If a policyholder fails to pay the premiums for more than three months despite being sent written reminders the consequences can be the following:
- The health insurance's benefits can be deferred until the outstanding premiums (incl. contribution to costs, default interest, prosecution costs) have been paid.
- The policyholder pays all newly occurring costs him/herself.
- The policyholder may not change insurance companies.
The procedure:*
| At least three monthly premiums and contributions to costs have not been paid on time. |
| The insurance company sends a written reminder, sets a time limit of 30 days, and threatens deferment of benefits. Additionally, this is reported to cantonal office. |
| Policyholder still fails to make payment. |
| The insurance company has a payment summons issued within 40 days of the unsuccessful payment reminder. |
| Benefits are deferred and the cantonal office is informed. |
The cantonal office (welfare authorities) has not guaranteed meeting the costs for premiums, contributions to costs, interest on arrears and prosecution costs after 3 months. |
Outstanding premiums, contributions to costs, interest on arrears and prosecution costs are met by the cantonal welfare authorities on behalf of the policyholder. |
| The insurance company charges the policyholder for the owed benefits. |
The insurance company meets the deferred benefits. |
| As long as there are no more outstanding debts with the insurance company, the policyholder may change insurance companies again. |
* Source: www.schuldenhotline.ch (as of Feb 6, 2006)
