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Best Complementary Insurance for Osteopathy

If you are an alternative medicine lover, you're certainly curious to find out which insurance gives you the most value for your money. We've done the math.

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If you're looking for complementary insurance to cover alternative medicine treatments in Switzerland, you have several options to choose from. Each insurance company offers different coverage levels, deductibles, and monthly costs. Let's take a closer look at each one.

For price comparison, I used the monthly cost they offer to a 25 year old person living in the Vaud region of Switzerland. Keep in mind that the price might be different for you, but at least it gives a standard way to compare them.

I'll first give an overview of each insurance company and then do a clear price comparison for 3 and 10 osteopathy sessions.

Alternative medicine

Alternative medicine, also known as complementary or integrative medicine, refers to medical treatments and practices that are not typically part of conventional Western medicine. These therapies often have historical or cultural origins outside of mainstream medical practice and may not have undergone the same level of scientific scrutiny and rigorous testing as conventional treatments. Alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy, among others. Proponents of alternative medicine often view these therapies as more natural, holistic approaches to healing that take into account the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. While some alternative therapies have shown promising results in certain contexts, it's important to note that not all alternative treatments have been proven effective through scientific research, and some may even pose risks when used inappropriately or in place of evidence-based medical care. As with any healthcare decision, it's crucial to consult with qualified medical professionals and carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before pursuing alternative medicine treatments.

Here are the complementary insurance offerings of the most popular Swiss insurances that contain osteopathy:

EGK (EGK-SUN)

With EGK-SUN, you'll pay CHF 16.15 per month and receive 80% coverage for alternative medicine treatments. However, there is an excess of CHF 300 that you'll need to pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in.

Atupri (Mivita Reala)

Atupri's Mivita Reala plan costs CHF 38.50 per month and covers 50% of treatment costs, up to a maximum of CHF 1,500 per year. This is a good option if you anticipate needing a higher level of coverage.

Sanitas (Vital Smart)

Sanitas Vital Smart costs CHF 28.20 per month and provides 80% coverage up to CHF 2,500 per year. To be eligible, treatments must be medically necessary and diagnosed by a physician.

CSS (myFlex Alternative Insurance)

CSS myFlex Alternative Insurance is an affordable option at CHF 16.30 per month. It covers 75% of treatment costs up to CHF 10,000 per year. As a bonus, it also includes coverage for 90% of the cost of prescribed medication, up to CHF 500 per year.

Concordia (NATURA)

Concordia's NATURA plan costs CHF 15 per month and covers 75% of treatment costs up to CHF 1,500 per year. One important thing to note is that you must also have your basic health insurance (Lamal) with Concordia to be eligible for this complementary plan.

Assura (Natura)

Assura Natura is the most affordable option on this list at just CHF 8.75 per month. It covers an impressive 90% of treatment costs for up to 12 sessions per year. For additional sessions, you'll need to check with Assura. There is a CHF 200 excess that you must pay out of pocket.

Helsana (Sana)

Helsana Sana costs CHF 11.25 per month and covers 75% of treatment costs up to CHF 5,000 per year. This high annual limit makes it a good choice for those anticipating more extensive alternative medicine needs.

Swica (Completa Top)

Swica Completa Top costs CHF 21 per month. Rather than a percentage model, it covers CHF 80 per treatment session. You'll need to pay a 10% deductible up to CHF 700.

Groupe Mutuel (Optimum)

Groupe Mutuel's Optimum plan is on the pricier side at CHF 33 per month. It covers 75% of treatment costs up to CHF 3,000 per year.

In summary, the best complementary insurance for you will depend on your anticipated level of alternative medicine needs and your monthly budget. CSS myFlex Alternative Insurance and Helsana Sana provide the highest annual coverage limits, while Assura Natura and Concordia NATURA are good budget-friendly options. Be sure to also factor in any excesses and eligibility requirements like having basic insurance with the same provider.

Price comparison (3 and 10 sessions)

As you can see from above, it's not so simple to figure out which insurance will allow you to save the most money. To make it simpler, I've computed the exact cost with each insurance using 120 as a base cost for an session of osteopathy.

The formula I used is the following:

  • Annual cost of the insurance
  • Cost per session discounted by the insurance cover
  • Adding the excess when relevant

For baseline comparison, without insurance, you would pay CHF 360 for three sessions:

Insurance Percentage covered Excess Monthly cost Total for 3 sessions
Helsana Sana 75 0 11.25 225
EGK-SUN 80 300 16.15 265.8
Concordia NATURA 75 0 15 270
CSS myFlex Alternative Insurance 75 0 16.3 285.6
Assura Natura 90 200 8.75 321
Swica Completa Top 66 0 21 410.4
Sanitas Vital Smart 80 0 28.2 410.4
Groupe Mutuel 75 0 33 486
Atupri Mivita Reala 50 0 38.5 642

For baseline comparison, without insurance, you would pay CHF 1200 for ten sessions:

Insurance Percentage covered Excess Monthly cost Total for 10 sessions
Assura Natura 90 200 8.75 405
Helsana Sana 75 0 11.25 435
Concordia NATURA 75 0 15 480
CSS myFlex Alternative Insurance 75 0 16.3 495.6
Sanitas Vital Smart 80 0 28.2 578.4
Swica Completa Top 66 0 21 660
EGK-SUN 80 300 16.15 673.8
Groupe Mutuel 75 0 33 696
Atupri Mivita Reala 50 0 38.5 1062

And the winner is Helsana Sana! Cheapest option for 3 sessions, and second cheapest for 10 sessions. This is the option I would recommend and the one I selected after doing my research.

A few points to keep in mind:

  • All the insurances provide the same range of therapists, there is no significant difference on that front.
  • Some insurances (like Concordia) require you to also subscribe to their basic insurance (Lamal) which is usually not the best option on the market.
  • Complementary insurances can only be started at the beginning of each month
  • Complementary insurances can be cancelled every year with a three month notice. So you need to make sure your cancellation notice arrives on September 30th.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Swiss insurance system offers a wide range of complementary insurance options for those seeking coverage for alternative medicine treatments like osteopathy. Each insurance company has its own unique offerings, with varying levels of coverage, deductibles, and monthly costs.

When selecting a complementary insurance plan, it's essential to consider factors such as the percentage of treatment costs covered, annual coverage limits, excesses, and eligibility requirements. Some insurers, like Concordia, require you to have your basic health insurance (Lamal) with them to qualify for their complementary plans.

Based on the price comparison for 3 and 10 osteopathy sessions, Helsana Sana emerges as the most cost-effective option overall. It provides 75% coverage for treatment costs up to an annual limit of CHF 5,000, with no excess to pay. Other notable options include CSS myFlex Alternative Insurance and Assura Natura, which offer high annual coverage limits and affordable monthly premiums, respectively.

It's important to remember that while complementary insurance can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for alternative medicine treatments, it's just one part of the Swiss insurance system. Basic health insurance (Lamal) is mandatory for all residents of Switzerland and covers a wide range of essential medical services.

When shopping for basic health insurance, it's crucial to compare prices and coverage levels from different providers. The Swiss government provides a helpful tool called PrimInfo that allows you to easily compare premiums across various insurers based on your age, region, and desired deductible level.

In summary, the Swiss insurance system offers a comprehensive range of options for both basic and complementary health insurance. By carefully evaluating your individual needs and budget, you can select the plans that provide the best value for your money. Don't forget to review your insurance coverage annually and make adjustments as needed to ensure you're always getting the most out of your healthcare spending.