Alternative medicine and therapies in Switzerland

Alternative Therapies Covered by Insurance in Switzerland

Your guide to navigating complementary medicine coverage, from acupuncture to osteopathy, through basic and supplementary insurance.

Compare Therapies

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

Officially Recognized

Five therapies covered by basic insurance when provided by certified doctors

Supplementary Options

Wide range of additional therapies available through complementary insurance

Practitioner Credentials

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
Note: Coverage details change periodically. For the most current information, consult with an independent insurance advisor.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Alternative Therapies Covered

Follow this comprehensive process to maximize your insurance coverage for complementary medicine in Switzerland.

1

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.

2

Check your current insurance coverage

Review your basic and supplementary insurance policies to determine what alternative therapies are already covered and to what extent.

3

Research therapist qualifications

Ensure your practitioner is certified by recognized Swiss professional bodies and has the proper registration for insurance reimbursement.

Important Certification Bodies:

  • 1
    ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

    Recognizes over 200 therapy methods and maintains a registry of qualified practitioners.

  • 2
    RME (Register of Empirical Medicine)

    Certifies practitioners in more than 130 therapy methods recognized by many Swiss insurers.

  • 3
    FMH (Swiss Medical Association)

    For physician-provided alternative therapy, doctors should have FMH-recognized additional qualifications.

4

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:

Annual Coverage Limits

Amount ranges from CHF 1,000 to unlimited per year depending on the package.

Percentage of Costs Covered

Typically 75-90% of the bill, with varying maximum amounts per session.

Recognized Therapies

List varies widely between insurers, from just a few to over 200 therapies.

Practitioner Requirements

Which certification bodies the insurer recognizes (ASCA, RME, or others).

Waiting Periods

Some insurers impose waiting periods of 3-12 months for new policyholders.

Premium Costs

Higher coverage generally means higher monthly premiums.

5

Obtain a referral if necessary

Some insurance models require referrals from general practitioners before consulting alternative practitioners.

6

Collect proper documentation

Gather detailed invoices and medical certificates required for successful reimbursement claims.

7

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

Q1

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.

Q2

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.

Q3

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.

Q4

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.

Q5

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.

Have more questions about alternative medicine coverage in Switzerland?

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