Complementary health practitioner insurance: optimise costs and maximise benefits
09.06.25
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Alternative therapies are becoming increasingly important, but reimbursement by statutory health insurers is often incomplete. A supplementary insurance policy for alternative practitioners closes this gap and secures your access to the therapies you want. Find out how to choose the right cover and which benefits really matter.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A supplementary health practitioner insurance policy closes the coverage gap in statutory health insurance and covers the costs of alternative treatment methods that would otherwise have to be paid for out of pocket.
Good tariffs reimburse eighty to one hundred per cent of the costs up to an annual budget of often eight hundred to two thousand euros and are based on the GebüH and Hufeland directory.
Contributions may be tax-deductible, although the maximum amounts for retirement provision expenses (EUR 1,900 for employees) are often already reached by basic health insurance.
Understanding the need for supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners
Statutory health insurers (GKV) usually do not cover the costs of alternative practitioners. Treatments such as acupuncture or homeopathy often have to be paid for entirely by patients themselves. An additional insurance policy for alternative practitioners can close this financial gap. It gives access to a broad range of alternative treatment methods. Without this cover, costs of several hundred euros can quickly arise.
The demand for naturopathic treatments is steadily increasing. Many policyholders want a supplement to conventional medicine. Around seventy per cent of Germans have already had experience with natural therapies. An additional insurance policy for alternative practitioners is therefore, for many, a worthwhile investment in their own health. It provides financial security and significantly expands therapeutic options. This is the first step towards comprehensive preventive healthcare.
Analysing the cost structure of naturopathic treatments
Practitioners are generally free to set their fees. However, many orientate themselves on the fee schedule for practitioners (GebüH) from 1985. An initial consultation, which can last one to two hours, often costs between eighty and one hundred and eighty euros. Follow-up sessions of around thirty minutes cost between forty-five and ninety euros.
A course of treatment with ten appointments plus an initial consultation can therefore quickly cost between five hundred and one thousand euros. The GebüH lists individual items in detail. For example, a thorough examination (item 1) costs between twelve euros thirty and twenty euros fifty. An acupuncture treatment (item 21.1) is charged at between ten euros thirty and twenty-six euros. Knowing these costs helps when choosing the right insurance tariff. A good supplementary insurance for practitioners should cover these typical costs. This helps avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Assess the scope of cover of good supplementary tariffs for alternative practitioners
A powerful supplementary insurance policy for alternative practitioners usually reimburses eighty to ninety per cent of treatment costs. Some top-tier policies even cover up to one hundred per cent of the costs. The annual reimbursement limit is important; with good policies, it should be between eight hundred and two thousand euros. Typical waiting periods are three months before benefits can be claimed.
The following benefits are often included:
Treatments by alternative practitioners and doctors specialising in natural therapies.
Cover for procedures such as acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy and chiropractic.
Reimbursement for prescribed medicines, remedies and dressings.
Sometimes also contributions towards visual aids or preventive check-ups.
Pay attention to the reimbursement basis, ideally according to GebüH and the Hufeland directory. Psychotherapy provided by alternative practitioners is less commonly covered, but there are tariffs that provide up to two thousand euros per year for this. A health supplementary insurance policy can be a useful addition here. Careful review of the tariff details is crucial for optimal protection.
Choose the right plan for your needs
The monthly cost of supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners varies greatly. Affordable basic plans are available from around five to seven euros a month for a 30-year-old. More comprehensive plans with higher reimbursement limits often cost between twenty and thirty euros per month for a 40-year-old. For children, premiums are usually between eight and twelve euros.
When making your choice, you should consider the following points:
The level of percentage cost reimbursement (aim for at least eighty percent).
The annual overall budget for alternative practitioner services (at least eight hundred euros).
The treatment methods covered and whether osteopathy is explicitly mentioned.
The length of the waiting periods (three months is common).
Whether health questions are asked and how extensive they are.
Our expert tip: Compare not only the price, but above all the value for money. A private supplementary insurance should be flexible enough to adapt to your personal situation. This way, you secure the best terms in the long term.
