Physiotherapy in Germany: Cost & Insurance Coverage Explained

Back pain, sports injuries, and post-surgery recovery are just a few reasons someone might need physiotherapy.

Whether you’re dealing with a chronic issue or bouncing back from an injury, these treatments can help you move better, feel better, and return to your daily routine.

But how much does physiotherapy cost in Germany, and will your health insurance pay for it?

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What physiotherapy is and when it’s needed
• How much treatment usually cost in Germany
• What’s covered by public, private, and expat insurance
• Types of physiotherapy and how to access care

Let’s dive in.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a type of medical treatment that focuses on restoring movement and function. It can help relieve pain, prevent injuries, improve rehabilitation, and increase overall mobility.

Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques, guided exercises, and sometimes equipment (like resistance bands or ultrasound) to help patients regain strength, coordination, and flexibility.

Common reasons for physiotherapy include:

• Recovering from surgery or an accident
• Managing chronic pain, especially in the neck, back, or joints
• Treating sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis
• Improving posture and alignment
• Rehabilitating after a stroke or neurological condition

Depending on the treatment plan, a session usually lasts 20 to 60 minutes. Patients may attend several sessions over a few weeks or longer, depending on their needs.

How much does physiotherapy cost in Germany?

Physiotherapy prices in Germany are generally affordable, averaging €30 per session, but the exact costs vary depending on the type and length of treatment and the physiotherapy center’s location.

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:

Costs are higher in private practices or urban centers like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. The price can increase if additional treatments (like hot/cold therapy or massage) are included.

Most patients complete a full course of treatment over 6 to 12 sessions, which can cost several hundred euros unless insurance covers it.

Does German health insurance cover physiotherapy?

Yes, if your doctor prescribes it. 

However, the amount they cover (and how easy it is to access care) depends on your insurance type.

With public health insurance (GKV)

Public insurers like TK or AOK typically cover up to 90% of the cost of prescribed physiotherapy. 

Here’s what that usually means:

• You need a prescription from a general practitioner or specialist
• You pay a co-payment: 10% of the treatment cost plus €10 per prescription.
• Coverage is limited to medically necessary treatment.
• Maximum of 6–10 sessions per prescription, extendable if needed

For example, if a session costs €50 and you have 6 sessions, the total is €300. Insurance pays €270, and you pay €30 + €10, meaning a total of €40 out-of-pocket.

With private health insurance (PKV)

Private health insurance in Germany generally offers comprehensive coverage for physiotherapy.

To qualify for reimbursement, three conditions typically need to be met:

• A licensed medical doctor has issued a prescription (indicating the treatment is necessary to treat or alleviate a health condition)
• The treatment is delivered by a registered healthcare provider, such as a licensed physiotherapist, not a medical doctor.
• Therapy is billed according to the GOÄ (Germany’s official medical fee schedule). If you’re ever in doubt about this, ask your therapist for a cost plan and submit it to us for pre-approval.

Coverage specifics can vary between companies and your specific plan, but here’s a breakdown for Feather’s private health insurance, which should give you a general idea:

With expat (incoming) insurance

Feather’s expat health insurance does cover physiotherapy, but your level of coverage depends on the type of plan you have:

Short-term expat plans

If you’re on one of Feather’s short-term expat plans, here is what your coverage looks like:

• Basic plan: Physiotherapy is covered up to €300 per year, as long as you have a doctor’s referral.
• Premium plan: Physiotherapy is fully covered with a doctor’s referral.

Both plans require that the condition or injury occur after your policy starts, have a €30 co-payment per prescription, and require the treatment to be prescribed. Chiropractic and osteopathic treatments are not included.

Long-term expat plans

If you’re on a long-term expat plan:

• Physiotherapy is covered for up to 20 sessions per year
• A doctor’s prescription is required.
• There’s a €30 co-payment per prescription.

As with short-term plans, the condition must have started after your coverage began, and treatments like chiropractic or osteopathy are excluded.

How to get physiotherapy in Germany

Here’s how it works:

1. Get a referral

Before booking sessions, you’ll need a referral (prescription) from a licensed medical doctor, like a GP or specialist. The referral must state that the treatment is medically necessary, and typically includes:

• The diagnosis or reason for treatment
• Number of sessions prescribed
• Type of therapy recommended (e.g, physiotherapy, manual therapy, etc.)

Please note that referrals are usually valid for 28 calendar days from the issue date, so don’t wait too long to book your first session.

2. Find a physiotherapist

Once you have a referral, the next step is booking your sessions.

However, finding the right physiotherapist in Germany can take some time, especially if you’re new to the country or don’t speak fluent German.

Start with online platforms like Doctolib that help you filter by location, insurance type, and language spoken.

Another helpful resource is the KBV’s (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung) database, which lists licensed providers accepting public health insurance (you can reach them via phone at 116117).

Before booking, confirm the clinic or therapist:

• Accepts your insurance plan, especially if you’re on public insurance.
• Charges within GOÄ limits (Germany’s medical fee scale) to ensure bills will be fully reimbursed.
• Will not exceed your plan’s per-session coverage limit, if applicable

3. Get a cost plan approved

If you have private or expat health insurance, you must submit a cost plan before starting physiotherapy. 

With it, your insurer will confirm your coverage in advance and can save you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

It’s a document prepared by your therapist that outlines:

• Your medical condition and the treatment being prescribed
• The number of physiotherapy sessions planned
• The expected cost per session and total treatment amount
• Whether the fees follow the GOÄ (official medical fee schedule for private billing)

This plan is submitted to your insurer, who reviews it and tells you how much they will reimburse based on your policy.

If you’re publicly insured, you usually don’t need to submit a cost plan for physiotherapy. Instead, your doctor’s prescription is enough, and the clinic bills your insurance directly.

4. Start your therapy

Once your cost plan is approved (or if it’s not required), you’re ready to begin treatment.

Here’s what to keep in mind during your sessions:

• Stick to your schedule: Prescriptions usually include a fixed number of sessions that must be completed within a set time window. If you delay treatment, you may need a new referral.
• Track your appointments: Keep copies of any invoices or treatment confirmations, especially if you pay upfront.

5. Get reimbursed

If you’re paying upfront, you’ll need to submit a claim for reimbursement after your treatment begins.

Here’s how to do it:

• Collect the following:

  • Official invoice from the physiotherapist
  • Doctor’s prescription (referral)
  • Approved cost plan, if applicable

• Log in to your Feather account or your insurer’s claims portal.

• Upload the documents and submit your claim.

• Your insurer will review the claim and reimburse you according to your plan.

And that’s it! You’ve now completed the whole process, from prescription to payment.