How to change health insurance provider
Blog
How to Change Health Insurance in Switzerland (2025 Guide)
Learn how to switch your Swiss health insurance provider. Deadlines, process, and expert tips from Assurance Genevoise to help you save and stay covered.
Particulier
Introduction
Switzerland’s health insurance system is one of the most structured in the world — but also one of the most expensive. With premiums that fluctuate every year and vary by canton, reviewing your policy annually isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Many residents don’t realize they can save hundreds of francs a year or access better coverage simply by switching providers at the right time. But the process isn’t always straightforward. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding the system can easily cost you another year with the wrong insurer.
That’s why understanding how to change health insurance in Switzerland — and doing it correctly — is key to protecting both your wallet and your health coverage.
Understanding the Swiss Health Insurance System Before Switching
Before you start comparing options, it’s important to understand how the Swiss system works. Health insurance in Switzerland is divided into two parts:
- Basic insurance (LAMal/KVG): This is mandatory for everyone residing in Switzerland. It covers essential medical services such as hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency treatments.
- Supplementary insurance: This is optional and covers extra benefits like private hospital rooms, alternative medicine, or dental treatments.
Understanding the difference matters because you can only switch your basic insurance freely once a year, while supplementary plans follow separate rules and deadlines.
Premiums depend on your age, canton, deductible (franchise), and chosen model (standard, HMO, Telmed, etc.). Some cantons have significant price differences even for the same coverage level.
When Can You Change Your Health Insurance in Switzerland?
Timing is everything. To switch smoothly, you must know the official deadlines and conditions that allow changes.
1. Annual Deadline
The most critical date for any resident wanting to switch health insurance providers is the 30th of November. To change your basic health insurance provider, your cancellation letter must be received by your current insurer no later than this date, for a change effective from the 1st of January of the following year.
It is absolutely crucial to note that the date the insurer receives the letter is what counts, not the date of the postmark. Always send your cancellation health policy Switzerland letter via registered mail (recommandé) well in advance of the deadline.
2. Mid-Year Switch (Rare Case)
Changing basic insurance mid-year is possible, but only under very specific conditions. You must have a standard model policy with the lowest minimum deductible (CHF 300 for adults).
If these conditions are met, you have an additional window. Your cancellation must be received by the insurer by the 31st of March, with the change taking effect from the 1st of July. This option is rarely available for most managed-care models like Telmed or HMOs.
3. Supplementary insurance deadlines
While basic insurance has the 30 November deadline, supplementary policies often operate under different contractual terms. The typical deadline to cancel health policy Switzerland supplementary coverage is three months before the end of the policy year.
Always consult your specific policy documents. If your policy runs from January to December, your supplementary cancellation deadline is usually the 30th of September, which is earlier than the basic insurance deadline.
4. Special cancellation rights
You gain a special right to cancel your policy if your insurer increases your premiums or changes the contractual terms for the upcoming year. This right applies even if the premium notice arrives close to the standard 30 November cut-off.
In these cases, you still have the option to notify the insurer that you intend to change health insurance in Switzerland by the end of the year, regardless of the notice timing. For detailed information on your legal rights, you can consult the official Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) guidelines.
How to Change Health Insurance Provider in Switzerland
Executing the change requires precision. Following these five structured steps will ensure a seamless transition and prevent any gaps in your mandatory coverage.
Step 1: Review your current coverage and premiums
When you receive your annual premium notice, don’t just set it aside. Take a few minutes to go through it carefully. Has your premium increased? Have your deductible or model options changed?
Also, check whether there are benefits you don’t really use or if there are gaps in your coverage that you might want to fill next year. Understanding your current plan helps you make a smarter switch and avoid unnecessary costs.
Step 2: Choose a new insurer with professional support
Online tools can give you a rough idea of what’s available, but a health insurance comparison tool doesn’t always tell the full story. It may not consider factors like your health condition, family needs, or preferred medical providers.
That’s why it’s better to get personalized support from an Assurance Genevoise expert. Our team reviews your needs in detail and helps you find the most suitable plan — from deductible levels to managed-care models. If you’d like to talk to one of our advisors, you can easily request a free consultation through our Geneva office.
Step 3: Get accepted by the new insurer
Before cancelling your old policy, make sure your new insurer has officially accepted you.
For basic insurance (LAMal/KVG), the insurer must accept everyone, but processing may take time, especially if you have ongoing treatments or higher expected medical costs.
For supplementary insurance, it’s different. The insurer can decline your application or add conditions depending on your health history. That’s why you should always wait for written confirmation before you cancel your current plan. This step prevents any gaps in coverage during the switch.
Step 4: Cancel your old health policy properly
Once you’ve received confirmation from your new insurer, you can cancel your old policy.
Always send your cancellation letter by registered mail (Recommandé) — this gives you proof that the insurer received it on time. Keep the letter short and clear. Include your policy number, the date, and a statement saying you want to end your coverage on December 31st.
Make sure your insurer receives it before November 30th (or March 31st in special cases). Keep a copy of the letter and the postal receipt for your records.
For more practical tips on this process, check out our blog section, where we share regular updates on Swiss health and financial topics.
