Homeopathy and Globules: What Does the Insurer Pay in Switzerland?

1. What is classical homeopathy and how does the treatment work?

Classical homeopathy is a medicinal therapy that was developed at the beginning of the 19th century by the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the principle "like is healed by like" and supports the self-regulation of the body. The choice of remedy depends on the individual signs of illness and personality traits. Homeopathy belongs to the methods of alternative and complementary medicine in Switzerland.

2. Does basic insurance pay globules and homeopathic consultation?

Basic insurance covers homeopathy, provided a doctor with FMH-recognised continued training carries out the treatment. Recognised is the certificate of competence of the Swiss Association of Homeopathic Doctors (SVHA). The legal basis is Art. 25a KVG.

Billing is made under TARMED like a medical therapy. Deductible and co-payment apply. An initial anamnesis at the doctor for CHF 250 results, with the deductible reached, in CHF 25 co-payment (10 %). Basic insurance covers CHF 225.

3. Which supplementary insurance covers homeopathy at the naturopath?

Classical homeopathy at the naturopath is covered via a supplementary insurance with complementary medicine coverage. Insurers usually cover between 70 and 90 percent of the costs. Covered are both the initial anamnesis (60 to 120 minutes for constitution recording) and the regular follow-up appointments every 4 to 8 weeks. Prerequisite is a valid entry of the homeopath in the EMR or ASCA register. The current status you can check at emr.ch and asca.ch.

The cost coverage for classical homeopathy differs between providers. Some tariffs limit the annual reimbursement to a few hundred to thousand francs; others cover a fixed hourly rate per session without an upper limit. Also non-prescription globules from the pharmacy are partly reimbursed depending on the tariff within the framework of a flat rate for self-medication. In most tariffs, homeopathic treatments are covered immediately without waiting periods. Clarify the conditions before signing.

4. What do initial anamnesis, follow-up appointments and globules cost?

A homeopathic treatment begins with a detailed initial anamnesis of 60 to 120 minutes, in which symptoms and constitution are recorded. Follow-up appointments follow every 4 to 8 weeks with progress monitoring and adjustment of the remedies. The costs differ by therapist and treatment duration:

• Initial anamnesis: CHF 120 to 300 (60 to 120 minutes)
• Follow-up appointment: CHF 80 to 180 (30 to 60 minutes)
• Globules and remedies: CHF 10 to 30 per remedy (over-the-counter at the pharmacy)
• Annual costs: CHF 500 to 2'000 with regular treatment

Example calculation: A 42-year-old clerk from the canton of Zurich plans for chronic complaints per year an initial anamnesis (CHF 250) and six follow-up appointments at CHF 100 with the classical homeopath. Add globules from the pharmacy for around CHF 60. This results in total costs of CHF 910. Via a complementary medicine policy, the insurer covers 80 percent of the consultation costs (CHF 680). Globules are additionally reimbursed depending on the tariff within the framework of a flat rate for self-medication. The own share decreases to around CHF 230 per year.

Families with a holistic approach frequently combine the homeopathic constitution treatment with acupuncture for pain, osteopathy for infants or medical massages for tensions. All four methods usually run via the same supplementary insurance and share the joint annual limit.

5. When is supplementary insurance for classical homeopathy worthwhile?

Families with children who react to colds, allergies or skin complaints with homeopathic self-medication save several hundred francs per year with a policy with globules flat rate. Also adults with chronic complaints plan several follow-up appointments for constitution treatment per year at the naturopath or homeopathic doctor and fare significantly cheaper with complementary medicine coverage than without.

Check before signing:

Check homeopath register before the initial anamnesis. At the naturopath or classical homeopath without medical authorisation, supplementary insurance covers only with active EMR or ASCA entry. With the doctor with SVHA certificate of competence, on the other hand, basic insurance applies. A separate policy is then usually superfluous.

Clarify cost coverage for globules and remedies. Some tariffs pay only the consultation (initial anamnesis and follow-up appointments); others also cover non-prescription globules from the pharmacy within the framework of an annual flat rate for self-medication. For families with frequent use, a tariff with remedy coverage pays off.

Calculate family tariff against individual policy. Anyone who wants to insure several family members should calculate family tariffs with joint annual limit against individual policies. What is covered and how much the insurance pays per person differs considerably in the health insurance comparison.

Truthful information at application. Before signing the contract, insurers require a health questionnaire. Correct information about existing complaints is mandatory under Art. 6 VVG. This way you avoid later benefit cuts in the event of a claim.

This article was first published on 16/02/2026