Supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners: Optimise costs and maximise benefits
13 Jun 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Alternative healing methods are very popular, but the costs can quickly become a burden. An additional insurance policy for alternative practitioners can help here and make it easier for you to access the treatments you want. Find out how to find the right plan and which services really matter.
The topic in brief and concise terms
An additional insurance for alternative practitioners covers costs for alternative healing methods that are often not covered by statutory health insurers, generally reimbursing between 80 and 100 percent of the costs, although there are annual maximum limits.
The monthly costs vary depending on age and level of coverage, typically between 20 and 30 euros for adults, where a careful comparison of benefits, waiting periods, and reimbursement limits is crucial.
Important selection criteria include the range of covered treatments (e.g., acupuncture, osteopathy), the reimbursement basis (GebüH/Hufeland Directory), and the regulations on health questions and waiting periods.
Quick Facts: Key Information on Heilpraktiker Zusatzversicherung
A supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners covers costs for alternative treatments, which statutory health insurers often do not cover. Many plans reimburse 80 percent of the costs for alternative practitioner services. The monthly premiums for a high-performance policy for a forty-year-old person often range between 20 and 30 euros. Pay attention to benefit limits; many plans cap the annual reimbursement, for example, at 1,000 euros. An outpatient supplementary insurance is often the foundation.
Costs and Benefits in a Practical Check: When is the Investment Worthwhile?
The costs for treatments by alternative practitioners vary greatly; an initial consultation can cost between 80 and 180 euros. Follow-up sessions often cost between 45 and 90 euros. An additional insurance policy can significantly reduce these costs. Many policies cover up to 90 percent of the bill. For instance, with a good insurance, your share of a 360 euro bill could be reduced to just 72 euros. Consider how often you wish to use alternative methods to weigh the benefits against the monthly premiums, which can range from 10 to 40 euros. For children, policies are often available from just eight euros a month. Supplementary insurance for osteopathy is a frequently requested component.
The following points illustrate the cost-benefit ratio:
Reduction of high one-off costs for treatments.
Access to a wider range of therapy methods.
Predictable healthcare expenses with fixed monthly contributions.
Protection against unexpectedly high treatment costs for chronic conditions.
Costs for prescribed medications are often included as well.
The decision for additional insurance is therefore an individual assessment of your healthcare needs and financial circumstances.
Understanding the range of services: What treatments are covered?
Good complementary health insurance policies cover a wide range of natural therapies. These often include acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and osteopathy. Many policies reimburse costs based on the Fee Schedule for Alternative Practitioners (GebüH) or the Hufeland Directory. Ensure that treatments by both alternative practitioners and doctors specialising in naturopathy are covered. Some policies also cover costs for psychotherapy by alternative practitioners, often up to 2,000 euros per year. Coverage for visual aids is also included in some policies, for example, up to 150 euros every two years. The topic of health insurance and homeopathy is often discussed, which can be addressed with additional insurance.
Typical benefits often include:
Classical natural therapies such as phytotherapy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Manual therapies such as massages.
Elimination therapies.
Reimbursement for prescribed alternative medicines.
Check the policy details carefully, as not all procedures are recognised by every insurer.
Expert Depth: Legal Foundations and Recent Judgments
The Heilpraktiker Act (HeilprG) governs the practice of medicine by non-physicians in Germany. Heilpraktikers require a state license, which is granted after an examination by the health authority. Statutory health insurance generally does not cover the costs for Heilpraktiker services, or only does so to a very limited extent. Judicial rulings often confirm that there is no general entitlement to cost coverage by statutory health insurance. A private supplementary insurance is therefore the only way for many to get these costs reimbursed. Billing is often based on the fee schedule for Heilpraktikers (GebüH), which is not a binding price list. Heilpraktikers are obliged to provide their patients with economic clarification.
Our expert tip: Always clarify the anticipated costs and billing basis directly with the Heilpraktiker before treatment begins. Also, inquire with your supplementary insurance about the exact reimbursement modalities for the planned treatment to avoid misunderstandings. This is particularly important as reimbursement may also depend on the medical necessity and the insurer's recognition of the procedure.
