How do I cancel Swiss health insurance before the November deadline?
- Your written cancellation must ARRIVE by 30 November — a postmark is not enough, so send it by registered mail.
- You then have until 1 January to find a new insurer.
- The cancellation only takes legal effect once a new insurer confirms it has accepted you — you cannot end up uninsured.
- If your insurer raises premiums, you get a one-month extraordinary right to cancel.
- The standard model also has a separate end-of-June cancellation option.
Get a ready-to-send cancellation letter →
FAQ
- What is the deadline to switch?
- 30 November for a year-end switch — the letter must arrive by then, not just be postmarked. Registered mail is recommended.
- Can I cancel after a premium increase?
- Yes. When your insurer announces a premium increase you have an extraordinary right to cancel within one month of the notice, effective at year-end.
- Do I have to switch if I cancel?
- No. A basic-insurance cancellation only takes effect once a new insurer confirms acceptance. If you don't complete a switch, your current coverage simply continues — you are never left uninsured.
- What blocks a switch?
- Unpaid premiums or open bills with your current insurer. Settle these before cancelling.
- What is registered mail, and where do I send it?
- Registered mail (Einschreiben / recommandé / raccomandata) is a postal service that generates a delivery receipt — proof that the letter arrived. Buy it at any Swiss Post counter; keep the receipt. It costs a few francs and is the only reliable way to prove your cancellation arrived by the deadline.
- Can a new insurer refuse to accept me for basic insurance?
- No. Every insurer approved to offer basic insurance must accept any applicant regardless of age, health status, or pre-existing conditions. No medical examination is required. Rejection for basic (KVG) insurance is illegal.
- When will I know next year's premiums?
- The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP/BAG) publishes approved premiums each year in late September (typically 23–26 September). You then have until 30 November to cancel and switch, with the new policy starting 1 January.
- Can I switch insurance model within the same insurer without cancelling?
- Yes, for some changes. Moving to a more restricted model (e.g. standard → HMO or Telmed) within the same insurer is often possible without a full cancellation letter. Confirm the exact process directly with your insurer in writing, as each insurer's rules differ.