Osteopathy and the health fund: when a subsidy is possible

Osteopathy is not a regular mandatory benefit of the statutory health insurance. But many funds voluntarily grant a subsidy for osteopathic treatments, under certain requirements such as a medical recommendation and the practitioner's qualification. The conditions differ from fund to fund.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Many statutory health funds voluntarily subsidize osteopathy (statutory benefit), usually a certain number of sessions per year and a share of the costs. Requirements are often a medical recommendation and a qualified practitioner.

Check the conditions of your fund before the treatment and submit the necessary evidence. This is how you secure the subsidy, insofar as your fund offers it.

What you should do now

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1. Check the fund's conditions
Ask your health fund whether and to what extent it subsidizes osteopathy and which requirements apply.
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2. Get a medical recommendation
If required, have a medical recommendation for the osteopathic treatment issued.
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3. Note the qualification
Make sure the practitioner meets the qualification required by the fund.
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4. Apply for reimbursement
Submit the invoice and evidence and apply for the subsidy within the deadline set by the fund.

How to spot the scam

You assume the treatment will be paid in full automatically.
The required medical recommendation or qualification is missing.
Receipts are not submitted in time.

Frequently asked questions

Does the health fund pay for osteopathy?

Not as a regular mandatory benefit, but many funds voluntarily grant a subsidy (statutory benefit), usually for a certain number of sessions and a part of the costs. Whether and how much depends on your fund.

Which requirements apply?

Often a medical recommendation and a certain qualification of the practitioner. The exact conditions and maximum amounts each fund sets in its statutes. Ask beforehand.

How do I get the subsidy?

Clarify the conditions in advance, get a medical recommendation if applicable, note the required qualification and submit the invoice and evidence to your fund on time.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.