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Whether migraines, exhaustion or allergies – complementary or alternative medicine often helps when conventional medicine can go no further. We present the five most popular methods and explain when they can help and which ones health insurers will pay for.
Complementary/alternative medicine is increasingly seen as a supplement to conventional medicine. It tries to activate self-healing powers in order to harmonize the body, soul, and mind. This involves a variety of specialists, such as doctors and alternative practitioners, who apply different techniques for diagnosis, treatment, and therapy.
Complementary medicine can be successfully employed in many areas. However, it isn't a suitable choice for acute health problems such as broken bones or appendicitis.
Based on the number of therapists, the following are the five most popular methods of complementary/alternative medicine in Switzerland:
Traditional Chinese medicine aims to promote the flow of qi life energy. It does so by identifying blockages on its meridians and removing them through manual tuina or acupuncture therapy.
Apart from acupuncture which is a well-known method, herbal medicine and detoxification methods also play an important role. Detoxification involves alternative medicine methods that help detoxify and cleanse body fluids. Cupping, for example, uses glass cups to create a vacuum for stimulating blood flow and other benefits. With Qi Gong and Tai Chi, patients themselves are active and harmonize their qi through meditation and movement.
Doctors practicing naturopathic therapies rely on nature's powers and heal using plant substances (phytotherapy). This practice is one of the most important methods of complementary/alternative medicine. The aim is to eliminate a harmful imbalance that has arisen, for instance, through an unhealthy lifestyle. They use purging procedures to cleanse the body. Hydrotherapy is also popular: (steam) baths or compresses stimulate the metabolism and circulation.
Craniosacral therapy is also a form of complementary medicine. This gentle body therapy harmonizes the pulses of the cerebrospinal fluid through gentle hand movements on the head and spine. This releases tension, stabilizes circulation and strengthens the immune system. This therapy has been proven to help infants and toddlers (e.g. colic) but also adults suffering from pain, stress and exhaustion.
Around half of the Swiss have already tried alternative medicine once or use it regularly.
In this regard, complementary medicine covers a variety of therapies, such as the methods mentioned in this blog. Some lesser known forms include Dorn therapy and Rolfing.
Osteopathy is a manual therapy that involves passive and active techniques and exercises. This means that blocked or restricted joints are first mobilized, then stabilized through individual exercises. The aim is to identify tensions and mobilize the joints as a way of activating the body's self-healing powers.
As a result, not only are joints treated, but also internal organs such as heart, liver or kidneys and connective tissues. Osteopathy can help with a variety of ailments, such as migraines, tinnitus and allergies.
Kinesiology is a healing method that uses both Western and Asian healing approaches. Therapists use muscle tests to help their patients localize energy blockages. These can be carried out with exercises to help patients relax and concentrate. Posture problems, burnout and learning difficulties can also be treated using this method.
Since 2017, the costs of five alternative medicine methods have been definitively covered. The following two therapies are also among the most popular methods mentioned:
The other three methods covered by basic insurance are:
The cost is only met if recognized doctors are used who have the appropriate training.
It depends. Mandatory basic insurance only covers a limited number of treatment methods in the area of complementary and alternative medicine. If you want to try other methods such as osteopathy, kinesiology, or other naturopathic practices, you can either pay the costs yourself or take out supplementary insurance.
The costs of supplementary insurance and the amount of the cost contribution vary depending on the health insurer and the insurance chosen.
Supplementary insurance from AXA covers 75 percent of the costs of recognized complementary medical therapies that are not covered by basic insurance. AXA offers two supplementary insurance options that contribute to the costs of complementary and alternative medicine:
You will find all the benefits on the overview page for supplementary outpatient insurance.
If the costs of complementary and alternative medicine are covered by basic insurance, you will receive the benefits minus the selected excess and deductible.
Cost contributions for supplementary insurance benefits are generally paid out by transfer to your bank account. You can usually submit invoices or receipts for the treatment costs of complementary and alternative medicine via an online portal.
With us, this is the myAXA portal. Once the invoice has been processed, the payment will be made in accordance with the contractual conditions.
Nadine Graf is a theme manager and writes texts for AXA on topics related to insurance and beyond.
