Cancelling health insurance in Switzerland can feel overwhelming, but knowing exact deadlines and the correct procedure will help you switch smoothly. In this guide, you will learn what you need to know about cancelling health insurance and changing your basic (KVG/LAMal) or supplemental (VVG) health insurance, including key deadlines, required steps and tips to avoid gaps in coverage.
Contents
- 1. Deadlines for Switching or Cancelling Health Insurance
- 2. Cancel Health Insurance: Step-by-Step Process
- 3. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition
- 4. FAQs
1. Deadlines for Switching or Cancelling Health Insurance
In Switzerland, the rules to cancel health insurance depend on whether you are referring to your basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) or supplemental insurance (VVG). Below, we outline each category’s deadlines and special cancellation rights so you know exactly when to cancel health insurance.
Basic Insurance (KVG/LAMal)
Under KVG/LAMal, you have two primary cancellation dates to cancel health insurance:
- November 30 – Standard deadline. To switch or cancel health insurance for January 1 of the following year, your cancellation letter must arrive by this date. Any mail postmarked after November 30 is considered late, and your policy will renew automatically for another year.
- March 31 – This applies only if you are in the standard model with the lowest deductible (Franchise CHF 300 for adults, CHF 0 for children). In that scenario, you can cancel health insurance by March 31 to begin a new policy on July 1. Ensure that you explicitly state your deductible/model status in your cancellation letter if you meet these criteria.
Special Cancellation Right: If your insurer raises your premiums mid-year (for example, following a directive from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health), they must notify you at least two months before any increase takes effect. From the date of notification, you have one month to cancel health insurance, regardless of the dates above. This “special cancellation right” allows you to switch insurers outside the usual deadlines.
Supplemental Insurance (VVG)
Notice periods for supplemental policies vary by insurer and specific policy conditions. However, most policies require three months of notice before the end of the calendar year. In practical terms, you must have your letter arrive by September 30 to terminate or cancel supplemental health insurance on December 31. Some insurers publish their exact cancellation dates in the policy schedule—always verify your contract details before you cancel health insurance.
2. Cancel Health Insurance: Step-by-Step Process
Follow these concise steps to cancel health insurance—basic or supplemental—without any coverage gaps.
2.1 Compare Plans and Models
Before you cancel health insurance, compare insurers using our Swiss Health Insurance Comparison. Check premiums, deductibles (Franchise), and models (Standard, HMO, Telmed). This ensures you pick the best plan—remember, basic insurance doesn’t require a health questionnaire.
2.2 Apply for Your New Policy
For basic insurance, you’re guaranteed acceptance—just sign up and then cancel your old policy. For supplemental coverage, however, you must complete the health questionnaire and wait for written approval before cancelling your existing plan—if you cancel first, the new insurer may reject you, leaving you uninsured.
2.3 Send Your Cancellation Letter
- Write a clear letter: Include your name, policy number, insured person’s name (if different), and the date you want to cancel.
- Send by registered mail: Only the date your insurer receives the letter counts. Certified mail gives you proof of delivery.
- Request confirmation: Ask in writing (email or phone) for a cancellation confirmation, stating your policy ends on the chosen date.
- Account for weekends/holidays: If your deadline (e.g. Nov 30 or Sep 30) falls on a weekend or public holiday, the letter must arrive by the last working day before.
Once you receive confirmation, your old policy ends, and your new plan begins automatically on the specified date. Never cancel health insurance before Step 2.2 is complete—this ensures uninterrupted coverage.
2.4 Confirm New Coverage Start
Your new insurer will usually notify your old insurer directly. You should also receive a letter confirming your start date. Double-check that your new policy’s start date matches your cancellation date to avoid any gap in coverage.
3. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition
- Start early: Begin comparing plans at least two months before your cancellation deadline. This gives you time to finalize your new policy before sending your cancellation letter.
- Choose the right deductible: A higher franchise (CHF 2’500) lowers premiums if you rarely visit a doctor. For ongoing treatments, a lower deductible may save you more.
- Check supplemental waiting periods: Some supplemental benefits (e.g. dental, private ward) have waiting times up to one year. Don’t cancel your existing supplemental policy until the new insurer has accepted you in writing.
- Keep proof of all communications: Save emails, screenshots, and confirmation letters. If there’s ever a dispute about your cancellation, these records will resolve it quickly.
- Review coverage overlap: If you’re happy with your current supplemental insurer’s benefits, you can keep that policy and only switch basic insurance. In your cancellation letter, specify which policies you’re cancelling to avoid mistakes when you cancel health insurance.
4. FAQs
Can I switch directly to the cheapest insurer?
Yes—but make sure to compare deductibles (Franchise) and insurance models (e.g., standard vs. managed-care). Lower premiums can sometimes come with a higher deductible or restricted doctor networks when you cancel health insurance.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If your cancellation arrives after November 30 (basic) or September 30 (supplemental), your contract automatically renews for another year. You must wait until the next eligible date to switch or cancel health insurance.
Does moving to a different canton give me a special cancellation right?
No. Simply moving does not grant a special cancellation for your basic insurance. Only a mid-year premium increase by your current insurer triggers a special cancellation right. Some supplemental plans may allow earlier termination upon relocation—always check your policy before you cancel health insurance.
Does switching jobs allow me to change mid-year?
No. Changing employers does not affect the November 30 deadline for basic insurance. The special cancellation right only applies when your insurer raises premiums during the year, allowing you to cancel health insurance mid-year.
Is there any cost involved in switching?
No direct fees for canceling or switching health insurance. You simply start paying premiums to the new insurer. Minimal administrative fees may apply if you change deductible levels or models, but these are typically negligible.
For more detailed assistance, visit the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) website or contact our team for personalized guidance.
Summary: Cancelling or switching your health insurance in Switzerland is straightforward if you follow the deadlines and steps outlined above. Remember to start early, send your cancellation by registered mail, and confirm your new coverage before terminating the old policy. By doing so, you’ll avoid coverage gaps and ensure a seamless transition to the insurer that best fits your needs when you cancel health insurance.
