Want to switch health insurer and pay lower premiums in 2027? In Switzerland, switching basic insurance is straightforward. The key is to meet the cancellation deadline and register with a new insurer in time.
To switch on 1 January 2027, your cancellation must reach your current insurer by 30 November 2026 at the latest.
Find out which deadlines apply, how to cancel your insurance correctly, what happens to existing supplementary cover and how to save money when switching.
Key facts about switching health insurer in 2027
- Cancellation deadline: 30 November 2026 to switch on 1 January 2027.
- Cancellation: preferably in writing by registered post or A Mail Plus.
- New insurance: register with your new insurer at the same time.
- Health assessment: no health assessment is required for compulsory basic insurance.
- Supplementary insurance: you do not have to switch it along with your basic insurance.
- Outstanding debts: certain unpaid amounts can prevent a switch.
When can I switch health insurer?
In Switzerland, you can generally switch compulsory basic insurance on 1 January each year. It does not matter whether your current insurer has raised its premiums.
Your chosen deductible and current insurance model do not prevent the annual switch either.
Cancellation deadlines for 2027 at a glance
| Date | What happens? |
|---|---|
| End of September 2026 | Announcement of approved health insurance premiums for 2027 |
| 31 October 2026 | Latest date for your insurer to notify you of your new premium |
| Mid-November 2026 | Recommended time to send your cancellation |
| 30 November 2026 | Last date for receipt of cancellation |
| 1 January 2027 | Start of new basic insurance |
| 31 March 2027 | Cancellation deadline for a possible switch on 1 July 2027 |
Please note: the postmark date does not count for cancellation. What matters is when your letter reaches the insurer.
If you only post your cancellation on 30 November, it will normally arrive too late.
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) therefore recommends sending your cancellation by mid-November at the latest, by registered post or A Mail Plus.
Switching health insurer: step by step
You can switch your basic insurance in five simple steps.
1. Compare health insurance premiums
Before cancelling your current insurance, check which insurers offer lower premiums where you live.
Your premium depends on factors including where you live, your age, deductible, insurance model and chosen insurer.
When comparing, pay particular attention to:
- Monthly premium: how much will you pay with the new insurer?
- Deductible: do you want CHF 300, CHF 2,500 or another deductible?
- Insurance model: do you prefer free choice of doctor, a family doctor, HMO or telemedicine?
- Accident cover: do you need accident cover through your health insurer?
- Service: how important are digital billing, accessibility and customer support to you?
The statutory benefits of basic insurance are the same across all insurers. However, premiums, service and the rules of insurance models differ.
Tip: first compare offers with the same deductible and insurance model. This shows how much you could save just by changing insurer.
2. Choose a new health insurer
Once you have found a suitable insurer, you can register for basic insurance.
Many insurers let you register directly online. You normally need your personal details, home address, current insurance details and your preferred insurance model and deductible.
Swiss compulsory basic insurance is subject to an obligation to accept applicants: insurers must generally accept you regardless of your age and health, provided you meet the legal requirements.
Even if you have a chronic condition or ongoing medical treatment, an insurer cannot reject you because of your health.
A health assessment is not permitted for basic insurance.
3. Cancel your current insurance
Cancel your current basic insurance in writing with effect from 31 December 2026.
Your cancellation letter should include:
- First name, surname and address
- Insurance number
- Name of your current insurer
- Desired cancellation date
- Date and signature
Preferably send the letter by registered post or A Mail Plus so you can document delivery.
Also request written confirmation of cancellation.
Depending on the insurer, cancellation by email or through a customer portal may be possible. Since insurers accept different procedures, written cancellation with proof of delivery is the safer option.
4. Register with the new insurer
Do not wait for your current insurer’s cancellation confirmation before registering.
The FOPH expressly recommends cancelling and registering with the new insurer at the same time.
The new insurer must inform both you and your current insurer that your new cover continues without interruption.
Your previous insurance can only end once this notification has been made.
This ensures that your insurance cover is not interrupted.
5. Check the confirmations
After switching, check that you have received the necessary documents.
These include confirmation from your previous insurer, acceptance confirmation from your new insurer and your new insurance policy.
Check the agreed deductible, insurance model, start date and monthly premium.
Also let your doctor’s practice and pharmacy know about your new insurer when convenient. This helps avoid billing problems for future treatment.
Sample letter: cancel health insurance with effect from 31 December 2026
A short letter is enough to cancel your basic insurance. You do not need to give a reason for switching.
Basic insurance cancellation template:
[First name Surname]
[Street and house number]
[Postcode and town]
[Name of current health insurer]
[Insurer’s address]
[Place, date]
Subject: cancellation of compulsory basic insurance with effect from 31.12.2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby cancel my compulsory health insurance under the Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal) with effect from 31 December 2026, within the required notice period.
