Green Party Decides Against Health Insurance Coverage for Homeopathy

The Green Party has resolved during its latest party conference to oppose the reimbursement of homeopathic treatments by statutory health insurance providers. The decision follows a formal motion stating that the public health insurance system should not fund therapies whose effectiveness has not been scientifically established beyond placebo effects. The party asserts that covering such remedies could mislead patients into believing in their efficacy, which lacks scientific backing.

Currently, many health insurance companies offer homeopathic medicines as part of their supplementary services, known as Satzungsleistungen, in addition to their regular statutory benefits. These offerings are designed to attract new customers, despite the absence of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of homeopathy beyond the placebo effect.

The party leadership had submitted a counter-motion aiming to allow health insurers to continue reimbursing homeopathic remedies. However, this proposal did not secure majority support among delegates. As a result, the Green Party has now realigned its policy stance regarding homeopathy.

Previously, a party board resolution from August 2020 permitted statutory health insurers to provide homeopathic treatments only through special, self-financed tariffs. Under that arrangement, costs for homeopathic care would not be shared among all policyholders. The latest decision marks a clear change from this prior position, with the party now advocating for complete exclusion of homeopathy from reimbursable treatments under standard health insurance plans.

Debate within the party reflected differing perspectives, with some delegates cautioning against reopening the controversy, particularly as interest in homeopathy has reportedly declined. Others emphasized the importance of aligning party policy with scientific standards, highlighting the broader relationship between the Greens and evidence-based healthcare. Concerns were also raised about the potential political implications of revisiting the topic ahead of upcoming regional elections.

In the past, the former Federal Minister of Health had aimed to remove homeopathy from health insurance coverage at the national level. However, legislative changes did not materialize due to disagreements within the coalition government, with the Green Party previously opposing such reforms.

In addition to the homeopathy decision, the Green Party adopted a proposal requiring federal police officers to activate body cameras upon citizen request and mandating automatic recording when weapons are drawn. The party also called for safeguards in the forthcoming Federal Police Act to prevent discriminatory practices, such as racial profiling, during police operations.

The coalition government has already introduced a draft for a comprehensive reform of the Federal Police Act, seeking to expand the powers and responsibilities of the federal police, particularly in areas of public safety and deportations.