Supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners: optimise costs and maximise benefits
13.06.25
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Alternative healing methods are very popular, but the costs can quickly become a burden. Supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners can help here and make it easier for you to access the treatments you want. Find out how to choose the right plan and which benefits really matter.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A supplementary insurance policy for alternative practitioners covers the costs of alternative treatment methods that are often not covered by statutory health insurers, with reimbursements usually amounting to 80 to 100 per cent of the costs, although annual maximum limits apply.
Monthly costs vary depending on age and the scope of cover, typically between €20 and €30 for adults, with a careful comparison of benefits, waiting periods and reimbursement limits being essential.
Important selection criteria are the scope of the treatments covered (e.g. acupuncture, osteopathy), the reimbursement basis (GebüH/Hufelandverzeichnis) and the regulations regarding health questions and waiting periods.
Quick Facts: The essentials of supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners
Supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners covers the costs of alternative treatments that statutory health insurers often do not cover. Many tariffs reimburse 80 per cent of the costs of alternative practitioner services. The monthly premiums for a comprehensive policy for a forty-year-old person are often between 20 and 30 euros. Pay attention to benefit limits; many tariffs cap the annual reimbursement, for example at 1,000 euros. An outpatient supplementary insurance policy is often the basis.
Costs and benefits in practice: when is the investment worthwhile?
Costs for treatments by alternative practitioners vary considerably; an initial consultation can cost between 80 and 180 euros. Follow-up sessions often cost between 45 and 90 euros. Supplementary insurance can significantly reduce these costs. Many plans cover up to 90 per cent of the invoice amount. For example, on a bill of 360 euros, the out-of-pocket cost with good insurance can fall to just 72 euros. Consider how often you want to use alternative methods in order to weigh the benefits against monthly premiums of, for example, 10 to 40 euros. For children, plans are often available from as little as eight euros per month. The supplementary insurance for osteopathy is a commonly requested component.
The following points illustrate the cost-benefit ratio:
Reduction of high one-off treatment expenses.
Access to a broader range of therapy methods.
Predictable healthcare expenses through fixed monthly premiums.
Cover against unexpectedly high treatment costs for chronic conditions.
Costs for prescribed medicines are often included too.
The decision in favour of supplementary insurance is therefore an individual balancing of your healthcare needs and financial circumstances.
Understanding the range of services: Which treatments are covered?
Good supplementary naturopathy insurance policies cover a broad range of alternative and complementary therapies. These often include acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic and osteopathy. Many tariffs reimburse costs based on the schedule of fees for non-medical practitioners (GebüH) or the Hufeland directory. Make sure that both treatments by non-medical practitioners and by doctors specialising in naturopathic medicine are covered. Some policies also cover psychotherapy provided by non-medical practitioners, often up to EUR 2,000 per year. Cover for visual aids is also included in some tariffs, for example up to EUR 150 every two years. A health insurance and homeopathy is a frequently discussed topic that can be addressed through supplementary insurance.
Typical benefits often include:
Traditional naturopathic treatments such as phytotherapy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Manual therapies such as massages.
Elimination therapies.
Reimbursement for prescribed alternative medicines.
Check the tariff details carefully, as not all therapies are recognised by every insurer.
Expert depth: Legal foundations and current rulings
The German Non-Medical Practitioner Act (HeilprG) regulates the practice of medicine by non-physicians in Germany. Non-medical practitioners require a state authorisation, which is granted following an examination by the local health authority. Statutory health insurers generally do not cover the costs of non-medical practitioner services, or only to a very limited extent. Court rulings often confirm that there is no general entitlement to cost reimbursement by statutory health insurance. A private supplementary insurance policy is therefore for many the only way to have these costs reimbursed. Billing is often based on the fee schedule for non-medical practitioners (GebüH), although this does not constitute a binding price list. Non-medical practitioners are obliged to inform patients about the economic implications of treatment.
Our expert tip: before treatment begins, always clarify the expected costs and the basis for billing directly with the non-medical practitioner. You should also ask your supplementary insurer about the exact reimbursement arrangements for the planned treatment to avoid misunderstandings. This is particularly important, as reimbursement may also depend on the medical necessity and on the insurer’s recognition of the procedure.
