Direct access · Geneva

You don't need a doctor's referral
to book an appointment.

In Switzerland, you can book directly with a physiotherapist without going through a GP first. The first session runs exactly like any other appointment: full assessment, treatment plan, follow-up.

What your insurance covers

Reimbursement, explained clearly.

Swiss physiotherapy reimbursement depends on the type of insurance and whether you have a medical prescription.

Situation Basic (LAMal) Supplementary (LCA)
With medical prescription Yes Depends on contract
Without prescription No Depends on contract
Accident (SUVA / LAA) Yes Depends on contract
International / expat insurance N/A Usually yes — check your plan
When to book directly

Situations that don't require a GP visit first.

Recent injury

Sprain, muscle tear, impact. You know what happened. A physiotherapist can assess and treat directly.

Chronic pain that won't resolve

Back pain, shoulder, knee that keeps coming back. No need for another round of GP visits first.

Posture and prevention

You want to work on your posture, your movement patterns, or prevent recurrence of a known issue.

Post-surgical follow-up

You had surgery and want to continue rehabilitation after your prescribed sessions have ended.

Sports performance

No pain, but you want to address a biomechanical limitation, improve your movement quality or prevent injury.

Expat or new to Geneva

You don't have a GP yet or your international insurance covers physiotherapy directly. You can book and receive an invoice to submit for reimbursement.

For expats and international patients

Your international insurance most likely covers this.

If you are an expat in Geneva covered by an international health plan (Cigna, Aetna, BUPA, AXA Global Healthcare, Allianz Care, or an employer's plan), physiotherapy is almost always covered — either directly or through reimbursement.

Here is how it typically works:

  • You book directly and pay at the end of the session.
  • I provide a detailed invoice with the session date, diagnosis code and my professional details.
  • You submit the invoice to your insurer for reimbursement — most plans reimburse within a few days.

Some plans require pre-authorisation for physiotherapy. Check your policy or contact your insurer before your first session if you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions

What patients ask before booking.

Yes. In Switzerland, you have the right to book directly with a physiotherapist without a prior medical prescription. No referral is needed to make an appointment and be seen.
Not by basic Swiss insurance (LAMal). However, many supplementary insurance plans (LCA) do cover physiotherapy without a referral, often 70 to 100% up to an annual limit. Check the conditions of your contract before coming, or ask your insurer directly.
If your situation justifies LAMal-covered treatment with a prescription, I can refer you to your GP with a written summary of what was found during the assessment. A standard prescription covers 9 sessions and can be renewed if needed.
Yes, absolutely. International health plans generally cover physiotherapy. You pay at the session, I provide a detailed invoice, and you submit it to your insurer. Most international plans (Cigna, Aetna, BUPA, AXA Global Healthcare, Allianz Care) process reimbursement quickly. Some plans require pre-authorisation — check your policy first.
Yes, completely. The only difference is administrative — how your insurance handles reimbursement. The assessment, the treatment, the follow-up: everything is identical.

Book directly.
No referral needed.

Practice at Rue du Vidollet 9bis, Geneva · Consultations in French and English.