Tariff comparison: Finding the right protection
When comparing supplementary insurance for non-medical practitioners, you should pay attention to several criteria. The percentage of cost reimbursement is an important factor; 80 to 100 percent is common here. The annual maximum limits for reimbursements, which often range between 800 and 2,000 euros, are also crucial. Check the waiting periods – three months are usual, but often eight months for psychotherapy. Some plans also offer benefits without a waiting period. Health questions usually need to be answered; plans with simplified health questions can be an option. Also compare which specific healing methods are covered and whether the reimbursement is according to GebüH and/or Hufeland Directory. A supplementary health insurance can combine various components.
Important comparison points are:
Percentage reimbursement per invoice.
Maximum annual reimbursement amount.
Waiting periods until the first claim.
Extent of health questions.
Covered healing methods and billing basics (GebüH, Hufeland Directory).
Monthly premium in relation to scope of benefits.
Contract duration and notice periods.
A careful comparison helps find a plan that optimally fits your needs and budget.
What is often overlooked: understanding exclusions of benefits
Not every desired treatment by a naturopath is automatically covered by supplementary insurance. Treatments that began or were recommended before the contract was concluded are usually excluded. Even scientifically unrecognized or controversial methods might be rejected, even if they are listed in the GebüH. Some tariffs explicitly do not cover treatments by doctors, even if they use naturopathic methods, but only by pure naturopaths. Costs for aids are not always fully covered. It is important to read the insurance conditions carefully to be aware of exclusions. A supplementary insurance with TK can, for example, be arranged through partners such as Envivas, whose conditions would then apply.
Our expert tip: Always check with your insurance before starting treatment if you have any doubts whether the specific service will be covered. This is especially true for new or less common therapy methods. This way, you avoid unexpected costs and can ensure your chosen treatment is reimbursable.
The path to optimal coverage
Choosing the right supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners is an important step towards better well-being and financial security. Assess your personal needs: How often do you use alternative treatments? Which methods are important to you? Define your budget and carefully compare the offers from different insurers. Consider not only the price but especially the value for money and the contract terms. A good private health insurance can already cover many of these services, and for those with statutory insurance, an additional policy is often key. Use independent comparison portals and consider seeking professional advice if necessary. This will ensure that you are comprehensively protected and can enjoy the benefits of alternative medicine without worries. Remember that early coverage often comes with lower premiums and simpler health checks.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of naturopaths (alternative practitioners) in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers a legal report on the Naturopathic Law.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides a publication on the cost structure of the healthcare system in Germany.
The Federal Health Reporting (GBE) delivers information on alternative medicine.
The German Bundestag makes a document available on the topic of naturopaths.
Laws on the Internet offers the full text of the Naturopathic Law (HeilprG).
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on supplementary insurance to statutory health insurance.
The Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVB) presents an information sheet on outpatient treatment.
Statista offers statistics and information on alternative healing methods.
FAQ
Does the statutory health insurance cover the costs of a naturopath?
Statutory health insurance usually does not cover the costs of treatments by alternative practitioners, or only to a very limited extent for specific, recognised methods. Therefore, additional insurance is often necessary.
What is the Fee Schedule for Alternative Practitioners (GebüH)?
The GebüH serves as a guideline for the fees of alternative practitioners. It is not a binding price list, but many supplementary insurance providers use it as a reference for reimbursement.
What are the waiting times for an additional insurance with a naturopath?
The general waiting times are usually three months. For specific services like psychotherapy or childbirth, it can be eight months. Some plans also offer immediate coverage without a waiting period.
Are alternative medicines also covered by the supplementary insurance?
Yes, many supplementary health insurance plans for alternative practitioners also reimburse the costs for alternative medicines prescribed by a doctor or alternative practitioner.
Can I take out supplementary insurance for alternative practitioners despite pre-existing conditions?
Obtaining coverage can be more challenging with pre-existing conditions, potentially leading to risk surcharges or exclusions of benefits. However, some insurers offer policies with simplified health questions, which could be an option.
What happens if my alternative practitioner is also a doctor?
Some policies only provide coverage if the treatment is carried out by a certified alternative practitioner. Others also reimburse costs if a doctor with the appropriate additional qualification bills naturopathic treatments according to the GebüH or Hufeland directory. Check this in the policy terms and conditions.
