Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of the Swiss healthcare system, covered by the mandatory health insurance (LAMal). But how many sessions are reimbursed? What is the role of the medical prescription? What happens after the 9th session? This complete guide answers all your questions, based on Swiss regulations in force in 2026.
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Book onlineLAMal physiotherapy reimbursement basics
The Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal) covers physiotherapy care prescribed by a doctor, provided it meets the criteria of being effective, appropriate and economical (EAE criteria, art. 32 LAMal). All Swiss insurers (Assura, CSS, Helsana, Groupe Mutuel, Sympany, Swica, Visana, etc.) must apply these rules.
Three conditions must be met for reimbursement:
- A valid medical prescription from a doctor (GP, specialist, or chiropractor since 2017).
- A LAMal-recognised physiotherapist with a valid RCC number.
- A medically justified indication (pain, post-op, neurological, functional rehab…).
✅ Off-Field is fully LAMal-recognised
All our physiotherapists hold an RCC number. Your sessions are reimbursed by every Swiss insurer under the basic insurance, with no extra paperwork on your side.
The 9-session-per-prescription rule
This is the most important rule: one medical prescription covers 9 physiotherapy sessions, to be carried out within 5 weeks of the first session. If your treatment requires more than 9 sessions — common in post-op, sports injury or chronic conditions — your doctor can renew the prescription for a second series of 9 sessions, with no special formality.
📋 Beyond 18 sessions: cost coverage guarantee
Beyond 18 sessions for the same condition, your doctor must submit a cost coverage guarantee request to your insurer's medical advisor.
In practice, the vast majority of justified requests are accepted (post-ACL, post-prosthesis, chronic sciatica, stroke…). Your physiotherapist prepares a progress report for your doctor.
How much will you actually pay?
A standard 30-minute physio session costs around 56 CHF per the TARPSY/TARMED tariff in French-speaking Switzerland (2026). The insurer reimburses this after deducting your franchise (excess) and 10% co-payment.
💰 Concrete example — patient with franchise already met
- Session billed: 56 CHF
- Covered by LAMal: 50.40 CHF (90%)
- Your share (10% co-payment): 5.60 CHF
Third-party billing
Off-Field operates on a "tiers garant" basis: you pay the session and submit the (TARPSY-compliant) invoice to your insurer. Reimbursement typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks.
Supplementary insurance: is it worth it?
LAMal covers prescribed medical physiotherapy, but does not cover:
- Physiotherapy without prescription (direct access)
- Non-medical massage or lymphatic drainage
- Osteopathy
- Personal training or sports coaching
- Performance testing
For active or competitive athletes, a "complementary medicine + health" add-on (e.g. CSS Premium, Helsana Sana, Sympany Optima) usually covers 75–90% of these out-of-LAMal services up to an annual cap (1,500–5,000 CHF).
3 frequent real-world cases
Case 1 — Acute low back pain (office worker, 35)
GP visit → 9-session prescription → assessment + active treatment. Typically 6–9 sessions are enough, totalling around 500 CHF, with ~50 CHF out-of-pocket if franchise is met.
Case 2 — Post-ACL (amateur athlete)
ACL reconstruction: 6–9 month rehab. 2–3 prescriptions of 9 sessions needed, then cost coverage guarantee for the rest. All sessions LAMal-covered as medically indicated.
Case 3 — Shoulder tendinopathy (hockey player, 25)
Medical visit → 9-session sports physio prescription. The pure strength and conditioning needed for return to play is not LAMal-covered — it falls under physical preparation. A "fitness/sport" supplement may cover part of these costs.
Need a physiotherapist near Nyon?
Off-Field Center — Route des Avouillons 17c (Box 26-27), Gland · Mon–Fri 7:30am – 7:30pm · Sat 8am – 9am and 11am – 12:30pm
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a prescription to see a physio?
Yes, to be reimbursed by LAMal. You can self-refer, but the session won't be covered by the basic insurance. Some supplementary policies cover direct-access physiotherapy.
How long is a prescription valid?
The prescription must be used within 5 weeks of issue for the first session, with the full 9-session block typically completed within 12 weeks.
Can I freely choose my physiotherapist?
Yes, unless you are on a restricted insurance model (family doctor, HMO, Telmed). Off-Field is contracted with every Swiss insurer.
What if I see a non-LAMal physio?
The basic insurance won't reimburse anything. Only a "complementary medicine" supplement may contribute. Always check that your physio holds an RCC number.
Is sports physiotherapy reimbursed like general physio?
Yes, provided there is a medical prescription and a therapeutic indication. Advanced techniques (manual therapy, dry needling, blood flow restriction) are covered at standard rate.
Conclusion
LAMal covers Swiss medical physiotherapy generously: 9 sessions per prescription, renewable, with out-of-pocket capped at your franchise + 10%. Combine LAMal with a good supplementary policy for full athletic and preventive care.
Need a physiotherapist near Gland?
Off-Field Center — Route des Avouillons 17c (Box 26-27), Gland · Mon–Fri 7:30am – 7:30pm · Sat 8am – 9am and 11am – 12:30pm
