Best Swiss Complementary Insurance for Osteopathy
Compare 11 major insurers. See real costs for 3-12 sessions per year. Find the plan that actually saves you money.
Stop Overpaying for Osteopathy.
Know Your Real Costs.
Osteopathy sessions in Switzerland cost CHF 130-160 each. Without insurance, 10 sessions will set you back CHF 1,300-1,600 per year. But comparing plans is confusing—a "90% coverage" plan can actually cost you more than a "75% coverage" plan.
Best Insurance by Scenario
Skip the comparison tables—here's who wins for each situation.
Best Overall Value
Helsana SANA — CHF 11.25/month, 75% coverage, CHF 5,000 limit, no deductible
Heavy Users (10+ sessions)
Assura Natura — CHF 8.75/month, 90% coverage, CHF 200 deductible
Best Budget Option
Concordia NATURA — CHF 15/month, 75% coverage (requires LAMal with Concordia)
Highest Coverage Limit
CSS myFlex Alternative — 75% coverage up to CHF 10,000/year
What You Need to Know First
Basic Insurance Doesn't Cover Osteopathy
Swiss basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG) covers only five complementary therapies when performed by certified doctors: acupuncture, anthroposophic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and phytotherapy.
Osteopathy is not on this list. You need supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung/assurance complémentaire).
Your Therapist Must Be Certified
Insurers only reimburse treatments from recognized therapists. Most base their coverage on two certification registers:
- EMR (ErfahrungsMedizinisches Register) — The Empirical Medicine Register
- ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine)
In Switzerland, osteopaths must pass the CDS exam to practice legally and be accepted by insurance companies. Before booking, verify your therapist appears on your insurer's approved list.
You Can Be Rejected
Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurers can decline applications based on pre-existing conditions. Some impose 3-12 month waiting periods before coverage begins. Apply while healthy.
Complete Insurance Comparison
All prices are monthly premiums for a 25-year-old in the Vaud region. Your actual premium may differ based on age and location.
| Insurance | Monthly Cost | Coverage % | Annual Limit | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assura Natura | CHF 8.75 | 90% | 12 sessions | CHF 200 |
| Helsana SANA | CHF 11.25 | 75% | CHF 5,000 | CHF 0 |
| Concordia NATURA | CHF 15.00 | 75% | CHF 1,500 | CHF 0 |
| EGK-SUN | CHF 16.15 | 80% | — | CHF 300 |
| CSS myFlex Alternative | CHF 16.30 | 75% | CHF 10,000 | CHF 0 |
| KPT Komplementär | CHF 18.00 | 90% | CHF 1,000 | CHF 0 |
| Visana Komplementär II | CHF 19.50 | 75% | CHF 2,000 | CHF 0 |
| Swica Completa Top | CHF 21.00 | CHF 80/session | — | 10% up to CHF 700 |
| Sanitas Vital Smart | CHF 28.20 | 80% | CHF 2,500 | CHF 0 |
| AXA Complet | CHF 30.00 | 75% | CHF 3,000 | CHF 0 |
| Groupe Mutuel Optimum | CHF 33.00 | 75% | CHF 3,000 | CHF 0 |
| Atupri Mivita Reala | CHF 38.50 | 50% | CHF 1,500 | CHF 0 |
Important 2024-2025 change: CSS, Helsana, Visana, and EGK now cap reimbursement at maximum tariffs. For osteopaths with Master or CDS certification, CSS limits reimbursement to CHF 18 per 5-minute period. Check your insurer's current policy.
Real Cost Calculations
Abstract percentages don't show what you'll actually pay. Here's the total annual cost for different usage levels, using CHF 140 per session.
3 Sessions Per Year (Light User)
Without insurance: CHF 420
| Insurance | Annual Premium | Session Costs | Deductible | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsana SANA | CHF 135 | CHF 105 | CHF 0 | CHF 240 | ✅ CHF 180 |
| Concordia NATURA | CHF 180 | CHF 105 | CHF 0 | CHF 285 | CHF 135 |
| CSS myFlex | CHF 196 | CHF 105 | CHF 0 | CHF 301 | CHF 119 |
| EGK-SUN | CHF 194 | CHF 84 | CHF 300 | CHF 578 | ❌ -CHF 158 |
| Assura Natura | CHF 105 | CHF 42 | CHF 200 | CHF 347 | CHF 73 |
🏆 Winner for 3 sessions: Helsana SANA saves CHF 180 per year.
Notice how EGK-SUN's CHF 300 deductible makes it worse than no insurance for light users.
6 Sessions Per Year (Moderate User)
Without insurance: CHF 840
| Insurance | Annual Premium | Session Costs | Deductible | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPT Komplementär | CHF 216 | CHF 84 | CHF 0 | CHF 300 | ✅ CHF 540 |
| Helsana SANA | CHF 135 | CHF 210 | CHF 0 | CHF 345 | CHF 495 |
| Assura Natura | CHF 105 | CHF 84 | CHF 200 | CHF 389 | CHF 451 |
| Concordia NATURA | CHF 180 | CHF 210 | CHF 0 | CHF 390 | CHF 450 |
| CSS myFlex | CHF 196 | CHF 210 | CHF 0 | CHF 406 | CHF 434 |
🏆 Winner for 6 sessions: KPT Komplementär edges ahead with 90% coverage and no deductible.