Tariff comparison: Find the right cover
When comparing supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners, you should pay attention to several criteria. The level of percentage reimbursement is an important factor; 80 to 100 per cent is common here. The annual reimbursement limits are also crucial, and these often range between 800 and 2,000 euros. Check the waiting periods – three months is typical, and eight months is often the case for psychotherapy. Some tariffs also offer benefits without a waiting period. Health questions usually have to be answered; tariffs with simplified health questions may be an option. Also compare which specific healing methods are covered and whether reimbursement is based on the GebüH and/or the Hufeland register. A supplementary health insurance policy can combine various components.
Important comparison points are:
Percentage reimbursement per invoice.
Maximum annual reimbursement amount.
Waiting periods before the first use.
Scope of the health questions.
Covered healing methods and billing bases (GebüH, Hufeland register).
Monthly premium in relation to the scope of benefits.
Contract term and notice periods.
A careful comparison helps you find a tariff that is ideally suited to your needs and your budget.
What is often not covered: understanding exclusions from cover
Not every desired treatment from a naturopath is automatically covered by supplementary insurance. Treatments that were already started or recommended before the contract was signed are usually excluded. Scientifically unrecognised or controversial methods may also be rejected, even if they are listed in the GebüH. Some tariffs explicitly do not cover treatment by doctors, even if they use natural healing methods, but only by naturopaths. Costs for aids are not always fully covered. It is important to read the insurance conditions carefully in order to know the exclusions. A supplementary insurance policy with TK can, for example, be arranged via cooperation partners such as Envivas, whose terms then apply.
Our expert tip: If in doubt, always check with your insurer before starting treatment to see whether the specific service will be covered. This applies especially to new or less common therapy methods. This helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures that your chosen treatment is also eligible for reimbursement.
Choosing the right supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners is an important step towards greater well-being and financial security. Analyse your personal needs: How often do you make use of alternative treatments? Which methods matter to you? Define your budget and compare the offers from different insurers carefully. Pay attention not only to the price, but above all to the price-performance ratio and the terms and conditions. A good private health insurance policy can already cover many of these benefits; for those insured under the statutory scheme, the supplementary policy is often the key. Use independent comparison portals and, if necessary, consider professional advice. This will ensure that you are comprehensively protected and can enjoy the benefits of naturopathy without worry. Bear in mind that arranging cover early often comes with lower premiums and simpler medical assessments.
Request your individual risk analysis now: have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of Heilpraktiker (alternative practitioners) in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides a legal opinion on Heilpraktiker law.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers a publication on the cost structure of the healthcare system in Germany.
The Federal Health Reporting System (GBE) provides information on alternative medicine.
The German Bundestag provides a document on the topic of Heilpraktiker.
Laws on the Internet offers the full text of the Heilpraktiker Act (HeilprG).
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on supplementary insurance for statutory health insurance.
The Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVB) provides an information sheet on outpatient treatment.
Statista offers statistics and information on alternative healing methods.
FAQ
Does statutory health insurance cover the costs of alternative practitioners?
Statutory health insurance providers usually do not cover the costs of naturopathic treatments, or only to a very limited extent for specific, recognised methods. Supplementary insurance is therefore often necessary.
What is the fee schedule for alternative practitioners (GebüH)?
The GebüH is a guide to the fees charged by non-medical practitioners. It is not a binding price list, but many supplementary insurers use it as a reference for reimbursement.
How long are the waiting periods for supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners?
The general waiting periods are usually three months. For certain benefits such as psychotherapy or childbirth, they can be eight months. Some tariffs also offer immediate cover with no waiting period.
Are alternative medicines also included in supplementary insurance?
Yes, many plans for supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners also reimburse the costs of alternative medicines prescribed by a doctor or alternative practitioner.
Can I take out supplementary insurance for alternative practitioner treatment despite pre-existing conditions?
The application may be more difficult if you have pre-existing conditions and can lead to premium loading or exclusions of benefits. However, some insurers offer plans with simplified health questions, which may be an option.
What happens if my naturopath is also a doctor?
Some tariffs only provide benefits if the treatment is carried out by a purely alternative practitioner. Others also reimburse costs if a doctor with the relevant additional qualification bills for naturopathic treatments in accordance with GebüH or the Hufeland directory. Please check this in the tariff terms.
