition reflects Switzerland's holistic approach to healthcare, where conventional and alternative treatments often work in harmony. However, navigating the specifics of coverage can be complex, especially for expats unfamiliar with the Swiss system.
Key Points About Alternative Medicine Coverage
Five therapies covered by basic insurance when provided by certified doctors
Wide range of additional therapies available through complementary insurance
Certification and registration requirements for insurance reimbursement
Understanding the Two-Tier Coverage System
Basic Insurance (KVG/LAMal)
Covers five specific complementary medicine disciplines only when performed by physicians with additional certifications in these areas. Subject to your annual deductible (franchise) and 10% co-pay.
Supplementary Insurance (VVG/LCA)
Provides coverage for a much wider range of alternative therapies performed by non-physician practitioners. Coverage varies significantly between insurers and specific packages.
Alternative Therapies Coverage Comparison
Different complementary therapies have varying levels of coverage in the Swiss insurance system.
| Therapy | Basic Insurance Coverage | Supplementary Insurance | Common Conditions Treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture/TCM | Yes (when performed by medical doctors with TCM certification) | Widely available across most insurers | Often effective for pain management, migraines, allergies |
| Homeopathy | Yes (when performed by medical doctors with homeopathy certification) | Available in most supplementary packages | Various chronic and acute conditions |
| Osteopathy | No | Widely covered in mid to premium supplementary packages | Musculoskeletal issues, back pain, sports injuries |
| Naturopathy | No (except phytotherapy by certified doctors) | Varies by insurer and specific package | Digestive issues, stress-related conditions, immune support |
| Massage Therapy | No | Often covered with limits on sessions | Muscle tension, stress, recovery from injury |
| Reflexology | No | Available in mid to premium packages | Stress reduction, circulation issues, pain management |
The Practitioner Difference
Medical Doctor with Additional Certification
- • Covered by basic insurance
- • Subject to your franchise and 10% co-pay
- • No annual limit on number of sessions
- • Can prescribe conventional medicine if needed
- • Often requires longer wait times for appointments
Non-Medical Certified Therapist
- • Only covered by supplementary insurance
- • Subject to specific annual limits
- • Typically 80-90% of costs covered
- • Must have recognized certifications (ASCA/RME)
- • Usually more appointment availability
Insurer Comparison for Alternative Medicine
| Insurance Provider | Alternative Package | Coverage Level | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSS | Alternative Insurance/myFlex | Comprehensive coverage with high annual limits for recognized therapists | Offers one of the broadest ranges of recognized therapies and practitioners |
| Helsana | SANA/COMPLETA | Generous coverage for ASCA/EMR registered therapists | Offers preventative treatment coverage in addition to therapeutic |
| Swica | COMPLETA TOP | High contribution limits with minimal restrictions | Known for particularly good alternative medicine coverage |
| Sanitas | Classic/Family | Solid mid-range coverage with reasonable annual limits | Good balance of coverage and premium costs |
| Sympany | Plus/Premium | Various coverage levels based on supplementary package | Flexible options depending on needs and budget |
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Alternative Therapies Covered
Follow this comprehensive process to maximize your insurance coverage for complementary medicine in Switzerland.
Understand covered alternative therapies in Switzerland
Learn which complementary medicine disciplines are officially recognized by Swiss health insurance, including traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, anthroposophic medicine, phytotherapy, and osteopathy.
The Five Officially Recognized Disciplines:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and traditional massage techniques.
Homeopathy
Treatment using highly diluted substances to trigger the body's natural healing process.
Anthroposophic Medicine
Holistic approach integrating conventional medicine with natural remedies and spiritual science.
Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine)
Use of plant-based remedies and extracts for therapeutic purposes.
Neural Therapy
Diagnostic and therapeutic use of local anesthetics for pain management and autonomic nervous system regulation.
Check your current insurance coverage
Review your basic and supplementary insurance policies to determine what alternative therapies are already covered and to what extent.
Research therapist qualifications
Ensure your practitioner is certified by recognized Swiss professional bodies and has the proper registration for insurance reimbursement.
