Health insurance coverage for osteopathy

Does basic insurance cover the costs of osteopathy?

No, basic insurance does not cover the costs of osteopathy. Osteopathy is not one of the services covered by basic insurance. Patients must pay the costs of osteopathic treatment themselves if they only have basic insurance.

Does supplementary insurance cover the costs of osteopathy?

Yes, supplementary insurance covers the costs of osteopathy. The exact benefits and conditions for osteopathy may vary depending on the insurer and the supplementary insurance package selected. The following generally applies:

1. Scope of benefits: The supplementary insurance can cover a certain number of osteopathic treatments per year or set a maximum annual amount.
2. Recognised therapists: The assumption of costs is often linked to the condition that the osteopath has recognised training and is registered with the relevant professional association.
3. Doctor's prescription: In some cases, a doctor's prescription is required to ensure that the costs are covered by supplementary insurance.

Tips on the assumption of costs

To ensure that the costs of your osteopathic treatment are covered, you should follow these steps:

1. Check insurance conditions: Find out from your health insurance company about the exact benefits of your supplementary insurance and clarify which conditions apply to the assumption of costs.
2. Choosing a therapist: Choose an osteopath who is recognised by your health insurance company. You can often find a list of recognised therapists on the website of your health insurance company or the relevant professional association.
3. Obtain a doctor's prescription: If necessary, obtain a prescription for osteopathic treatment from your GP.
4. Obtain a cost estimate: Before you start treatment, you can obtain a cost estimate and submit it to your health insurance provider to clarify the cost coverage in advance.

Which health insurance companies pay for osteopathy?

The following health insurance companies pay for osteopathy through supplementary insurance in Switzerland:

• CSS: Covers part of the cost of osteopathic treatment, depending on the model selected (Economy, Balance, Premium).
• Helsana: Cost coverage for osteopathic treatments with recognised therapists up to a certain amount per year.
• Sanitas: Payment of a share of the costs for osteopathic treatments. The level of reimbursement varies depending on the insurance package selected.
• Swica: Covers a proportion of the costs of osteopathic treatment by recognised therapists.
• Visana: Cost coverage for osteopathic treatments up to a fixed maximum amount per year.
• KPT: partial assumption of costs for osteopathic treatments by recognised therapists.
• Concordia: Reimbursement of part of the cost of osteopathic treatment, depending on the model selected.
• Sympany: Coverage of a share of the costs for osteopathic treatments, depending on the insurance package selected.
• Groupe Mutuel: Cost coverage for osteopathic treatments up to a certain amount per year.

What happens if the osteopath is not recognised by the health insurance company?

If the osteopath is not recognised, you will have to pay the full cost of the treatment yourself. This can quickly become expensive, as osteopathic sessions often cost between CHF 100 and CHF 200 per session.

Are the costs of osteopathy abroad covered?

Supplementary insurance often only covers the costs if the osteopath abroad has certain qualifications and is recognised by international or local professional associations. Some supplementary insurance policies have geographical restrictions and only cover costs in certain countries or regions;

Tips on covering costs abroad

1. Check insurance conditions: Ask your health insurance provider about the exact conditions for the assumption of costs for osteopathic treatments abroad.
2. Choosing a therapist: Choose a recognised osteopath abroad and clarify in advance whether your health insurance will cover the costs.
3. Doctor's prescription: Obtain a doctor's prescription to document the medical necessity of the treatment.
4. Invoicing: Clarify how invoicing and reimbursement works abroad. Some insurance companies require you to advance the costs and submit the invoices later.

Which osteopathy treatments are covered by health insurance?

The supplementary insurance policies of most health insurers in Switzerland cover the costs of a wide range of osteopathic treatments, provided certain conditions are met.

The following treatments are covered by health insurance for osteopathy:

1. Treatment of back pain

   • Acute and chronic back pain
   • Pain due to herniated discs
   • Pain due to muscle tension

2. Treatment of joint problems

   • Arthritis and arthrosis
   • Sports injuries and consequences of accidents
   • Movement restrictions

3. Treatment of headaches and migraines

   • Tension headaches
   • Migraine attacks
   • Temporomandibular joint problems

4. Treatment of digestive disorders

   • Irritable bowel syndrome
   • Constipation and flatulence
   • Heartburn

5. Treatment of respiratory diseases

   • Asthma
   • Chronic bronchitis
   • Sinusitis

6. Treatment of stress and sleep disorders

   • Insomnia
   • Stress-related complaints
   • Exhaustion syndrome

7. Treatment of gynaecological conditions

   • Menstrual cramps
   • Pregnancy counselling
   • Postpartum complaints

8. Treatment of paediatric and infant complaints

   • Colic in infants
   • Developmental delays
   • Postural damage

Comparison of health insurance benefits for osteopathy

The assumption of costs for osteopathic treatments by supplementary insurers varies depending on the health insurance company and the insurance package selected. As a rule, between 75% and 90% of the treatment costs are covered, often up to a maximum amount per year. To find the right option, you can compare the health insurance providers.