Step 5: Confirm the transition
Once your old insurer has processed your cancellation and your new insurer has confirmed your acceptance, your new policy will start automatically on January 1st.
Your new insurer registration process with your local commune will be handled for you, but it’s still important to double-check everything. Make sure you’ve received your new insurance card, policy documents, and premium bill before the new year begins. This final check ensures that you’re properly covered and ready to start the year with confidence.
What Happens After You Change Health Insurance Providers?
Once you’ve successfully changed your health insurance in Switzerland, there are a few final steps to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Your new insurer will automatically inform your local authority (commune/gemeinde) that you’re now insured with them. This is part of the standard new insurer registration process, and it confirms that your mandatory health insurance coverage continues without interruption.
Before January 1st, check that your new policy is active. You should receive:
- Your new insurance card
- The official policy terms
- Your first premium bill
Keep these documents safe and review them to ensure all details are correct.
Sometimes, small issues can occur during the transition — such as delayed confirmations, double billing for January, or missing policy documents. If that happens, don’t worry. The Assurance Genevoise team offers full support throughout the switch, helping you sort out any administrative hiccups quickly so you can stay focused on what truly matters — your health and peace of mind.
To learn more about how we assist clients through every step of the process, visit our insurance services page.
Common Mistakes When Switching Health Insurance
Even the most careful people can make small but costly mistakes when changing their health insurance. Here are five common errors to watch out for — and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1. Cancelling before you’re accepted by the new insurer
This is the most dangerous error. If you cancel your health policy in Switzerland before the new insurer confirms acceptance of your supplementary plan, you could be left with no coverage for those essential extras.
Always wait for the official acceptance letter from your new insurer before sending your cancellation notice. It’s the only way to ensure your protection continues smoothly.
Mistake #2. Missing the deadline (30 November or 31 March)
The deadlines are absolute. If your termination notice is received even one day late, the insurer is legally entitled to reject the cancellation for the current open enrollment period in Switzerland, locking you in for another year at the old rate.
Mark the open enrollment period in Switzerland on your calendar and send your cancellation early to avoid missing out.
Mistake #3. Not paying your final premium
If you still owe money to your current insurer, your switch can be blocked. Swiss law allows insurers to deny the change until all premiums are paid. Before submitting your cancellation, double-check that your final premium payment has been made and your account balance is clear.
Mistake #4. Confusing basic and supplemental policy terms
Your basic and supplementary health insurance are two different contracts. You can switch one without the other — but they follow different rules and timelines.
Be clear about which policy you want to change. If you only plan to switch your basic insurance, make sure you don’t accidentally cancel your supplementary plan too.
Mistake #5. Relying on incomplete online comparison data
A generic health insurance comparison tool is a starting point, not the final answer. They often neglect to factor in the quality of customer service, ease of claims, or the specific network of managed-care doctors in your area.
To make the best choice, speak with a trusted advisor from Assurance Genevoise. Our experts help you compare real benefits, not just prices, ensuring your new plan fits your lifestyle and medical needs perfectly.
Practical Tips to Find the Best Health Insurance Provider
Practical tips to find the best health insurance provider
To get the most out of your Swiss health insurance, start early and plan smart. Begin your review before mid-November so you have enough time to compare options and send your cancellation on time. Keep copies of all letters, confirmations, and receipts — they serve as proof if any issue arises during the new insurer registration process.
You can also keep your supplementary insurance with your current provider while you switch health insurance providers for your basic coverage. This flexibility lets you optimize costs without losing extra benefits.
For expert guidance, speak with a trusted advisor from Assurance Genevoise. Our specialists help you align your plan with your health and financial goals.
For official information on Swiss insurance regulations, visit the Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO)
FAQ
Yes, you can absolutely change health insurance in Switzerland for your basic policy (LAMal/KVG), regardless of your current health status or treatments. Basic insurance providers must accept everyone without prejudice. However, a new supplementary insurer may impose restrictions or reject your application based on pre-existing conditions.
Conclusion
Switching health insurance in Switzerland may seem complex, but with the right information and professional help, it’s a straightforward way to reduce premiums and improve coverage.
At Assurance Genevoise, we guide you through every step — from analyzing your current policy to finalizing your new contract — ensuring you never miss a deadline or pay more than you should.
Don’t wait until premiums rise again. Take charge of your coverage today and start your journey toward smarter, more affordable health insurance.
Julie Favre
Blog & News
Our latest articles
Find our latest news, articles, and expert advice to help you choose the best insurance solutions.
Particulier
What Does Mortgage Insurance Cover? Benefits & Coverage for Homeowners
What does mortgage insurance cover? Protection for default, death, and critical illness. Learn the benefits and Swiss-specific requirements.
Julie Favre
2 December 2025
3 minutes read
Particulier
Everything to Know About Student Health Insurance in Switzerland
Mandatory Swiss student health insurance (LAMal) explained. Compare costs, coverage, and the exemption process for international students.
Julie Favre
25 November 2025
5 minutes read
Professionelles
Particulier
What is Family Health Insurance in Switzerland? A Detailed Guide
Learn how family health insurance works in Switzerland in 2025. Explore coverage for children, dependents, maternity, and find affordable family plans.
Loïc Niclasse
18 November 2025
5 minutes read