FAQ
Common questions about cross-border therapy and how Cura works.
Is cross-border therapy actually legal?
Yes. EU Directive 2011/24/EU gives every EU citizen the right to receive healthcare in another EU member state and claim reimbursement from their home country insurer. For therapy, no prior authorisation is generally required for outpatient sessions.
Will my insurance actually pay?
Reimbursement is a legal right, not a guarantee. Your insurer reimburses up to the rate they would pay for the same treatment at home. Cura explains the process — decisions rest with your insurer. Our guides include common rejection reasons and how to appeal.
Is cross-border therapy more expensive than seeing a German therapist?
Usually significantly cheaper. Polish, Spanish, and Romanian therapists typically charge 30–60% less per session than German private therapists. Your insurance reimburses at home country rates, so out-of-pocket costs are often €5–10 per session vs €40–45 via German Kostenerstattung.
Do I need prior authorisation from my insurer?
For most outpatient psychotherapy via EU Directive 2011/24/EU: no. You can receive treatment and claim retrospectively. Prior authorisation is generally only required for inpatient or highly specialised care. Always confirm with your insurer before starting.
Does the therapist need a German licence?
For cross-border EU care, no. The therapist only needs to be licensed in their home EU country. For German Kostenerstattungsverfahren (a separate pathway for patients insured in Germany), the therapist does need German Approbation. Our guides clarify which pathway applies to you.
What is Kostenerstattungsverfahren?
It's a German legal mechanism (§13(3) SGB V) that lets you see a private therapist and get reimbursed by German statutory insurance — if you can document that the public system couldn't provide timely access. It's separate from the EU cross-border directive. Our Poland → Germany guide covers both pathways.
What types of therapy are covered?
Coverage typically applies to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and psychoanalysis — the methods recognised by statutory insurance. Couples therapy, life coaching, and counselling without a diagnosed mental disorder are generally not covered.
Can I use video therapy (teletherapy)?
Yes. Cross-border teletherapy is explicitly covered under EU Directive 2011/24/EU. The therapist provides sessions from their country; you receive them in Germany. This is the most practical model for most diaspora patients.
How does Cura make money?
Therapists pay a flat €10/month to be listed on the platform. That's it. No transaction fees, no commission, no premium listings. We're not a marketplace — we're an information platform.
Does Cura guarantee reimbursement or quality of care?
No. We verify therapist credentials and licences, but we do not guarantee treatment outcomes, professional conduct, or insurance approval. We're an information platform. Always evaluate therapists yourself and confirm coverage with your insurer.