10 Sessions Per Year (Heavy User)
Without insurance: CHF 1,400
| Insurance | Annual Premium | Session Costs | Deductible | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPT Komplementär | CHF 216 | CHF 140 | CHF 0 | CHF 356 | ✅ CHF 1,044 |
| Assura Natura | CHF 105 | CHF 140 | CHF 200 | CHF 445 | CHF 955 |
| Helsana SANA | CHF 135 | CHF 350 | CHF 0 | CHF 485 | CHF 915 |
| Concordia NATURA | CHF 180 | CHF 350 | CHF 0 | CHF 530 | CHF 870 |
| CSS myFlex | CHF 196 | CHF 350 | CHF 0 | CHF 546 | CHF 854 |
🏆 Winner for 10 sessions: KPT Komplementär offers the best value for heavy users with its 90% coverage rate.
12 Sessions Per Year (Maximum User)
Without insurance: CHF 1,680
| Insurance | Annual Premium | Session Costs | Deductible | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPT Komplementär | CHF 216 | CHF 168 | CHF 0 | CHF 384 | ✅ CHF 1,296 |
| Assura Natura | CHF 105 | CHF 168 | CHF 200 | CHF 473 | CHF 1,207 |
| Helsana SANA | CHF 135 | CHF 420 | CHF 0 | CHF 555 | CHF 1,125 |
🏆 Winner for 12 sessions: KPT Komplementär — the 90% coverage rate dominates at high usage.
How to Choose the Right Plan
Match your situation to the best insurance option.
Choose Helsana SANA if
The best all-around option for most users.
- You need 3-8 sessions per year
- You want simplicity (no deductible)
- You prefer a high annual limit for flexibility
- You might use other alternative therapies
Choose KPT Komplementär if
Best for heavy users who need maximum reimbursement.
- You need 8+ sessions per year
- You want the highest reimbursement percentage (90%)
- You value predictable costs
- You don't mind a slightly higher premium
Choose Assura Natura if
Best for budget-conscious heavy users.
- You want the lowest monthly premium
- You can absorb the CHF 200 deductible
- You need many sessions (90% kicks in after deductible)
- You're comfortable with session limits
Choose CSS myFlex Alternative if
Best for users of multiple therapies.
- You use multiple types of alternative medicine
- You might need expensive treatments
- You want the highest annual limit (CHF 10,000)
- You value maximum flexibility
⚠️ Avoid Atupri Mivita Reala
At 50% coverage and CHF 38.50/month, it's the worst value on this list for osteopathy alone.
Important Considerations
Before You Sign Up
These details can make or break your coverage. Read before committing.
Some insurers only cover "medically necessary" treatments—not preventive care
Insurers can reject you or exclude specific conditions
Some impose 3-12 month waiting periods for new policyholders
Book directly—osteopathy is primary healthcare in Switzerland
Regional Price Variations
Osteopathy costs vary significantly by location:
| Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Geneva/Zurich | CHF 150-160 per session |
| Smaller cities | CHF 120-140 per session |
Adjust the calculations above if your local rates differ.
How to Switch or Apply
Key Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Cancellation notice | September 30th |
| New policy start | January 1st |
| Notice period | 3 months |
Mark your calendar for mid-September.
Application Process
- Compare plans using Comparis.ch or Moneyland.ch for current pricing
- Verify your osteopath appears on the new insurer's approved therapist list
- Complete health questionnaire honestly (lying can void coverage)
- Submit application before September 30th for January start
- Cancel existing coverage only after new approval
Bundling with LAMal
Some insurers offer discounts when you bundle supplementary insurance with basic insurance. Concordia NATURA requires this. However, the cheapest LAMal provider often isn't the best supplementary insurance provider. Run the numbers on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Swiss basic insurance cover osteopathy?
No. LAMal covers five complementary therapies only when performed by certified doctors. Osteopathy requires supplementary insurance.
How much does osteopathy cost in Switzerland?
Sessions typically cost CHF 120-160, lasting 30-60 minutes. Prices are higher in Zurich and Geneva.
What percentage do Swiss insurers reimburse?
Most cover 70-90%. But percentage alone doesn't determine total cost—monthly premiums, deductibles, and annual limits all matter.
Can I be rejected for complementary insurance?
Yes. Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurers can decline applications or impose waiting periods based on health history.
Is Helsana or CSS better for osteopathy?
For light users (under 8 sessions), Helsana SANA wins due to no deductible and lower premiums. For heavy users wanting maximum coverage limits, CSS myFlex offers CHF 10,000 annual cap.
When can I switch complementary insurance?
Submit cancellation by September 30th for coverage ending December 31st. New policies start January 1st.
The Bottom Line
Here's what to do next.
For Most People
Helsana SANA offers the best balance of low premiums, no deductible, and generous coverage limits.
For Heavy Users
KPT Komplementär or Assura Natura will save you more despite higher premiums or deductibles.
Key Reminders
Avoid high-deductible plans unless you'll use enough sessions. Always verify your therapist is approved.
Stay Updated
Swiss premiums rose 4.4% for 2026. Verify current pricing on Comparis.ch before applying.
Track Your Healthcare Expenses
Magic Heidi helps Swiss freelancers track all expenses—including medical costs—with AI-powered receipt scanning.
Prices reflect 2025 data for a 25-year-old in Vaud. Your premiums may vary. Always confirm current rates and coverage details with insurers before purchasing.