Tarif 595: what changes for fitness centres in Switzerland
Digitalisation isn't stopping at the Swiss fitness industry either. From 1 January 2027, a decisive change comes into force that affects all certified fitness centres, movement studios and Personal Trainer: the new Tarif 595.
Anyone who wants to enable their clients to reclaim these prevention contributions from their supplementary health insurance must comply with this new standard. In this blog post you'll learn, concisely and clearly, what Tarif 595 is, which old habits you have to throw overboard and how to best prepare your studio for the changeover.
What actually is Tarif 595?
Tarif 595 is the new, Switzerland-wide uniform billing standard for services in health promotion and prevention (VVG). It was developed by a broadly based working group of health insurers and all the major certification bodies (such as Qualitop, Qualicert and Fitness-Guide).
The aim is simple: the rapidly growing invoice volumes are to be processed more efficiently through uniform, automated processes. For complementary medicine, Tarif 590 has already existed for some time – now the fitness and health industry is following suit with Tarif 595.
The 5 most important changes for fitness centres
If until now you've printed out simple receipts, you need to adjust your administrative process. The following points are mandatory from 1 January 2027:
1. The end of the classic subscription confirmation
The days of self-created Word or Excel templates and simple PDF receipts for the health insurer are over. Old subscription confirmations will simply no longer be accepted by the health insurers.
2. Professional software becomes mandatory
From 2027, reimbursement documents must mandatorily be created according to the uniform standard XML 5.0. This means you need a certified, professional software solution capable of generating and processing this standard. Many existing practice and studio management programs are already integrating this update. For members of certain industry associations (such as the SFGV, for example), there are in some cases even free software solutions.
3. The GLN number becomes mandatory
To bill via Tarif 595, you need a GLN (Global Location Number). This is assigned by your certification body and serves to uniquely identify your centre or yourself within the Swiss healthcare system.
4. One tariff for almost everything
Tarif 595 covers nearly all services offered in the field of prevention. These include:
- Flat-rate memberships (fitness centres, health centres)
- Group classes (strength training, Yoga, Pilates etc.)
- Personal training (one-to-one setting)
- Online offerings (both live and recorded formats)
5. Free price setting is retained
Don't worry: a standardised tariff doesn't mean that prices are dictated to you. Tarif 595 regulates exclusively the format and structure of the billing (the so-called tariff codes). Your price setting remains completely free and individual.
What stays the same despite Tarif 595?
It's important to understand that Tarif 595 is only a pure billing format. It has no effect on the content criteria of the health insurers or certifiers.
- Certification remains mandatory: Tarif 595 doesn't replace any Qualitop, Qualicert or Fitness-Guide accreditation. Only those who hold such a recognised label may use the tariff at all.
- No automatic reimbursement: Tarif 595 doesn't guarantee that the client gets their money back from the insurer. That still depends exclusively on the terms of the client's individual supplementary insurance.
Here's how to prepare now
Don't wait until December 2026. The changeover needs some lead time, especially if you have to evaluate new software.
- Check the software: Contact your current software provider for member management and ask whether and when the XML 5.0 format for Tarif 595 will be implemented.
- Look for alternatives: If you've worked without software so far, find out about providers of practice or billing software in Switzerland. Compare the prices and range of functions.
- Have the GLN ready: Check your certification documents to make sure your GLN number is active and correctly registered.
At first glance, Tarif 595 may sound like a bit more initial bureaucracy, but it's an enormous step towards professionalising the entire Swiss fitness industry. With a clean software solution, you save valuable time in the long run and minimise queries from clients and health insurers.
What happens if I don't switch my system to Tarif 595 by January 2027?
If you don't integrate the new standard (XML 5.0) in time, your printed receipts and subscription confirmations will simply be rejected by the health insurers. This means your members will no longer be reimbursed for their prevention contributions, which will inevitably lead to great dissatisfaction and potential cancellations.
Do I have to send the invoices directly to the health insurers from 2027?
No. As a rule, the so-called "Tiers Garant" principle continues to apply in the fitness industry. This means: your client pays the membership as usual directly to you. You then provide them with the reimbursement document according to the new Tarif 595 standard (often as a special PDF with an integrated code), which they then submit themselves to their supplementary insurance.
Is Tarif 595 the same as Tarif 590?
No, even though they are based on the same technical standard. Tarif 590 applies specifically to therapists in the field of complementary medicine (such as osteopathy or TCM). The new Tarif 595, on the other hand, was created exclusively for service providers in health promotion and prevention (fitness centres, Group Fitness, Personal Training).
Do my members receive higher contributions from the health insurer thanks to Tarif 595?
No. Tarif 595 changes absolutely nothing about your clients' individual insurance terms. It merely standardises the administrative reimbursement process. The amount of the actual payout stays exactly the same and depends on the respective policy of the member's supplementary insurance.
Where do I get my GLN number for billing?
The Global Location Number (GLN) is mandatorily required for billing. If you are already certified by a label such as Qualicert or Qualitop, this number has in the vast majority of cases already been assigned to you. You'll find it on your official certification documents. Alternatively, you can request it directly from your certification body or via the national register of the Refdata foundation.
