Supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners: Optimise costs and maximise benefits
9 Jun 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Alternative healing methods are gaining significance, but coverage by statutory health insurers is often incomplete. A supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners fills this gap and ensures access to the desired therapies. Find out how to choose the right protection and which benefits really matter.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A supplementary health insurance for alternative practitioners closes the service gap of the statutory health insurance and covers costs for alternative healing methods that would otherwise have to be borne by oneself.
Good policies cover eighty to one hundred percent 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, with the maximum amounts for provident expenses (one thousand nine hundred euros for employees) often already covered by basic health insurance.
Understanding the necessity of additional insurance for alternative practitioners
Statutory health insurances (GKV) usually do not cover costs for alternative practitioners. Treatments such as acupuncture or homeopathy often need to be paid for entirely by the patients themselves. An additional insurance for alternative practitioners can fill this financial gap. It provides access to a wide range of alternative treatment methods. Without this protection, costs can quickly amount to several hundred euros.
The demand for naturopathic procedures is steadily increasing. Many insured individuals desire a complement to conventional medicine. Around seventy percent of Germans have already experienced natural healing methods. Therefore, additional insurance for alternative practitioners is a sensible investment in personal health for many. It offers financial security and significantly expands therapeutic possibilities. This is the first step towards comprehensive health care.
Analyse of cost structure in alternative practitioner treatments
Heilpraktikers are generally free to set their fees. However, many refer to the schedule of fees for Heilpraktikers (GebüH) from the year nineteen eighty-five. An initial consultation, which can last one to two hours, often costs between eighty and one hundred eighty euros. Follow-up sessions of about thirty minutes are priced at forty-five to ninety euros.
A series of treatments with ten appointments plus the initial discussion can therefore quickly cost five hundred to one thousand euros. The GebüH lists individual items in detail. For example, a thorough examination (number 1) costs between twelve euros thirty and twenty euros fifty. An acupuncture treatment (number 21.1) is charged between ten euros thirty and twenty-six euros. Knowing these costs helps in choosing the right insurance tariff. A good Heilpraktiker additional insurance should cover these typical costs. This can help avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Evaluate the scope of good complementary alternative medicine tariffs
A robust supplementary health insurance for alternative practitioners typically reimburses eighty to ninety percent of treatment costs. Some top-tier plans even cover up to one hundred percent of the costs. The annual reimbursement budget is crucial, and for good plans, it should be between eight hundred and two thousand euros. Common waiting periods are three months before benefits can be utilized.
The following services are often included:
Treatments by alternative practitioners and doctors of naturopathy.
Cost coverage for procedures like acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
Reimbursement for prescribed medications, remedies, and dressings.
Sometimes also contributions towards visual aids or preventive check-ups.
Pay attention to the reimbursement basis, ideally according to the GebüH and Hufeland schedule. Psychotherapy by alternative practitioners is less commonly covered, but there are plans that provide up to two thousand euros annually for this. A health insurance supplement can be a sensible addition here. Thorough examination of the tariff details is crucial for optimal protection.
Choose the right plan for your needs
The monthly costs for supplementary health insurance for alternative practitioners vary greatly. Affordable basic rates are available from around five to seven euros per month for a thirty-year-old. More comprehensive plans with higher reimbursement limits often cost between twenty and thirty euros per month for a forty-year-old. For children, the contributions are usually between eight and twelve euros.
When choosing, you should consider the following points:
The percentage reimbursement rate (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 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 especially the price-performance ratio. A private supplementary insurance should be flexible to adapt to your life situation. This way, you ensure the best conditions in the long term.
Expert Knowledge: GebüH, Hufeland List and GKV Demarcation
The Fee Schedule for Alternative Practitioners (GebüH) from nineteen eighty-five serves as a guideline but is not binding. Doctors specialising in natural remedies often use the Hufeland directory, which assigns therapy procedures to the numbers in the medical fee schedule (GOÄ). Good supplementary tariffs cover up to the maximum rates according to both directories. The statutory health insurance (GKV) generally does not cover costs for alternative practitioners.
There are few exceptions where the GKV subsidises certain alternative procedures such as osteopathy for specific diagnoses, but usually only if they are provided by doctors with the relevant additional qualification. A supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners is therefore almost always necessary to cover these costs. For treatments like psychotherapy by alternative practitioners, reimbursement by the GKV is particularly rare. Understanding these distinctions is important for your decision.
Take advantage of tax aspects and other benefits
Contributions to supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners can be claimed as tax-deductible precautionary expenses. For employees and pensioners, there is an annual maximum amount of one thousand nine hundred euros. Self-employed individuals can deduct up to two thousand eight hundred euros. Often, these maximum amounts are already exhausted by contributions to basic health and long-term care insurance.
Nevertheless, certain groups can benefit. These include students or low earners whose basic contributions are below the maximum amount. A student with total expenses of one thousand seven hundred eighty-eight euros (including supplementary insurance) can fully deduct these. Assess your individual situation to avoid missing out on potential tax advantages. Besides financial security, outpatient supplementary insurance often offers additional services. This completes the protection.
Consider long-term planning and contract conditions
Alternative practitioner supplementary insurance usually has a minimum contract term of one or two years. Termination before the end of this period is often only possible under special circumstances. Health questions are common when taking out the insurance; there are hardly any tariffs without these, but some providers have simplified health checks. Existing or recommended treatments are generally excluded from insurance coverage.
It is important to answer health questions honestly and completely to avoid jeopardising your insurance coverage. Our expert tip: Choose a plan with flexible adjustment options in case your needs change. Carefully selecting and understanding the contract terms will provide you with valuable support for your health in the long term. Remember that a private health insurance has different conditions. This way, you make an informed decision.
Request your individual risk analysis for your supplementary insurance as a non-medical practitioner now
More useful links
Statista offers an infographic on the use of natural healing methods 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 health services in Germany.
The Association of German Naturopaths presents a representative survey on the daily number of patients at naturopaths in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office informs about health expenditure in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers a legal opinion on naturopathy law.
FAQ
What is the reimbursement rate for supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners?
Most plans reimburse between eighty and ninety percent of the costs. Some top-tier plans also cover one hundred percent, usually up to an annual limit, which often falls 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 for alternative practitioner fees from the year nineteen eighty-five. The Hufeland Directory lists naturopathic treatments and assigns them numbers from the Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
Are waiting periods common with additional insurance for alternative practitioners?
Yes, a general waiting period of three months is customary before benefits can be claimed. For certain services like psychotherapy or childbirth, there may be specific waiting periods of up to eight months.
Does the supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners also cover osteopathy?
Yes, many complementary insurance policies for alternative practitioners cover the costs for osteopathic treatments when they are performed by an alternative practitioner. It is advisable to check this in the tariff details.
Can I deduct the contributions to the alternative practitioner supplementary insurance from my taxes?
Yes, contributions can be claimed as tax-deductible precautionary expenses. However, the annual maximum amounts (e.g. one thousand nine hundred euros for employees) are often already exhausted by contributions to statutory health and nursing care insurance.
Is it worth having additional health insurance for children?
Yes, such insurance can be beneficial for children as they often benefit from gentle, naturopathic methods. The premiums are relatively affordable at about eight to twelve euros per month, and acceptance is often easier due to the generally good state of health.
