Switch Health Insurance Providers in Switzerland
Complete guide to switching your Swiss health insurance provider with step-by-step instructions and money-saving tips.
Essential Switching Information
November 30 Deadline
Submit cancellation notice by November 30 for January 1 switch
Potential Savings
Save CHF 1,000-3,000+ annually by switching to optimal provider
No Coverage Gap
Seamless transition with continuous health insurance protection
5-Step Guide to Switching Health Insurance
Follow this comprehensive timeline to ensure a smooth transition to your new health insurance provider without any coverage gaps.
Research and Compare New Providers
Start your research 2-3 months before the deadline
October - Early November- • Use comparison tools like Priminfo.ch for basic insurance
- • Compare premiums for your age, canton, and preferred deductible
- • Research supplementary insurance options if needed
- • Check customer service ratings and reviews
- • Consider insurance models (HMO, Telmed, Family Doctor)
Apply for Supplementary Insurance First
Secure supplementary coverage before canceling current policy
September - October- • Apply for new supplementary insurance 3-4 months early
- • Complete health questionnaires honestly
- • Wait for acceptance before proceeding
- • Supplementary insurance can be refused or have exclusions
- • Don't cancel current supplementary until new one is confirmed
Submit Cancellation Notice
Cancel your current basic insurance by November 30th
By November 30th- • Send written cancellation notice (registered mail recommended)
- • Include your policy number and personal details
- • Specify cancellation date as December 31st
- • Keep proof of delivery and copies of all documents
- • Some insurers accept online cancellation
Apply for New Basic Insurance
Submit application to your chosen new provider
November - December- • Apply for basic insurance with new provider
- • Choose your preferred deductible and model
- • Basic insurance cannot be refused
- • Ensure coverage starts January 1st
- • Confirm application acceptance in writing
Confirm the Switch
Verify everything is in order for January 1st
December- • Receive confirmation from new insurer
- • Receive cancellation confirmation from old insurer
- • Update payment methods and bank details
- • Inform your doctor and pharmacy of the change
- • Keep all documentation for your records
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Learn from others' experiences and avoid costly errors when switching health insurance providers.
Missing the November 30th Deadline
Consequence: Stuck with current insurer for another year
Prevention: Set calendar reminders and start process early
Canceling Supplementary Insurance Too Early
Consequence: Gap in coverage or inability to get new supplementary insurance
Prevention: Secure new supplementary insurance before canceling current
Not Comparing Total Costs
Consequence: Higher overall costs despite lower premiums
Prevention: Compare premiums + deductibles + out-of-pocket maximums
Forgetting to Inform Healthcare Providers
Consequence: Billing issues and potential payment delays
Prevention: Update insurance details with all healthcare providers
Special Switching Situations
Certain circumstances allow you to switch health insurance outside the normal annual deadline.
Moving Between Cantons
Special switching rights when relocating
- • Can switch outside normal deadline when moving cantons
- • Must notify within 3 months of moving
- • Premiums will change based on new canton
- • Good opportunity to reassess all coverage
Life Events (Marriage, Birth, etc.)
Certain life events allow mid-year switching
- • Marriage, divorce, birth of child allow switching
- • Must notify within 3 months of life event
- • Can change deductible and insurance model
- • Opportunity to optimize family coverage
Premium Increases
Significant premium increases may allow switching
- • If premiums increase significantly, special switching rights may apply
- • Check with your canton's health department
- • Usually requires premium increase above certain threshold
- • Rare but worth checking if facing large increases
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I switch health insurance providers in Switzerland?
You can switch basic health insurance providers once per year by submitting a cancellation notice to your current insurer by November 30th, with the switch taking effect January 1st. Special circumstances like moving cantons or life events may allow mid-year switching.
How much notice do I need to give to cancel my health insurance?
You must give at least one month's notice. For the annual switching period, this means submitting your cancellation by November 30th for a December 31st cancellation date.
Can my new health insurance provider refuse my application?
No, basic health insurance providers cannot refuse applications or impose waiting periods. However, supplementary insurance can be refused, have exclusions, or include waiting periods based on your health status.
What happens if I miss the November 30th deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you'll generally be stuck with your current basic health insurance for another year. However, you may still be able to change your deductible or insurance model with your current provider.
Should I switch just to save money on premiums?
Consider the total cost including premiums, deductibles, and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Also factor in customer service quality, provider networks, and any supplementary insurance you need. The cheapest premium isn't always the best value.
Can I switch supplementary insurance separately from basic insurance?
Yes, supplementary insurance can usually be canceled with 3 months' notice at the end of any calendar year. However, getting new supplementary insurance requires health checks and can be refused.
What documents do I need to switch health insurance?
You'll need your current insurance policy details, personal identification, proof of residence, and for supplementary insurance, you may need to complete health questionnaires or provide medical records.
Related Health Insurance Guides
Best Health Insurance Guide
Comprehensive guide to choosing the best health insurance in Switzerland
Choose Right Deductible
Learn how to choose the optimal health insurance deductible for your situation
Add Family Members
Step-by-step guide to adding family members to your health insurance
Compare All Providers
Side-by-side comparison of all Swiss health insurance providers
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