Alternative & Complementary Medicine

The 5 KVG-covered complementary methods

Since 2017, the following five complementary medicine methods have been permanently included in the KVG catalogue of benefits:

• Acupuncture — Including body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and related techniques like moxibustion.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — Herbal medicine prescriptions and diagnostic methods based on TCM principles.
• Homeopathy — Classical and complex homeopathic treatments.
• Anthroposophic medicine — Treatments based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophic approach.
• Phytotherapy (herbal medicine) — Treatment using plant-based preparations with documented efficacy.

The critical requirement: FMH-certified doctor

The most important condition for KVG coverage is WHO provides the treatment:

• The practitioner must be a medical doctor (Arzt/Ärztin) with a Swiss medical license.
• The doctor must hold an FMH certificate of competence (Fähigkeitsausweis) in the specific complementary method.
• Treatment by a non-doctor practitioner — even if highly qualified in their field — is never covered by KVG.

This means that an acupuncture session with a doctor who has FMH acupuncture certification is covered (subject to franchise and Selbstbehalt), while the same treatment from a TCM practitioner without a medical degree is not.

Non-doctor practitioners: supplementary insurance needed

If you want to see non-doctor alternative practitioners — which includes the vast majority of complementary therapists in Switzerland — you need supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung). Here is how it works:

• Coverage amount: Most supplementary plans cover CHF 500 -- 1,500 per year for alternative medicine, sometimes up to CHF 3,000 or more with premium plans.
• Coverage rate: Typically 50 -- 80% of the treatment cost, up to the annual cap.
• Practitioner requirements: The therapist must be registered with one of the recognized quality registers:
  • EMR (Erfahrungsmedizinisches Register) — the most widely recognized
  • ASCA (Schweizerische Stiftung für Komplementärmedizin)
  • NVS (Naturärzte Vereinigung der Schweiz)
• Method must be listed: Your supplementary insurer has a list of recognized therapy methods. Not every alternative therapy is included.

Popular therapies and their coverage status

Here is a quick reference for common alternative therapies:

• Acupuncture (by FMH doctor): KVG covered
• Acupuncture (by TCM practitioner): Supplementary only
• Osteopathy: Supplementary only — never KVG, even with a doctor. Widely used and well-covered by most supplementary plans.
• Craniosacral therapy: Supplementary only (if practitioner is EMR/ASCA/NVS registered)
• Naturopathy (Naturheilkunde): Supplementary only
• Ayurveda: Rarely covered even by supplementary insurance — check your specific plan
• Shiatsu: Supplementary only (with registered practitioner)
• Reflexology: Supplementary only
• Chiropractic (Chiropraktik): KVG covered — chiropractors have a special status in Swiss law and are recognized KVG providers
• Massage therapy (medical): KVG covered when prescribed by a doctor and performed by a recognized medical massage therapist

Getting supplementary coverage for alternative medicine

If alternative medicine is important to you, here is how to ensure good coverage:

• Apply while healthy: Supplementary insurance involves medical underwriting. Pre-existing conditions can lead to exclusions or rejection. Apply when you are in good health.
• Check the therapy list: Before signing up, verify that your specific therapies are on the insurer's recognized list. Not all plans cover the same methods.
• Verify practitioner registration: Before your first appointment, confirm that your therapist is registered with EMR, ASCA, or NVS — and that your insurer recognizes that register.
• Compare annual limits: Plans range from CHF 500 to CHF 3,000+ per year. Match the limit to your expected usage.
• Look for ambulatory bundles: Many insurers offer ambulatory supplementary packages (ambulante Zusatzversicherung) that combine alternative medicine, dental, vision, and prevention benefits in one product.

Costs without insurance

If you pay out of pocket, here are typical session costs for alternative practitioners in Switzerland:

• Acupuncture session (60 min): CHF 120 -- 200
• Osteopathy session (45 -- 60 min): CHF 120 -- 180
• Homeopathic consultation (60 -- 90 min initial): CHF 150 -- 250
• Craniosacral therapy (60 min): CHF 120 -- 160
• Naturopathy consultation: CHF 100 -- 180
• Shiatsu session (60 min): CHF 100 -- 150
• TCM herbal consultation + prescription: CHF 100 -- 200 (plus herb costs)

With supplementary insurance covering 50 -- 80%, you would pay CHF 24 -- 100 per session out of pocket, depending on the rate and your plan's coverage percentage.