Switch Health Insurance in Switzerland (2026) – Deadlines & Savings
Don't miss the 2026 switching season: Supplementary until 30 September, Basic until 30 November. Compare offers, reduce premiums, and switch stress-free with Expat-Savvy.
Why Switch Health Insurance?
Premiums Rising ~6%
Average premium increase expected for 2026
Save CHF 500–2,000/year
Potential annual savings by switching
Life Changes
Family growth, relocation, new needs
Dissatisfied with Service
Poor support, claims issues, network limitations
Ready to Save on Your Health Insurance?
Compare options and find better coverage without the hassle.
Deadlines You Must Know
Supplementary Insurance
Cancel by 30 September 2025
Dental, hospital, alternative medicine coverage requires advance notice to avoid automatic renewal.
Basic Insurance (KVG/LAMal)
Switch until 30 November 2025
Mandatory coverage for all Swiss residents. Switch providers for better rates or service.
⚠️ If missed → locked in for another year
Missing these deadlines means you cannot switch until next year. Plan ahead to avoid being stuck with higher premiums or unsatisfactory coverage.
Ways to Reduce Your Premium
Telmed/HMO Models
Choose alternative models like family doctor or telehealth consultation first
Higher Deductible
Increase your franchise from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 for lower monthly premiums
Annual Payment
Pay premiums yearly instead of monthly for insurer discounts
Premium Subsidies
Check cantonal premium reduction eligibility based on income and assets
Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Costs
Compare Multiple Providers
Don't just renew automatically. The same coverage can cost vastly different amounts depending on the provider. Using a comparison service like Expat Savvy can help identify the most cost-effective options while maintaining your desired coverage level.
Consider Your Actual Healthcare Needs
If you rarely visit the doctor and have minimal anticipated healthcare needs, a higher deductible (franchise) could be economical. However, if you have chronic conditions or expect significant medical expenses, a lower deductible might be more cost-effective in the long run.
Evaluate Supplementary Insurance
Review any supplementary policies to ensure they're providing value for the premium paid. It might be more cost-effective to pay for certain services out-of-pocket rather than through supplementary insurance if you use them infrequently.
Maximize Payment Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for annual payments, electronic billing, or family policies. These modest discounts can add up to meaningful savings over time.
How to Switch Health Insurance in 3 Steps
Compare Providers
Review different insurance companies and their offerings. Compare premiums, models (Telmed/HMO), and coverage options.
Send Cancellation
Send termination letter by registered mail before deadline. Basic insurance: 30 November, Supplementary: 30 September.
Apply New Insurance
Complete application with chosen provider. Basic insurance has guaranteed acceptance for all applicants.
Need Help with the Process?
We handle all the paperwork, cancellations, and applications for you.
How Expat-Savvy Helps You Switch
Independent Broker for Expats
- Access to Helsana, Swica, CSS, Sanitas & more
- AI-powered premium calculator
- Tailored advice in English (outside office hours)
- We handle cancellation + application paperwork
- Free & no obligation
Let us handle your switch — stress-free!
From deadline tracking to paperwork completion, we manage everything so you can focus on what matters most.
Ways to Lower Premiums
Smart strategies to reduce your health insurance costs while maintaining quality coverage.
Telmed/HMO Models
Choose alternative models like family doctor or telehealth consultation first
Higher Deductible
Increase your franchise from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 for lower monthly premiums
Annual Payment
Pay premiums yearly instead of monthly for insurer discounts
Premium Subsidies
Check cantonal premium reduction eligibility based on income and assets
Smart Strategies to Maximize Your Savings
Compare Multiple Providers
The same coverage can vary significantly in cost. Use comparison tools to find the best value.
Assess Your Healthcare Needs
Match your deductible and model to your actual usage patterns for optimal savings.
Review Supplementary Coverage
Evaluate if supplementary policies provide value or if out-of-pocket payments make more sense.
Maximize Payment Discounts
Take advantage of annual payment discounts and electronic billing savings.
How Expat-Savvy Helps You Switch
Independent broker service designed specifically for expats navigating Swiss health insurance.
Independent Broker for Expats
Access to Helsana, Swica, CSS, Sanitas & more. We compare the entire Swiss market to find what's best for you.
AI-Powered Premium Calculator
Get instant, accurate premium comparisons and discover your potential savings with our advanced AI tools.
English-Speaking Support
Tailored advice in English, available outside office hours. No language barriers, no confusion.
Complete Paperwork Handling
We handle all cancellations, applications, and paperwork. Focus on what matters while we manage the bureaucracy.
Free & No Obligation
Our service is completely free. We're compensated by insurers, so you pay nothing for expert guidance.
Let us handle your switch — stress-free!
From deadline tracking to paperwork completion, we manage everything so you can focus on what matters most.
Your Questions Answered
Get clarity on the most common questions about switching health insurance in Switzerland.
When is the deadline to change Swiss health insurance?
The deadline to switch basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) is 30 November 2025. For supplementary insurance (dental, hospital, alternative medicine), you must cancel by 30 September 2025. Missing these deadlines means you cannot switch until next year.
What is the deadline for supplementary insurance in Switzerland?
The deadline for cancelling supplementary insurance in Switzerland is 30 September 2025. This applies to dental coverage, hospital benefits, alternative medicine, and other optional policies. You must send your cancellation notice by registered mail before this date to avoid automatic renewal.
Can I switch if I'm undergoing treatment?
Yes, for basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal), you can switch even if undergoing medical treatment. Swiss law requires all insurers to accept any applicant for basic coverage, regardless of health status. However, for supplementary insurance, the new insurer may refuse your application or exclude pre-existing conditions.
How do I cancel my Swiss health insurance?
To cancel Swiss health insurance, send a formal cancellation letter by registered mail (Einschreiben/Recommandé) to your current insurer. The letter must include your policy number, full name, and termination date. For basic insurance, aim for 30 November; for supplementary insurance, 30 September.
How much can I save by switching?
Savings vary by situation, but many expats save CHF 500–2,000 per year by switching. With 2026 premiums expected to rise ~6%, choosing a different insurer, model (like Telmed/HMO), or higher deductible can significantly reduce your annual costs while maintaining quality coverage.
Can I change only my insurance model (Standard → Telmed)?
Yes! From 2025, you can change your basic insurance model (Standard → Telmed/HMO/Family Doctor) within the same insurer at different times throughout the year, not just during the annual switching period. This offers flexibility to optimize your coverage and premiums as your needs change.
Have More Questions?
Our Swiss health insurance experts are here to help with any specific questions about your situation.
Ready to Switch Your Health Insurance?
⚡ Don't miss the 2026 switching deadlines:
Supplementary → 30 September · Basic → 30 November
Join 1000+ expats who've optimized their Swiss health insurance with Expat-Savvy
