Cancelling health insurance – how and by when?
There are a few points to be noted by anyone wanting to cancel their health insurance. Our checklist helps you to follow the right procedure and give notice of cancellation at the right time.
Cancelling health insurance without new insurance
Even though basic insurance is mandatory, you can go ahead and cancel it before you’ve taken out new health insurance. However, your current health insurer will only release you once it has confirmation of the new insurance. This means no gaps will arise.
Every health insurance company is obliged to admit you to their basic insurance without reservation, provided you have paid all the bills owing to your old insurer by 31 December. In the event of death, the contract ends automatically and premiums already paid are refunded.
By when to cancel health insurance
Basic insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and has a fixed contract term of one year. As a rule, you can change your basic insurance as of 1 January each year.
Notice periods for basic insurance
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Period of notice: 1 month
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Cancellation deadline: 30 November
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If 30 November falls on a weekend, the deadline is the last working day of November. It’s the date of receipt that counts, not the postmark.
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We recommend sending your notice of cancellation by registered post.
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An exception applies if premiums go up during the year: Basic insurance may be cancelled as of 31 March if the insurer is forced to raise its premiums before the end of the year.
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Cancellation for insured persons with a CHF 300 deductible and free choice of doctor: Basic insurance may be cancelled with effect from 30 June.
Cancelling supplementary insurance
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Supplementary insurance is not mandatory.
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CSS offers a choice of contract terms. These renew automatically for 1 year at a time.
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Period of notice: 3 months
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Cancellation deadline: Notice to be given by 30 September for cancellation at the end of the calendar year.
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If 30 September falls on a weekend, the deadline is the last working day of September. It’s the date of receipt that counts, not the postmark.
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Note: To avoid unwanted surprises, wait until you’ve received confirmation of admission from your new insurer before telling your current insurer you want to cancel your supplementary insurance.
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We recommend sending your notice of cancellation by registered post.
Tips from our expert Olcay Gür
The Federal Office of Public Health announces the premiums for the following year each autumn. Your insurance provider will notify you of your new premium in writing by the end of October at the latest. You then have until 30 November to cancel your basic insurance.
Our expert Olcay Gür, client advisor in Sargans, answers the most frequently asked questions.
Can I change my basic insurance without also changing my supplementary insurance?
Yes. But it’s important to communicate this clearly: Both the subject line and the letter should clearly show which insurance policy is being cancelled. Lots of people don’t have their basic and supplementary insurance with the same health insurance provider.
Can I switch to another general health insurance company if I still have unpaid bills?
No, you can’t change provider while you still owe money for your basic insurance premiums or co-payment (deductible & retention fee). This requirement is laid down in the Federal Health Insurance Act.
I wouldn’t recommend an annual deductible of anywhere between CHF 500 and CHF 2,000.
I don’t want to switch, but is there any way I can save on costs?
Yes. Forgoing a free choice of doctor or adjusting the deductible are usually good ways of saving money. We recommend discussing it with your personal advisor.
Tips on making savings
- If you spend more than CHF 1,900 a year on medical bills, choose an annual deductible of CHF 300.
- If you spend less than CHF 1,900 a year on medical bills, choose an annual deductible of CHF 2,500.
Why should I cancel my health insurance?
If you no longer require the benefits, for example. Or if the premium has gone up, or you’re no longer satisfied with the advice and service you’re receiving. When cancelling supplementary insurance, think long and hard about whether or not you’ll really need it in future. Because each time you take out new supplementary insurance, you have to answer questions about your state of health.
What CSS pays
Have you ever wondered whether or not your insurance covers a particular benefit? Fitness, massage, acupuncture, dental braces and more – in myCSS you can see right away what CSS pays.
Do I need to cancel my health insurance when moving abroad?
If emigrating, your obligation to have healthcare insurance generally ends when you leave the country. But if you would prefer to remain insured in Switzerland after emigrating, you can take advantage of the International Health Plan. Cover is valid worldwide.
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