Changing Health Insurance in Switzerland
Approximately 600,000 Swiss residents switch their health insurance provider every year. Learn how you could join them and potentially save hundreds of francs.
Why Consider Changing Your Swiss Health Insurance
Switching your health insurance provider in Switzerland can lead to significant benefits, from cost savings to better coverage that matches your current needs. With health insurance premiums increasing yearly (an average of 6% expected for 2025), reviewing your options regularly is a smart financial move.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of changing your health insurance, from determining if it's the right choice for you to completing the switch successfully.
Top Reasons to Switch Insurance
Every fall, Switzerland announces health insurance premium changes. Premiums can increase by several percentage points, but savings can be secured by switching providers.
As time passes, your interests and requirements change. You may want coverage for alternative medicine or dental treatments. Supplementary policies can efficiently cover these needs.
Family structure changes like teenagers turning 18 or moving to a different canton can significantly impact premiums. Some cantons have lower premiums than others.
Key Deadlines for Switching Health Insurance
Basic Insurance
Deadline for switching basic insurance provider
Premium Increase
Special termination right when premiums increase
Supplementary Insurance
Check your policy for specific termination dates
Important Deadline Reminder
Mark November 30th on your calendar! This is the cut-off date for changing your basic health insurance provider for the following year. Miss this deadline, and you'll typically need to wait another full year to switch, unless your insurer announces premium increases.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these seven steps to successfully change your health insurance in Switzerland.
Check deadlines and notice periods
Verify if you're within the window for basic insurance cancellation (by November 30 for January 1 changes) or supplementary insurance (check your policy for specific notice periods, typically 3-6 months).
Important Deadlines:
- Basic Insurance: November 30th for changes effective January 1st.
- Special Case: Within 30 days of being notified of premium increases.
- Supplementary Insurance: Check your policy, typically 3-6 month notice required.
Research and compare insurance providers
Compare premiums, service quality, and coverage options between different insurance companies to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Get quotes from selected insurers
Contact shortlisted insurance companies to receive personalized quotes based on your profile and preferences.
Submit formal cancellation to current insurer
Send a registered letter (Einschreiben/recommandé) to your current insurance company before the deadline, clearly stating your intention to terminate the policy.
Sample Cancellation Letter Template:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Zip Code and City]
[Insurance Company Name]
[Insurance Company Address]
[Insurance Company Zip Code and City]
[City, Date]
Cancellation of Health Insurance Policy [Your Policy Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby notify you of my decision to cancel my basic health insurance policy (Policy Number: [Your Policy Number]) with effect from December 31, [Current Year].
Please send me a written confirmation of this cancellation.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]
Note: Send this letter by registered mail (Einschreiben/recommandé) to track delivery and have proof of sending.
Apply for new insurance
Complete and submit an application form to your chosen new insurance provider, including all required personal documentation.
Required Documents for Application:
- Copy of ID or passport
- Swiss residence permit
- Cancellation confirmation from previous insurer (if available)
- Bank or post account details for payment setup
- Completed and signed application form
Wait for confirmation from both insurers
Receive confirmation of cancellation from your old insurer and acceptance from your new provider before considering the switch complete.
Update payment information
Set up new payment arrangements with your new insurance provider and confirm cancellation of any automatic payments to your previous insurer.
Need Help Changing Your Health Insurance?
Navigating deadlines, comparing options, and handling the paperwork can be overwhelming. Our experts can guide you through the entire process.
No obligation, just expert guidance for your Swiss insurance needs.
Ways to Save on Swiss Health Insurance
When changing your health insurance, consider these options to potentially reduce your premiums.
Choose an Alternative Model
Switching from the standard model to a Family Doctor, HMO, or Telmed model can reduce your premium by 15-20% while maintaining the same basic coverage.
Potential savings: Up to 20%
Increase Your Deductible
If you rarely need medical care, increasing your annual deductible from CHF 300 to a higher amount (up to CHF 2,500) can significantly lower your monthly premiums.
Potential savings: Variable based on chosen deductible
Switch Insurance Providers
Since all basic insurance provides identical coverage by law, comparing different providers can help you find the same coverage at a lower price.
Potential savings: Hundreds of CHF per year
Pay Premiums Annually
Some insurers offer discounts if you pay your annual premiums in a single lump sum rather than monthly payments.
Potential savings: Up to 2% discount
Review Your Supplementary Insurance
Evaluate if you actually use all the supplementary coverage you're paying for. Consider dropping or changing supplementary plans that don't match your current needs.
Potential savings: Varies by coverage
Check for Family Discounts
Some insurers offer discounts when multiple family members are insured with them, especially for children's premiums.
Potential savings: Varies by insurer
Common Mistakes When Changing Insurance
Missing the Deadline
The most common mistake is missing the November 30th deadline for basic insurance changes. If your cancellation letter arrives after this date, you'll typically need to wait another year to switch.
Not Using Registered Mail
Always send your cancellation letter by registered mail (Einschreiben/recommandé) rather than regular mail or email. This provides proof of delivery and a timestamp, which can be crucial if there are disputes about whether you met the deadline.
Canceling Supplementary Before Being Accepted by New Insurer
Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurance applications can be rejected based on your health. Always secure acceptance from your new insurer before canceling existing supplementary coverage.
Choosing Based Only on Premium
While saving money is important, don't make decisions based solely on premium costs. Consider service quality, claim processing efficiency, and availability of digital tools or English-language services, especially if you're an expat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to change or switch my basic health insurance?
The primary deadline to change or switch your basic Swiss health insurance (KVG/LAMal) is November 30th. You must ensure your written cancellation notice reaches your current insurer by registered mail by this date for the switch to be effective January 1st of the following year.
Can I change my health insurance if I miss the November deadline?
For basic health insurance, if you miss the end-of-November deadline, you generally have to wait until the next year to switch your provider. However, you can still switch if your insurer announces premium increases for the next year - in this case, you have until the end of the month in which you were notified of the increase.
Is it really worth changing my health insurance in Switzerland?
Yes, it often is. With annual premium increases (like the expected 6% average for 2025) and evolving personal needs, regularly reviewing and potentially switching your health insurance can lead to significant cost savings or securing better coverage that more accurately fits your current life situation.
Can I switch my health insurance if I am currently undergoing medical treatment?
For basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal), yes. Swiss law mandates that all insurers must accept any applicant for basic coverage, regardless of health status or ongoing treatments. For supplementary insurance (VVG/LCA), however, the new insurer can refuse your application or exclude pre-existing conditions.
How do I cancel my Swiss health insurance?
To cancel your Swiss health insurance, you must send a formal cancellation letter by registered mail (Einschreiben/recommandé) to your current insurance provider before the applicable deadline. The letter should clearly state your intention to terminate the policy, include your policy number, and be signed. Be aware that different deadlines apply for basic and supplementary insurance.
Have more questions about changing your health insurance in Switzerland?
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Insurance with Pre-existing Conditions
Navigate Swiss health insurance with pre-existing medical conditions.
Ready to change your Swiss health insurance?
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