Many people, especially once they reach a certain age and develop various aches and pains, seek help from physiotherapists.

Likewise if you sustain an injury – especially a sports injury – and need rehabilitation, a physical therapist will likely become a part of your life.

First: is physiotherapy covered by the obligatory health insurance (KVG / LaMal)?

You may have read articles in the Swiss media saying that the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), which is responsible for determining what treatments should be covered by the basic health insurance — and to what extent — wants to limit the time of physiotherapy sessions to curb healthcare costs. 

So far, however, this has not happened, as the professional association of physiotherapists, Physioswiss, has been actively opposing this change.

As things stand now, physiotherapy sessions (as long as they are prescribed by a doctor — see below), are paid for by the insurance.

This is how it works

Even if you have the health insurance model that allows you to get treated by a specialist without a referral from your GP, you will still need one to be able to book a physiotherapy session.

That’s because your physiotherapist needs to know what your medical diagnosis is and what kind of treatment your doctor wants you to have.

In some cases, your GP will just write down what (and where in the body) your ailment lies, and let the physiotherapist decide how to treat you.

Physiotherapists are pretty knowledgeable about the workings of the human body and how to relieve your pains, aches, and injuries.

But you can’t just show up at a physiotherapist’s office and ask for an appointment without a medical prescription: not only will they not know your official diagnosis, but your treatment won’t be paid for by health insurance.

Therefore, when you call a physiotherapy practice to make an appointment, you will have to inform them what your official diagnosis is, so they can match you with a physiotherapist who knows your particular ailment best.

How many sessions are you entitled to in Switzerland?

Generally speaking, your prescription will be for nine sessions, which is considered an adequate number of treatments for most common problems.

However, if your condition requires more than nine appointments, then you will get an extension from the doctor.

Note, however, that nine sessions is a typical number, but it can vary between cantons.

What about osteopathy?

Though this medical practice also focuses on treatment of joints, muscles, bones, and ligaments, it is different from physiotherapy.

And, unlike physiotherapy, it is not covered by KVG / LaMal.

It is, however, usually covered by a complimentary health insurance.

READ ALSO: Should you buy supplemental health insurance in Switzerland?