Alternative medicine in Switzerland

Alternative medicine, also called complementary medicine, is the term for all kinds of treatment and therapy that do not fall under the category of conventional medicine. These may be performed by physicians or practitioners of natural medicine. The latter are not considered approved service providers under the Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal) so their services are not covered by basic insurance.

Complementary medicine products specified in the List of Pharmaceutical Specialties are covered by basic health insurance minus the out-of-pocket share.

Developments in compulsory health insurance

Since August 2017, four healing methods (anthroposophic medicine, homoeopathy, phytotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine) have been allowed under certain conditions. Services will be covered if performed by doctors having obtained a qualification in the listed therapies.