Changing health insurance in Switzerland – Explained step by step

Welcome to Switzerland! If you have just moved here or are dissatisfied with your current health insurance, you may be wondering: How do I change my health insurance? As an insurance advisor with many years of experience, I answer this question daily – especially from newcomers from Eastern Europe who need to understand new insurance systems. In this article, I show you how a health insurance change works, what deadlines apply and what you should pay attention to.

Why should I change my health insurance?

There are good reasons to change health insurance. Premiums can vary between insurers by up to 30 per cent – with the same scope of benefits! A single person in Switzerland pays an average of between CHF 250 and 450 per month, depending on the canton and health insurance company. That is a significant difference when you calculate it over a whole year.

But it is not just about the premium. Sometimes other insurers offer better additional benefits, faster claims handling or better customer service in your language. Many of my clients from Slovakia or the Czech Republic appreciate it when they can receive advice by phone in their mother tongue.

The correct deadline for changing health insurance

This is the most important point you must not forget: the notice period for health insurance in Switzerland is three months at the end of a calendar year. This means: if you cancel your current health insurance by 30 November, your insurance contract ends on 31 December. On 1 January, you can then switch to a new health insurance provider.

If you miss this deadline, you automatically remain with your health insurance for another year. There are only a few exceptions – for example, if the premium increases by more than eight per cent, you can give extraordinary notice. So remember: act by the end of November at the latest!

Step-by-step to changing health insurance

The change itself is straightforward. Here is my proven procedure:

Step 1: Compare new health insurance – Use the official comparison tool on priminfo.admin.ch or get personal advice. Enter your canton, your age and the desired scope of cover. You can immediately see which insurers are charging which premium.

Step 2: Register with the new health insurance – Fill out the registration form. This is usually done online, takes 10 minutes and is free. You will need your AHV number (you receive it when you register in Switzerland) and your passport.

Step 3: Cancel old health insurance – Send a notice of termination by registered mail or by email (with read receipt) to your current health insurance company. State the cancellation date (always 31 December!) and request written confirmation.

Step 4: Collect confirmation – Keep all documents. You will need these in case of any questions and for your tax return.

What does changing cost?

This is good news: the change itself costs nothing! There are no fees, no hidden costs. You simply pay the new premium of your new health insurance company from 1 January.

However, you should check whether you can optimise your deductibles or excess amounts. If you are healthy and go to the doctor, a higher deductible (e.g. CHF 2500 instead of 300) could reduce the premium by 15–20 per cent. But if you have a chronic illness, a low deductible is better. This is a personal consideration that I am happy to discuss with you.

Special features for newcomers and foreigners

As a newcomer, you must insure yourself in Switzerland within three months. You have complete freedom of choice between all recognised health insurance companies – there is no waiting period the first time. This is an advantage!

If you were already insured in your home country, you can request confirmation (usually a form E106 or E121). This can sometimes be relevant for transition periods, but never replaces Swiss basic insurance. Switzerland requires your own insurance.

Common mistakes when changing health insurance

In my 15 years of consulting, I see the same mistakes again and again:

• Cancelling too late: If you only cancel in early December, you will miss the deadline.
• Oral cancellation: «I cancelled my health insurance by telephone.» This does not count. In writing or by email with confirmation!
• Insurance gap: If you are not careful, you will have a day without cover between old and new health insurance. This must not happen.
• Comparing the wrong criteria: The cheapest premium is not always the best choice. Also check additional benefits, networks and customer satisfaction.

My tips for saving money

An average household can save CHF 200–400 per year with a clever change. Here is how to do it right:

• Compare at least three providers.
• Choose a higher deductible if you are healthy (saves up to 20 %).
• Check whether managed care insurance (e.g. HMO) is right for you – these are often cheaper.
• Use supplementary insurance sensibly – not necessary for everyone.

Conclusion: Changing health insurance makes sense

Changing health insurance is simple, free and can save you hundreds of francs per year. The most important thing: remember the deadline (by 30 November) and act promptly in writing. Do not forget to check whether your current insurance still suits you whenever a major life change occurs (marriage, child, new job).

Are you unsure which health insurance is right for you? Do you not quite understand Swiss insurance terminology? This is completely normal – many newcomers feel overwhelmed by the variety. That is exactly what I am here for.

Book a free consultation appointment with Helpner. Branislav Hepner advises you personally on your health insurance, taxes and all other insurance questions – in German, with understanding for your situation as a newcomer.