As a physiotherapist in Switzerland, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the reimbursement system. It not only helps you keep clean administration, but also lets you properly inform your patients about their reimbursement options. In this article we share everything you need to know about health insurance and physiotherapy in Switzerland.
Basic insurance and physiotherapy
In the Swiss healthcare system, physiotherapy is covered by compulsory basic insurance (Grundversicherung / Assurance de base) as long as the patient has a valid referral. This has a few practical consequences for your practice:
- Mandatory referral: only treatments done on the basis of a medical referral can be billed via basic insurance.
- Standardized rates: the rates for physiotherapy are based on a points system and vary by canton.
- Direct billing: invoices can be sent directly to the health insurer or accident insurer.
Referrals and validity periods
A physiotherapy referral (also known as a prescription) is a crucial document in your daily practice. It forms the basis for reimbursement through basic insurance and determines the treatment window you have. Here are the key things to know:
- 9 treatments per referral: each referral covers a maximum of 9 treatments. If the doctor does not specify a number, the standard maximum of 9 applies. Those treatments can be spread over a longer period; there is no time limit for completing them.
- Validity period before starting: a referral is valid for 5 weeks from the issue date before treatment starts. The first treatment must happen within those 5 weeks, otherwise the referral expires and the patient has to request a new one.
- Frequency of treatments: the referring doctor can suggest a frequency (e.g. 1-2 times per week). If that is not specified, you decide in consultation with the patient, based on medical need and practical considerations.
- Referral authority: in Switzerland, any doctor regardless of specialty can issue a physiotherapy referral. That includes GPs, specialists and even dentists. Physiotherapists themselves cannot (yet) write referrals.
It is also important to keep track of how many treatments a patient has received for a specific diagnosis:
- 36 treatments per diagnosis: basic insurance reimburses up to 36 treatments per diagnosis, spread across a maximum of 4 referrals.
- Different diagnoses: for each new diagnosis, a fresh maximum of 36 treatments applies.
- Cost commitment (Kostengutsprache): for treatments beyond 36, a cost commitment is needed, requested by the doctor.
The Swiss fee system for physiotherapy
The Swiss physiotherapy system uses a handful of rate codes you need to know.
7301 — standard treatment
- For standard complaints such as back pain or sports injuries
- Reimbursement: CHF 47-53 per treatment, depending on your canton
7311 — complex treatment
- For more complex cases such as neurological disorders or children up to 6 years
- Reimbursement: CHF 75-85 per treatment
7330 — first appointment
- For the intake, examination and treatment plan at the first appointment
- Extra fee: CHF 23-27 (always combined with 7301 or 7311)
7340 — home visit
- For home treatments
- Fee: CHF 32-38 per home visit
For all the details and specific rate codes, check our in-depth article on physiotherapy rate positions in Switzerland.
Physiotherapy without a referral (outside insurance)
As a physiotherapist you can also offer treatments without a referral, or to patients who have used up their reimbursed treatments. It is a chance to broaden your care offering and give patients more flexibility — useful for people who want to be helped quickly without first visiting a doctor, who want to continue after 36 reimbursed treatments, or who are looking for preventive care.
Transparency is essential for uninsured care. Use a clear pricing structure that matches your practice, location and specialization. Always inform patients fully about costs up front, and consider package pricing for patients who need multiple treatments. Also communicate clearly about any reimbursements through supplementary insurance. Pricing varies by region, specialization and type of practice, so set a rate that fits your specific situation.
More questions?
At takeoff we have deep knowledge of the Swiss healthcare system and work closely with practices and clinics across the country. We understand the daily challenges healthcare professionals face. Questions about the reimbursement system, or want to know more about what we do? Get in touch for a relaxed conversation.