Expert knowledge: GebüH, Hufeland directory and demarcation from statutory health insurance
The Schedule of Fees for Alternative Practitioners (GebüH) from 1985 serves as a guide, but is not binding. Doctors specialising in natural therapies often use the Hufeland schedule, which assigns treatment procedures to the codes of the medical fee schedule (GOÄ). Good supplementary tariffs reimburse up to the maximum rates under both schedules. Statutory health insurance (GKV) generally does not cover alternative practitioner costs.
There are only a few exceptions in which the GKV subsidises certain alternative procedures such as osteopathy for specific diagnoses, but usually only when they are provided by doctors with the appropriate additional qualifications. An alternative practitioner supplementary insurance policy is therefore almost always necessary to cover these costs. For treatments such as psychotherapy by an alternative practitioner, reimbursement by the GKV is particularly rare. Understanding these distinctions is important for your decision.
Take advantage of tax considerations and additional benefits
Contributions to supplementary insurance for alternative practitioner treatment can be claimed for tax purposes as retirement provision expenses. For employees and pensioners, the annual maximum amount is EUR 1,900. Self-employed people can deduct up to EUR 2,800. Often, these maximum amounts are already exhausted by contributions to basic health and long-term care insurance.
Nevertheless, certain groups of people can benefit. These include students or low earners whose basic contributions are below the maximum amount. A student with total expenses of EUR 1,788 (including supplementary insurance) can deduct the full amount. Check your individual situation so you do not miss out on possible tax advantages. In addition to financial protection, outpatient supplementary insurance often also offers support services. This rounds off the cover.
Supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners usually has a minimum contract term of one or two years. Cancellation before the end of the term is often only possible in special circumstances. Health questions are standard at the time of application; policies without them are rare, but some providers offer simplified health assessments. Existing or recommended treatments are generally excluded from cover.
It is important to answer health questions honestly and in full so as not to jeopardise cover. Our expert tip: choose a plan with flexible adjustment options in case your needs change. Careful selection and a clear understanding of the contractual terms will provide you with valuable support for your health in the long term. Bear in mind that a private health insurance has different conditions. This way, you can make an informed decision.
Request your personalised risk analysis for your supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners now
Choosing the right supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners requires a careful consideration of your individual needs and the various tariff options. A blanket recommendation is hardly possible, as factors such as the desired scope of benefits, age and state of health play a role. With a careful analysis, you secure optimal protection on fair terms. Take advantage of the opportunity to receive comprehensive advice.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Statista offers an infographic on the use of naturopathic treatments in Germany.
Statista provides statistics on the frequency of use of alternative healing methods in Germany.
Statista offers a comprehensive overview of alternative healing methods.
The Federal Health Reporting (GBE-Bund) publishes a report on the use of alternative medicine in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office provides data on the cost structure of healthcare services in Germany.
The German Association of Alternative Practitioners presents a representative survey on the number of patients seen daily by alternative practitioners in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office provides information on health expenditure in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers a legal opinion on the law governing alternative practitioners.
FAQ
How much is reimbursed under supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners?
Most plans reimburse between eighty and ninety per cent of the costs. Some top plans also cover one hundred per cent, usually up to an annual maximum, which is often between eight hundred and two thousand euros.
What are the GebüH and the Hufeland directory?
The GebüH (fee schedule for alternative practitioners) is a non-binding guide to alternative practitioners’ fees from 1985. The Hufeland Directory lists naturopathic treatments and assigns them to the codes of the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
Are waiting periods common with supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners?
Yes, a general waiting period of three months is standard before benefits can be claimed. For certain services such as psychotherapy or childbirth, there may be special waiting periods of up to eight months.
Does the supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners also cover osteopathy?
Yes, many supplementary insurance policies for alternative practitioners cover the costs of osteopathic treatments when these are performed by an alternative practitioner. It is advisable to check this in the tariff details.
Can I deduct the premiums for supplementary insurance for alternative practitioner treatments from my taxes?
Yes, the contributions can be claimed for tax purposes as retirement provision expenses. However, the annual maximum amounts (e.g. €1,900 for employees) are often already exhausted by contributions to statutory health and long-term care insurance.
Is supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners worthwhile for children?
Yes, such insurance can make sense for children, as they often benefit from gentle, naturopathic methods. The premiums are comparatively affordable at around eight to twelve euros per month, and acceptance is often easier due to their usually good state of health.
