Taking out supplemental insurance: what to keep in mind
Are you looking for new supplemental insurance? Comparis explains how to take out or switch supplemental insurance policies.
08.12.2022
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1. How can I find suitable supplemental insurance?
Supplemental insurance provides services and benefits that are excluded or only partially included in compulsory basic insurance. If you want to take out supplemental insurance, you need to send an application to the supplemental insurance provider.
Compare supplemental insurance now
It’s worth comparing supplemental insurance as costs can vary greatly. Check various supplemental insurance policies now.
2. Taking out supplemental insurance – how it works
You must first submit a health questionnaire to the health insurer. They then have 14 days to check your application. The insurer may accept or reject your application at their own discretion during this period. If a medical examination is required for your application, the insurer may take up to four weeks to reach a decision.
It’s therefore a good idea to submit your application in good time.
After sending off your application, you benefit from what’s known as a “policyholder guarantee”. This means any new illnesses you may develop while the health insurer is performing the health check have no influence on their decision.
You’re given immediate notice if the insurer rejects your application. You can then search for other insurance companies and offers.
Right of withdrawal period of 14 days
After submitting your insurance application, you have right of withdrawal for 14 days. You may withdraw your application within this period without giving any reason.
3. What should I keep in mind when changing my supplemental insurance?
Do you already have supplemental insurance? You can cancel your current policies at the end of each year in compliance with the termination period.
Important: take note of any termination periods and your contract length for any supplemental insurance you may have before taking out a new policy. However, don’t cancel your current supplemental insurance policy until the new insurer has accepted your application. Otherwise, you could end up without supplemental insurance cover.
Make sure you time it right: the new policy should start when the old one ends. Also make sure you aren’t insured with two policies at the same time when taking out a new supplemental insurance policy.
Minimum term is no longer than three years
Contracts with a minimum term of more than three years are no longer permitted. You can cancel a contract with a longer term after three years, regardless of what the contract itself may say.
4. Do I need to fill in the health questionnaire truthfully?
You need to fill out a health questionnaire when applying for supplemental insurance. It is essential that you fill it out truthfully.
If you give incorrect or incomplete information, insurance companies may subsequently impose exclusions and reduce or refuse insurance benefits.
Unlike with basic insurance, health insurers may reject those with health problems without reason, or accept them with certain exclusions.
5. Can I take out supplemental insurance with a preexisting condition?
Whether or not you can take out supplemental insurance with an underlying illness depends on each individual case and on the insurance company. Health insurance companies decide the criteria themselves. There is therefore no guarantee of cover.
With Comparis, you can compare supplemental insurance and request no-obligation quotes directly through our brokerage partner Optimatis. Not sure of your chances? With this quick check, you can find out your chances of being accepted.
6. Can I stop an insurer from refusing me supplemental insurance?
You can’t stop an insurer from rejecting your application, but you can increase your chances of acceptance by applying early. This is because if new medical conditions appear later, your chances of being accepted are reduced.
7. Can I take out supplemental insurance for babies and children?
Young, healthy people generally meet the admission criteria for supplemental insurance easily. Babies and children generally have no problems getting accepted. You can take out supplemental insurance for babies before birth.
This article was first published on 09.12.2020
