Why Switching Your Health Insurance Matters
Swiss health insurance premiums change every year. The BAG (Federal Office of Public Health) approves new premium rates each autumn, and the differences between insurers can be substantial. In 2026, the gap between the most and least expensive basic insurer in Zurich exceeds CHF 2’000 per year — for identical benefits.
Yet many residents never switch. Some assume the process is complicated. Others worry about gaps in coverage or rejection. In reality, switching basic insurance in Switzerland is straightforward, guaranteed by law, and carries zero risk of losing coverage. Every insurer must accept you for basic insurance regardless of your age, health status, or pre-existing conditions.
This guide walks you through the entire process: when to switch, how to cancel, and what to watch out for.
Key Fact
Under the KVG, no insurer can reject your application for basic insurance (Grundversicherung). Acceptance is mandatory — no health questionnaire, no waiting periods, no exclusions. This makes switching completely risk-free for basic coverage.
The Critical Deadlines
The Swiss health insurance system operates on a strict annual cycle. Missing a deadline means waiting another full year to switch. Here are the dates you need to know:
| Date | What Happens | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Late September | BAG publishes approved premiums for the following year | Compare premiums across insurers |
| October | Insurers send premium letters to existing customers | Review your new premium and decide whether to switch |
| November 30 | Ordinary cancellation deadline | Your cancellation letter must arrive at your current insurer by this date |
| January 1 | New policy begins | Your new insurer takes over — no gap in coverage |
Important
The November 30 deadline means the letter must arrive at your insurer by that date — not merely be postmarked. Send your cancellation by registered post (Einschreiben) no later than November 25 to ensure safe delivery. If November 30 falls on a weekend, the deadline shifts to the last working day before it.
Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Switching
Swiss law provides two ways to switch your health insurance: ordinary cancellation (the standard annual switch) and extraordinary cancellation (triggered by specific events).
Ordinary Cancellation (Ordentliche Kuendigung)
This is the standard annual switch that most people use. Key rules:
- Deadline: November 30 for a January 1 start with the new insurer
- Notice period: The cancellation must arrive by November 30
- No reason required: You do not need to explain why you are leaving
- Guaranteed acceptance: Your new insurer must accept you
- No gap: Coverage transitions seamlessly from old to new insurer on January 1
Extraordinary Cancellation (Ausserordentliche Kuendigung)
In certain situations, you can switch outside the normal cycle. The most common triggers:
- Premium increase notification: When your insurer notifies you of a premium increase (usually in October), you have until the last day of the month preceding the increase to cancel. Since increases take effect January 1, this effectively means a November 30 deadline — the same as ordinary cancellation.
- Moving to a different canton: A change of canton often changes your premium region. You can cancel your insurance with 30 days’ notice from the date of your move.
- Change of insurer’s premium region: If your insurer restructures its premium regions and your premium changes as a result, you may have an extraordinary cancellation right.
In practice, most people use the ordinary route. Extraordinary cancellation is mainly relevant if you relocate mid-year.
Step-by-Step Switching Timeline
September: Compare Premiums
Once the BAG publishes the new premiums (typically in late September), use the official BAG premium calculator at priminfo.admin.ch or comparison platforms like Comparis.ch to compare options. Look at:
- Premium for your specific situation: Canton, age group, franchise, insurance model (Standard, Hausarzt, Telmed, HMO)
- Total annual cost: Not just the monthly premium — factor in your expected healthcare usage and franchise choice
- Insurer reputation: Check customer satisfaction surveys (Comparis, Bonus.ch, K-Tipp)
For a detailed ranking of the best insurers, see our Best Health Insurance Switzerland 2026 guide.
October: Choose Your New Insurer and Apply
Once you have identified a cheaper or better insurer, apply with them first. This is critical — never cancel your old insurance until you have written confirmation from the new one. The application process:
- Apply online or by post with your chosen new insurer
- Select your franchise level (CHF 300 to CHF 2’500) and insurance model
- Specify accident coverage inclusion or exclusion (exclude if employed 8+ hours per week, as your employer covers accident insurance)
- Receive written confirmation of acceptance (usually within 1–2 weeks)
Since no health check is required for basic insurance, acceptance is guaranteed. You will receive a confirmation letter or email.
November: Cancel Your Current Insurance
With confirmation from your new insurer in hand, cancel your current policy. Send the cancellation letter by registered post (Einschreiben/lettre recommandee) to ensure proof of delivery.
The letter must arrive by November 30. We recommend sending it by November 20–25 at the latest.
Cancellation Letter Template
Your cancellation letter should be brief and factual. Here is a template:
Cancellation Letter Template
[Your full name]
[Your address]
[Your postcode and city]
[Insurer name]
[Insurer address]
[City], [Date]
Cancellation of basic health insurance — Policy number [your number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby cancel my basic health insurance (Grundversicherung/OKP) effective 31 December 2026.
Insured person: [Full name]
Date of birth: [DD.MM.YYYY]
Policy number: [Number]
AHV number: [756.XXXX.XXXX.XX]
Please confirm receipt of this cancellation in writing.
Kind regards,
[Your signature]
[Your printed name]
If you are cancelling for multiple family members, include each person’s details in the letter or send separate letters.
December: Confirm Everything
In December, verify two things:
- Cancellation confirmed: Your old insurer should send written confirmation that your policy ends December 31
- New policy confirmed: Your new insurer should confirm your policy starts January 1
If you have not received both confirmations by mid-December, contact both insurers immediately. Do not assume everything is in order.
