Switching Health Insurance in Switzerland

Critical deadlines, step-by-step switching guide, and proven strategies to save on Swiss health insurance. Expert guidance for expats, professionals, and English speakers in Switzerland.

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Last updated: January 14, 2026

Key Facts — Annual Switching Period

• Premiums published in October each year; cancel by 30 November
• New policy starts 1 January the following year
• Core models: Standard, HMO, Family Doctor, Telmed
• Average premiums: CHF 250-350/month (adult, CHF 2,500 deductible)
• English-friendly providers: CSS, Helsana, Swica
• Guaranteed acceptance for basic insurance (KVG/LAMal)
• Change model/deductible with current insurer by 31 December
• Biggest savings: high deductible + GP/HMO/Telmed + remove accident if employed
• Keep subsidies: inform canton/insurer after switching
Best Health Insurance Insurance Models Guide How to switch Choose deductible Compare models Premium subsidies

Critical Timeline

October each year

Premiums Announced

Check new premiums by canton, age, model, and deductible. Start comparisons.

By 30 November

Cancel Current Policy

Send termination to your current provider. Secure acceptance from the new insurer.

By 31 December

Adjust Model/Deductible

Staying with your provider? Submit model/deductible changes for effect 1 January the following year.

Quick Answer: Deadlines

Cancel by 30 November each year for coverage starting 1 January the following year. Special termination right: 30 days after receiving premium increase letter. Model/deductible changes: by 31 December with current insurer.

How to Switch in 5 Steps

1. Compare
Get quotes across models and deductibles.
2. Choose
Pick insurer, model (GP/HMO/Telmed/Standard), and deductible.
3. Apply
Submit new application. Basic insurance is guaranteed acceptance.
4. Cancel
Send written termination to current insurer by 30 November.
5. Confirm
Receive confirmation; inform canton for subsidies if applicable.

Quick Answer: Models

Standard model = free doctor choice, highest cost. HMO = network doctors, 15-25% savings. Family Doctor = designated GP, moderate savings. Telmed = phone first, maximum savings (20-30%). Choose based on flexibility vs cost preference.

Popular Provider Comparisons

SWICA vs Helsana

Entry-age vs traditional premium models

Visana vs Atupri

Traditional vs digital-first approach

Sanitas vs SWICA

Premium vs entry-age systems

CSS vs Sanitas

Regional leader vs national reach

Concordia vs KPT

Family-focused vs personalized care

View All Comparisons

Compare any two providers side-by-side

Essential Switching Guides

How to Switch Provider

Deadlines, letters, and clean handover checklist.

Choose Your Deductible

Break-even and best choice for your usage.

Compare Insurance Models

Standard vs GP vs HMO vs Telmed — savings vs access.

Health Insurance Hub

Models, costs, calculator, and deep dives.

All Insurance Providers

Compare SWICA, Helsana, CSS, Sanitas, and more with switching tips.

Premium Subsidies Guide

Keep your Prämienverbilligung when switching providers.

Quick Answer: Documents

You need: current policy details, personal info (name, address, birth date), proof of residence, employment status for accident coverage, and bank details. Written cancellation letter is mandatory by 30 November each year.

Quick Answer: Subsidies/Accident Cover

Premium subsidies stay with you when switching - just inform your canton and new insurer. Employed ≥8 hours/week? Exclude accident coverage from health insurance to avoid double coverage and save CHF 200-400/year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the health insurance cancellation deadline in Switzerland?
Cancel by 30 November each year for coverage starting 1 January the following year. Special termination right: within 30 days of receiving premium increase letter. Model/deductible changes: by 31 December with current insurer.
How do I switch my health insurance in Switzerland?
Compare premiums after October letters arrive each year, choose model and deductible, apply to new insurer (guaranteed acceptance for basic), cancel current policy by 30 November, confirm coverage starts 1 January the following year.
What is the difference between Standard, HMO, Family Doctor, and Telmed models?
Standard = free doctor choice, highest cost. HMO = network doctors, 15-25% savings. Family Doctor = designated GP, moderate savings. Telmed = phone consultation first, maximum savings (20-30%).
How much is health insurance in Switzerland per month?
Average CHF 250-350/month for adults with CHF 2,500 deductible. Varies by canton, age, model, and insurer. Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums. Telmed/HMO models offer additional savings.
Which Swiss health insurance providers have good English support?
CSS, Helsana, and Swica provide excellent English-speaking customer service and documentation. All offer digital tools, comprehensive coverage, and are popular with English-speaking newcomers and long-term residents.
Do subsidies affect switching?
Premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung/Réduction des primes) are tied to your canton and household situation. You can still switch insurers; just inform the authorities/insurer so subsidies are applied correctly.

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