Is physiotherapy covered?
Yes, on a doctor’s prescription. That is the difference from osteopathy, which is not — and the source of many misunderstandings.
How it works
Physiotherapy is in the basic insurance catalogue, on three conditions: a doctor’s prescription, a recognised physiotherapist, and treatment of a covered condition.
One prescription covers nine sessions. It is renewed if the doctor considers it justified. Beyond 36 sessions for the same condition, continuation must be reported and approved by your insurer’s medical adviser — not an automatic refusal, but a step best anticipated with your physiotherapist.
What remains yours
The ordinary rules apply: your deductible first, then the 10 per cent co-payment. A series of nine sessions bills at CHF 400 to 500 in total — so, with the deductible met, around forty francs for you.
A practical point: if your prescription comes late in the year, check where you stand on your deductible. Nine sessions started in December and continued in January fall across two calendar years, and therefore two deductibles.
The confusion with osteopathy
Osteopathy is not in the basic insurance catalogue, and no prescription brings it in. Many patients learn this from their statement.
If your problem can be treated by either, ask your doctor before choosing. At comparable effectiveness for your case, the cost difference over a year of treatment is far from trivial.
Sophie’s guides
- CHF 300 or CHF 2,500 deductible?
- Family doctor, HMO or telemedicine?
- Cancelling your health insurer
- Premium subsidies
- Understanding LAMal
- Supplementary insurance (VVG)
- Pillar 3a taxation 2026
- Our status and your rights
- Is dental care covered?
- Are braces covered?
- Are glasses covered?
- Is complementary medicine covered?
- Is osteopathy covered?
- Is a private room covered?
- Is pregnancy covered?
- Is a hospital stay covered?
- Is psychotherapy covered?
- Are medicines covered?
- Is an ambulance covered?