January: New Policy Active
From January 1, your new insurer is responsible for all claims. Present your new insurance card at doctor visits and pharmacies. Your old insurer will continue processing any claims from the previous year — you do not need to do anything special for pending claims.
What Happens to Supplementary Insurance?
This is where switching becomes more nuanced. Basic insurance (KVG) and supplementary insurance (VVG) follow completely different rules:
| Aspect | Basic Insurance (KVG) | Supplementary Insurance (VVG) |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Guaranteed — no rejection possible | Not guaranteed — health questionnaire required |
| Health check | None | Yes — pre-existing conditions may lead to exclusions or rejection |
| Switching deadline | November 30 | Varies — check your policy (often 3 or 6 months’ notice) |
| Can you split providers? | Yes — you can have basic with one insurer and supplementary with another | |
Critical Warning
Never cancel supplementary insurance before securing replacement coverage. Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurers can reject you based on health. If you cancel first and then get rejected by the new insurer, you lose your supplementary coverage permanently. Always apply for the new supplementary policy first, receive written acceptance, and only then cancel the old one.
You are not required to keep basic and supplementary insurance with the same company. Many Swiss residents deliberately split them — choosing the cheapest basic insurer and the best supplementary insurer separately. There is no penalty or disadvantage for doing this.
Common Pitfalls When Switching
Missing the November 30 Deadline
If your cancellation arrives on December 1, it is too late. Your old insurer will retain you for another full year. There is no grace period. Always send by registered post at least five business days before the deadline.
Outstanding Premium Payments
If you have unpaid premiums with your current insurer, they can block your cancellation. The new insurer may also refuse to finalise your policy until outstanding debts are cleared. Ensure all premiums are paid before initiating a switch.
Cancelling Before Securing New Insurance
Always apply with the new insurer first and wait for written confirmation. While basic insurance acceptance is guaranteed by law, having the confirmation in hand before cancelling protects you against administrative errors.
Forgetting About Accident Coverage
If you are employed at least 8 hours per week, your employer’s accident insurance (UVG) covers you. In this case, you can exclude accident coverage from your health insurance to save CHF 30–60 per month. When switching, ensure you correctly specify accident coverage inclusion or exclusion based on your employment status.
Not Switching the Whole Family
Each family member has their own policy. If you are switching, consider whether it makes sense to switch everyone. Children’s premiums also vary significantly between insurers. You can have different family members with different insurers if that optimises costs.
Special Considerations for Expats
If you are new to Switzerland, you must register for basic health insurance within three months of arrival. If you are already insured and want to switch, the same rules apply. A few extra considerations:
- Language: Most cancellation letters should be in the official language of your canton (German, French, or Italian). English is usually accepted by larger insurers but is not guaranteed.
- AHV number: You need your Swiss social security number (AHV/AVS number, format 756.XXXX.XXXX.XX) for the application.
- Residence permit: Your new insurer may ask for a copy of your residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung).
- Cross-border workers (Grenzgaenger): Special rules apply. Cross-border workers may have the right to opt for insurance in their country of residence. This is a separate topic and requires specific advice.
Switching Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks:
- Compare premiums on priminfo.admin.ch or Comparis.ch (September/October)
- Choose new insurer, franchise, and model
- Apply with new insurer and receive written confirmation
- Write cancellation letter for current insurer
- Send cancellation by registered post (arrive by November 30)
- Receive cancellation confirmation from old insurer
- Receive policy confirmation from new insurer
- Verify new insurance card arrives before January 1
- Update accident coverage based on employment status
- If applicable: handle supplementary insurance separately (apply first, then cancel old)
Need help switching your insurance?
Book a free consultation — 60 minutes, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my new insurer reject me for basic insurance?
No. Under the KVG, every insurer must accept every applicant for basic insurance. There is no health questionnaire, no waiting period, and no exclusion for pre-existing conditions. This applies regardless of your age or medical history.
What is the deadline to switch health insurance in Switzerland?
Your cancellation letter must arrive at your current insurer by November 30 for the switch to take effect on January 1 of the following year. Send it by registered post at least five business days before the deadline.
Can I switch health insurance mid-year?
Generally no. The standard switching date is January 1 each year. Mid-year switches are only possible in extraordinary circumstances, such as moving to a different canton. For franchise increases (raising your deductible), there is a separate March 31 deadline.
Will there be a gap in my coverage when I switch?
No. Your old policy ends on December 31 and your new policy begins on January 1. There is no gap. Both insurers coordinate the transition automatically.
Can I switch my basic insurance but keep my supplementary insurance?
Yes. Basic insurance and supplementary insurance are legally independent. You can have them with different companies. Many people choose the cheapest basic insurer while keeping supplementary insurance with a different provider known for better coverage.
What if I forgot to cancel and the deadline has passed?
Unfortunately, you must wait until the next year. There is no exception or grace period for missed ordinary cancellation deadlines. Set a calendar reminder for October each year to review your premiums and decide on switching.
Do I need to inform my doctor that I switched insurers?
You do not need to formally inform your doctor. Simply present your new insurance card at your next visit. If you are in the Hausarzt model with a new insurer, ensure your designated GP is registered with the new insurer’s network.
How much can I save by switching?
Savings depend on your canton, current insurer, and the model/franchise you choose. In major cantons like Zurich, switching from an expensive to a cheap insurer can save CHF 1’000 to CHF 2’000 per year on basic insurance alone — more if you also change your franchise or model.
Insurance Guide
Our editorial team has over 15 years of experience in the Swiss insurance market and has helped over 2,500 clients navigate the federal KVG system.
