Alternative medicine in Germany (Heilpraktiker): Does health insurance cover it?
Can you get reimbursed for a Heilpraktiker visit, and what’s the difference between statutory and private insurance? Here’s the full answer.
First: Who is a Heilpraktiker?
A Heilpraktiker is a licensed alternative practitioner with an official Heilpraktiker permit, issued by the competent health authorities. They are not a medical doctor (physician).
They may offer services such as:
Acupuncture
Phytotherapy (herbal medicine)
Homeopathy
Cupping, therapeutic fasting, and other natural approaches
Does statutory health insurance (GKV) cover alternative medicine?
| Service | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heilpraktiker visit | No | Usually not covered by GKV |
| Herbal/natural prescriptions | No | Often treated as IGeL (self-paid services) |
| Acupuncture | Partly | Commonly only for back or knee pain, and typically must be performed by a doctor |
Some GKV providers offer bonus programs or limited annual reimbursements, but only under specific preconditions.
What about private health insurance (PKV)?
| Insurance type | Possible coverage |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive PKV plan | Often covers Heilpraktiker visits partly or fully |
| Plans with a naturopathy option | Coverage within an annual limit (e.g., €500–€1,000) |
| Supplementary insurance for GKV | Covered only if your add-on policy includes it |
Some supplementary plans reimburse, for example, 80% of Heilpraktiker invoices up to €1,000 per year, depending on the contract and monthly premium.
When might a Heilpraktiker be useful?
Chronic pain
Stress and mild depressive symptoms
Digestive issues such as IBS-like complaints
Supportive care alongside cancer or autoimmune treatment
When seeking natural approaches without standard medication
However: alternative medicine should not replace conventional medicine in emergencies or serious conditions.
Do you need a specific invoice for reimbursement?
Yes. For reimbursement (PKV or supplementary insurance), the invoice should:
be issued by a properly licensed Heilpraktiker,
follow the fee schedule for Heilpraktiker (GebüH),
clearly list dates and itemized services.
Summary
| Insurance | Heilpraktiker coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GKV | No | Except certain doctor-provided services (e.g., acupuncture under conditions) |
| GKV + supplementary | Possible | Depends on plan/limits |
| PKV | Often yes | Contract-dependent |
The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be uncertain. Please treat the content as initial guidance and consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