Important Certification Bodies:
- 1ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Recognizes over 200 therapy methods and maintains a registry of qualified practitioners.
- 2RME (Register of Empirical Medicine)
Certifies practitioners in more than 130 therapy methods recognized by many Swiss insurers.
- 3FMH (Swiss Medical Association)
For physician-provided alternative therapy, doctors should have FMH-recognized additional qualifications.
Compare supplementary insurance options
Analyze different insurers' complementary medicine packages to find the best coverage for your preferred therapies.
Key Factors to Compare in Supplementary Insurance:
Amount ranges from CHF 1,000 to unlimited per year depending on the package.
Typically 75-90% of the bill, with varying maximum amounts per session.
List varies widely between insurers, from just a few to over 200 therapies.
Which certification bodies the insurer recognizes (ASCA, RME, or others).
Some insurers impose waiting periods of 3-12 months for new policyholders.
Higher coverage generally means higher monthly premiums.
Obtain a referral if necessary
Some insurance models require referrals from general practitioners before consulting alternative practitioners.
Collect proper documentation
Gather detailed invoices and medical certificates required for successful reimbursement claims.
Submit claims correctly
Follow the proper procedure for submitting expenses to your insurance provider and track your reimbursements.
Reimbursement Claim Checklist:
- Detailed invoice including therapist's name, qualifications, and registration numbers
- Specific treatment methods used and dates of sessions
- Medical diagnosis or reason for treatment (if required)
- Doctor's referral (if required by your insurance model)
- Original receipts showing proof of payment
- Completed reimbursement form from your insurer
Pro Tip: Keep copies of all submitted documentation and track your reimbursement claims. Many insurers now offer digital submission through their apps or online portals.
Not Sure Which Supplementary Insurance Best Covers Your Preferred Therapies?
Our independent advisors can help you find the optimal coverage for your alternative therapy needs, comparing options across all Swiss insurance providers.
No obligation, just expert guidance for your complementary medicine coverage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which alternative therapies are covered by basic Swiss health insurance?
Since 2017, basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) in Switzerland covers five complementary therapies when performed by certified medical doctors: acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anthroposophic medicine, homeopathy, neural therapy, and herbal medicine (phytotherapy). Other therapies like osteopathy, naturopathy, and kinesiology are typically not covered by basic insurance but may be included in supplementary insurance packages.
What's the difference between getting alternative treatments from a doctor versus a non-medical therapist?
When alternative treatments are administered by doctors with recognized additional qualifications in these disciplines, they are typically covered by basic insurance. However, the same treatments from non-medical practitioners (therapists without medical degrees) are only covered if you have appropriate supplementary insurance. The extent of coverage, waiting periods, and annual limits for non-medical practitioners vary significantly between insurance providers and supplementary packages.
How do I know if my alternative medicine practitioner is recognized by insurance companies?
For insurance recognition, therapists should be registered with official Swiss bodies like ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) or RME (Register of Empirical Medicine). Before booking appointments, you can verify a therapist's registration status by checking these organizations' websites or asking the practitioner directly for their registration numbers. Additionally, confirm with your insurance provider that they accept the specific registrations your therapist holds.
Are there limits to how much alternative therapy is covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurers impose annual limits on alternative therapy coverage. Basic insurance follows the general rules of franchise (deductible) and co-pay but doesn't have specific limits for recognized therapies performed by doctors. Supplementary insurance typically sets annual maximums either as a monetary amount (e.g., CHF 1,000 per year) or as a number of sessions (e.g., 12 treatments annually). Some policies also specify maximum rates per session or require minimum qualifications for practitioners.
Can I add supplementary insurance for alternative medicine if I already have a health condition?
Unlike basic health insurance, supplementary insurance providers can reject applications based on pre-existing conditions or impose waiting periods before coverage begins for certain treatments. If you already have health issues you want to treat with alternative medicine, you might face restrictions or exclusions when applying for new supplementary coverage. It's best to explore options before developing conditions requiring treatment. Existing supplementary insurance will generally continue to cover new conditions that develop after the policy starts.
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