INSURANCE
... are blowing through the fields of complementary medicine in Switzerland, and as a massage therapist, I find myself bracing for yet another gust that sends me back to the school bench.
Yes, folks, the Swiss insurance system has decided it’s time for us humble massage therapists to "level up."
Depending on which insurances you subscribe to -it doesn’t help indeed that they are all cooking their own sauce- you will get less / little / no rebate on your massage therapy sessions with therapist who don’t hold Federal Degrees.
Now, don’t get me wrong—continuing education is a cornerstone of growth, evolution, and professionalism in any field. Who doesn’t love a well-rounded practitioner armed with the latest techniques and knowledge?
But when continuing education is mandated with all the finesse of a sledgehammer, I can’t help but feel a little bruised.
Let me paint you a picture using the Pulse Premium complimentary insurance offered by KPT (Krankenpflegeversicherung KPT). A patient with this policy has an annual budget of CHF 600.- for massage sessions provided by a qualified therapist like me. Sounds little but reasonable, right? But here’s where it gets knotty:
The same patient with the same policy can access CHF 4000.- for massage sessions if they book with a naturopath who holds a federal brevet. That’s right—the exact same service, is suddenly worth more and reimbursed for nearly seven times more sessions.
Now, I have great respect for Naturopaths that is not the problem. Their training is rigorous, comprehensive, and deserving of recognition. But when it comes to delivering the service, lets say a remedial massage therapy session for painful frozen shoulder, will a fresh out of school Naturopath outperform a seasoned specialist who has dedicated years to mastering the art and science of Manual Therapy?
(Note that both the Naturopath and Massage Therapist receive the same education when studying specific therapies like hands on practice : Manual Lymph Drainage, Reflexology, Joint mobilisation and massage etc.)
This change feels like a misplaced priority. Patients seeking massage aren’t necessarily asking for someone with a background in homeopathy, herbal medicine, or acupuncture. They’re asking for someone skilled in massage.
As a massage therapist, I’m more than willing to sharpen my skills and deepen my expertise. But forcing specialists to meet arbitrary educational thresholds that may not even align with their specific focus feels less like progress and more like a roadblock
-Like me right now wondering if I should become a Naturopath or just quit the system?-
And what about the patients? They’re now navigating a system where value is tied not to skill or experience but to titles and bureaucratic classifications. They might end up paying more out of pocket—or worse, missing out on the care they need because their insurance limits are skewed toward a different profession entirely.
It’s worth asking: Is this new regulation truly about improving care?
One thing is clear: as complementary medicine continues to grow in recognition and demand, we need a regulatory approach that balances quality, accessibility, and fairness ;
but right now I just think they missed the mark.
After all, progress shouldn’t come at the cost of practicality—or common sense.
For now, I’ll dutifully return to my studies, armed with my textbooks, patience, willfullness and a hope that one day, my hands-on expertise will hold as much weight as a title.
ANYWAYS : A big thank you to you, my loyal clients
who trust me and benefit from my care, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your loyalty and support over the years.
To keep my services accessible despite these new regulations,
I’m taking the initiative:
***** I am now recognized for manual lymphatic drainage and reflexology
***** I am lowering my prices
***** I am putting out there 20 "don't miss it" packages at more attractive rates. ~20% off when you buy in bundles. e.g. 120.- per one hour becomes 100.- per hour in the 10 pack 1 hour massage session. Reach out if interested.
This way I hope you can continue to enjoy my massages and movement class, even if your insurance no longer reimburses them.
I wish you an excellent 2025, filled with wellness and serenity,
See you soon on the massage table or movement class !
Rapha
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