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Who pays for osteopathy in Germany: public health insurance, private insurance or a supplement?

In short

Who pays for osteopathy in Germany: public health insurance, private insurance or a supplement? All three, in different amounts. Many public health insurers voluntarily pay 40 to 60 euros per session for three to six sessions a year. Private insurance pays if your tariff includes naturopathy. A supplement often refunds 80 to 100 percent up to 1,500 to 2,400 euros every two years.

Who pays for osteopathy in Germany: public health insurance, private insurance or a supplement?

What it costs

Published subsidies and budgets for osteopathy in Germany.

ExampleTypical range
Public subsidy per sessionusually 40 to 60 euros
Public subsidy per yearoften 120 to 240 euros, some funds up to 400 euros
Supplement with naturopathy80 to 100 percent up to 1,500 to 2,400 euros in two years
One osteopathy sessionoften around 60 euros or more

As of October 2026 from the professional association list and published tariff tables.

The session price is a guide value from practice.

Worked example

Back pain, six sessions at 80 euros

A publicly insured woman with an outpatient supplement has six sessions.

Bills480 euros
Public subsidy, 4 sessions at 50 euros200 euros
Supplement, 80 percent of the rest224 euros
Own share56 euros

Of 480 euros, about 56 euros remain.

What public health insurance pays

Osteopathy is not a standard benefit of German public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). The law allows funds to offer extra statutory benefits (Satzungsleistungen), including treatment by providers without a public insurance licence, and many do so for osteopathy.

Typical is 40 to 60 euros per session for three to six sessions a year, about 120 to 240 euros. Many funds require a doctor referral and an osteopath with recognised training.

Who paysHow muchWatch for
Public health insurance40 to 60 euros per session, 3 to 6 sessionsreferral, qualification
Private health insuranceper tariff, if naturopathy is includedfee caps, benefit list
Supplementary policy80 to 100 percent up to 1,500 to 2,400 euros in two yearsfirst year limits, waiting time

What private health insurance pays

In private health insurance (PKV) your tariff decides. If it covers alternative practitioners (Heilpraktiker) or naturopathy, osteopathy can be paid, often up to fee caps. If not, nothing is paid.

If a doctor with osteopathic training treats you, the bill follows the medical fee schedule (GOÄ), which many PKV tariffs reimburse more easily.

What a supplementary policy adds

For people with public insurance, an outpatient supplement with naturopathy closes the gap. Published tariffs refund 80 to 100 percent up to 1,500 to 2,400 euros every two years, often on top of the public subsidy.

Treatment that has already started or been recommended before you sign is not covered.

Step by step

  1. Ask your health insurance fund about its osteopathy subsidy.
  2. Check whether a referral is required.
  3. Choose a qualified osteopath.
  4. Check whether your PKV or supplement names osteopathy.
  5. Submit bills to the fund first, then to the supplement.

Checklist

  • Fund subsidy known
  • Referral if required
  • Osteopath qualification checked
  • Tariff budget known

Common mistakes

  • Starting treatment without a required referral
  • Buying a supplement after treatment has started
  • Not submitting to the public fund first

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Does German public health insurance pay for osteopathy?

Not as a standard benefit, but many funds pay a voluntary subsidy.

Do I need a prescription?

Many funds ask for a doctor referral, some do not.

Does private insurance pay?

Yes, if your tariff includes naturopathy.

Is a supplement worth it just for osteopathy?

For regular sessions often, for a one off treatment not.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

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3Details

Supplementary health insurance in Germany

For example private clinic, osteopathy, a certain amount of sick pay

4Your current policy
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Related questions

Your broker: Norman Nammert, trading as NAMMERT.

Insurance broker licensed under section 34d(1) of the German Trade Regulation Act.

Broker register no. D-C08Q-TOSD4-37.

NAMMERT Assekuradeur GmbH is a separate company.

It does not arrange your contract.

Statutory disclosure (German) · Updated

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