Cancel and switch health insurance: deadlines and process
When can I cancel my health insurance? What cancellation periods apply to health insurance? Comparis can help you switch policy.
12.09.2024
iStock/AndreyPopov
1. When is the deadline for changing health insurance?
Cancellation periods apply when changing health insurers. These periods usually differ for basic and supplemental insurance policies.
When can I change basic insurance?
You can change your basic insurance every year. However, you must comply with the cancellation period. We suggest setting up a cancellation reminder for switching health insurance.
These are the possible cancellation dates:
30 November
31 March under certain conditions
The prerequisites for a cancellation date on 31 March are:
You are insured with the standard model
You have the lowest deductible (300 francs for adults, 0 francs for children)
If this is true for you, you can change your basic insurance with effect from 1 July.
In rare cases, health insurers adjust premiums during the year. This is done at the request of the FOPH. In such a case, you have a special right of cancellation: you are able to change your health insurance policy even if you aren’t insured with the standard model.
If your health insurer adjusts its premiums during the year, it will notify you at least two months before the increase. You then have a cancellation period of one month.
When can I change supplemental insurance?
The cancellation deadline for supplemental insurance can vary depending on the insurer and product. Health insurers often have a cancellation deadline of three months before the year’s end. This means the cancellation of the supplemental insurance must reach your health insurer by 30 September.
2. Cancelling health insurance: how do I comply with the cancellation period?
What’s important is the date on which the health insurer receives your cancellation letter. The stamped date on the letter is irrelevant.
Send your cancellation as a registered letter. This gives you legally binding proof of delivery. You should also ask for written confirmation of the cancellation.
What if the cancellation date is on a weekend?
In some years, 30 November falls on a weekend. In this case, your letter of cancellation must arrive by the last working day before 30 November.
3. How can I cancel and switch my health insurance?
Comparis provides you with cancellation letter templates and a four-step guide on how to cancel health insurance.
Switching basic insurance in four steps
Compare different health insurers, premiums, models and deductibles.
Request one or more quotes through our brokerage partner Optimatis – free of charge and no obligation.
Choose the best deal for you and take out your new basic insurance policy.
Cancel your existing basic insurance within the deadline by registered post. Your new basic insurance policy will take effect as of 1 January or 1 July.
Switching supplemental insurance in four steps
Compare different health insurers and their benefits.
Request one or more quotes through our brokerage partner Optimatis – free of charge and no obligation.
Check your health insurer’s cancellation deadline (usually 30 September). Submit your insurance application and complete the health questionnaire for your chosen health insurance company.
The new health insurance provider will send you a confirmation of admission. Only cancel your old supplemental insurance once you’ve received this confirmation. Send the cancellation letter by registered mail.
4. FAQs: Changing health insurance in Switzerland
Yes, you can cancel and change your supplemental and basic insurance independently from each other.
Yes, you can. However, the new health insurer must inform your old health insurer of your admission. Only then will the policy switch be valid.
If this isn’t done by the end of the year, you’ll remain insured with your current health insurer until notification.
No. You cannot change your health insurance while you have outstanding premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, default interest or ongoing debt collection.
It is compulsory to take out basic health insurance in Switzerland. The change is possible regardless of your state of health or age. Health insurance providers are obliged to accept you – even if you have ongoing treatment.
Supplemental insurance has different rules. You often have to answer health questions to be accepted for such policies. The health insurer is not obliged to accept you. Only cancel your existing supplemental insurance once you’ve received confirmation that you’ve been accepted for your new insurance policy.
Do you want to cancel your basic insurance but keep your supplemental insurance with your current insurer? If so, you must communicate this clearly. The best way is to add a note to your cancellation letter stating: “This cancellation only applies to basic insurance. My supplemental insurance policy will remain with your company.”
Good to know: the old health insurer may not cancel the supplementary insurance if you change your basic insurance.
The health insurer must notify you of their new premiums by 31 October at the latest. If they fail to do this, the cancellation deadline is extended. They must inform you of your right to cancel in the letter.
The basic insurance benefits are prescribed by law and are the same for all health insurers. A change in premiums does not mean a change in cover for illness, accident and maternity. The service quality can vary from one insurer to another, however.
Good to know: Comparis shows you the customer satisfaction of the health insurers in comparison.
The Health Insurance Act allows for two systems: tiers garant and tiers payant. If the payment follows the “tiers garant” procedure, this means: you have to pay the doctor’s or medication bills yourself first. After that, you claim the money back from the insurer minus the out-of-pocket expenses.
With “tiers payant”, the service provider sends the invoice directly to the health insurance company. Hospitals only bill for inpatient treatment this way. The health insurer pays the full amount. They will then send you a benefit statement. The insurer charges the out-of-pocket expenses (deductible and coinsurance) as well as uninsured services.
You should take these differences into account when choosing basic insurance. With the “tiers garant” system, you must have enough money in advance to pay for any services before the health insurer pays out.
There are several ways to save on health insurance premiums. For example, you can reduce your premiums by changing your deductible or insurance model.
Deductible: if you’re expecting high healthcare costs, it makes sense to choose a low deductible. Will your healthcare costs not exceed 2,000 francs in a year? Then the highest deductible of 2,500 francs is worthwhile. With higher costs, the lowest deductible of 300 francs is worthwhile.
Model: health insurers offer premium discounts for non-standard insurance models. Check the costs of the various models using the premium calculator.
This article was first published on 25.10.2022
