When setting up as a complementary medicine therapist in Switzerland, the question comes up very quickly: should you get recognized by ASCA, RME, or both? The answer has a direct impact on your income — because without recognition, your patients are not reimbursed by their supplementary insurance.
This guide compares the two main Swiss registers objectively, with costs, requirements, and concrete advantages for your practice in 2026.
The ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine) is a non-profit foundation created in 1991. It certifies complementary medicine therapists and guarantees to insurers that the practitioner has completed recognized training.
Key points:
The RME (Register of Empirical Medicine) is a quality register created in 1999. Like ASCA, it certifies therapists so that their patients can be reimbursed by supplementary insurers.
Key points:
| Criterion | ASCA | RME |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 1999 |
| Disciplines | ~130 | ~150 |
| Partner insurers | ~20 insurers | ~18 insurers |
| Annual fee | ~CHF 550-650 / year | ~CHF 400-500 / year |
| Registration fee | ~CHF 250-350 | ~CHF 200-300 |
| Continuing education | 16h / 2 years | 48h / 6 years (~8h/year) |
| Online directory | Yes (asca.ch) | Yes (rme.ch) |
| Languages | FR, DE, IT | FR, DE, IT |
| Dual registration | Possible and often recommended | |
Amounts are indicative (2026) and may vary by discipline. Check official websites for exact rates.
Most major supplementary insurers recognize both registers. However, some insurers work exclusively with one or the other. Here are the main ones:
| Insurer | ASCA | RME |
|---|---|---|
| Helsana / Sana24 | ✓ | ✓ |
| CSS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Swica | ✓ | ✓ |
| Groupe Mutuel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visana | ✓ | ✓ |
| Concordia | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sanitas | ✓ | ✓ |
| EGK | ✓ | ✓ |
Tip: always check directly with your patient's insurer whether your specific discipline is covered. ASCA or RME recognition is a necessary but not always sufficient condition — the patient must also have supplementary coverage that includes alternative medicine.
The short answer: if your budget allows it, get both. Here's why:
Dual registration = maximum coverage. Some patients have insurers that only recognize one register. Being registered with both ensures you never turn away a patient for administrative reasons.
Double visibility. You appear in two professional directories. Patients searching for a therapist on asca.ch AND rme.ch will find you.
Total cost: ~CHF 1'000 / year for both. That's the equivalent of 2-3 billed sessions. If dual registration brings you even one additional patient per month, it pays for itself many times over.
If you must choose only one register, ASCA generally has slightly broader insurance coverage and is better known in French-speaking Switzerland. RME is often preferred in German-speaking Switzerland.
ASCA registration:
RME registration:
The RCC (Creditor Code Register) is a separate number, issued by SASIS SA (a subsidiary of santésuisse). This is the number that identifies you as a recognized healthcare provider to insurers.
ASCA and RME do not issue an RCC number. You must request it separately from SASIS. Format: K123456 or A123456.12. This number is mandatory to issue reimbursable Tarif 590 invoices.
You will also need a GLN number (Global Location Number) for the DataMatrix on your invoices. Obtain it from Refdata.
Starting to bill without recognition. Your patients will not be reimbursed. Register BEFORE opening your practice.
Forgetting the RCC number. ASCA/RME recognition is not enough. Without an RCC, your Tarif 590 invoice will be rejected.
Not checking with the patient's insurer. Even with ASCA + RME, some insurers do not cover all disciplines. Check before the first session.
Neglecting continuing education. ASCA and RME require continuing education hours. If you don't provide them on time, your recognition is suspended.
Whatever your register, Therago generates compliant Tarif 590 invoices with your RCC and GLN numbers. DataMatrix, QR-Invoice, and automatic reminders included. You can even configure multiple RCC numbers if you are registered in several disciplines.
Registered with ASCA, RME, or both? Therago generates your compliant invoices automatically.
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