My insurance number is: [Insurance number].
From 1 January 2027, I will have basic insurance with another health insurer.
Please confirm the cancellation to me in writing.
Any supplementary insurance policies are expressly unaffected by this cancellation.
Yours faithfully,
[First name Surname]
[Signature]
Download cancellation template
Important: use your insurer’s current postal address for cancellation and keep the proof of posting.
Can I also switch health insurer during the year?
Yes, but only under certain conditions.
A standard switch on 1 July is possible if your basic insurance uses the standard model with free choice of doctor and the standard deductible.
This is CHF 300 for adults and CHF 0 for children.
In this case, there is a three-month notice period. To switch on 1 July 2027, your cancellation must reach your current insurer by 31 March 2027 at the latest.
If you have a higher deductible, a family doctor, HMO or telemedicine model, or bonus insurance, this standard mid-year switching date is not available.
Extraordinary premium adjustments during the year may give rise to additional cancellation rights.
Basic and supplementary insurance: what should I consider when switching?
A common mistake when switching health insurer is confusing basic and supplementary insurance.
The two types of insurance are governed by different legal rules.
| Basic insurance | Supplementary insurance |
|---|---|
| Compulsory | Voluntary |
| Benefits defined by law | Benefits depend on the contract |
| Obligation to accept applicants | Health assessment and rejection possible |
| Uniform annual cancellation deadline for a standard switch | Cancellation deadlines depend on the contract |
| Switch possible even with existing conditions | Acceptance may be restricted due to pre-existing conditions |
Do I also have to cancel my supplementary insurance?
No. You can switch your basic insurance and keep your supplementary insurance with your current insurer.
Your current insurer cannot force you to cancel your supplementary insurance as well.
This is particularly important if you have held supplementary insurance for many years or have existing medical conditions.
Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurers may reject an application under certain conditions or impose individual exclusions.
Only cancel existing supplementary insurance once you have received binding written acceptance from a new insurer and checked its benefits and contractual terms.
Also note that some supplementary insurers may charge administrative surcharges when the policies are held separately.
How much can I save by switching health insurer?
Switching can be worthwhile even if you are generally satisfied with your current insurer.
Because compulsory basic insurance benefits are defined by law, you may be able to obtain the same cover under comparable conditions at a significantly lower premium.
Example: CHF 80 less in premiums per month
| Current insurer | New insurer | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | CHF 480 | CHF 400 |
| Annual premium | CHF 5'760 | CHF 4'800 |
| Annual saving | CHF 960 |
This fictional example shows that a difference of just CHF 80 per month means a saving of CHF 960 a year.
For a household with several insured people, the total saving can be higher.
However, the insurer with the lowest premium is not automatically the best choice. Also consider the insurance model’s conditions and your personal needs.
Do I also have to change my deductible when switching?
No. You can generally keep your current deductible with the new insurer or choose another deductible it offers.
Adults can choose basic insurance deductibles between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500.
A high deductible generally means lower monthly premiums. In return, you pay a larger share of medical treatment costs yourself.
Whether a high or low deductible pays off depends on your expected healthcare costs and financial reserves.
Review your deductible each time you compare health insurance.
Which deductible is right for you? CHF 300 or 2,500?
Which mistakes should you avoid when switching health insurer?
Despite the simple process, some mistakes can cause a switch to fail or make it unnecessarily expensive.
1. Sending the cancellation too late
The cancellation must reach your current insurer by 30 November at the latest. A postmark with that date is not enough.
2. Cancelling supplementary insurance too soon
Although you must be accepted for basic insurance, there is no equivalent right to acceptance for new supplementary insurance.
Do not cancel existing supplementary cover without a confirmed alternative.
3. Ignoring unpaid bills
If you have outstanding debts with your current insurer, the switch may be blocked.
This particularly concerns premiums, cost sharing and late-payment interest subject to reminders by 30 November, plus related debt enforcement costs, if they are not fully paid by 31 December.
4. Comparing only the monthly premium
Switching to a cheaper insurance model may involve restrictions.
For example, a family doctor or telemedicine model requires you to follow certain procedures when seeking medical treatment.
5. Failing to get confirmation of the switch
Check that your new insurer has confirmed your acceptance and informed your previous insurer.
This ensures that the switch is actually completed.
Frequently asked questions about switching health insurer
What is the deadline for cancelling health insurance for 2027?
Your cancellation of compulsory basic insurance must reach your current insurer by 30 November 2026 at the latest. The switch takes effect on 1 January 2027.
Can I switch health insurer even if I am ill?
Yes. Compulsory basic insurance must accept you regardless of your health. Ongoing treatment and chronic conditions are not grounds for rejection either.
Do I need to give a reason for cancelling when switching health insurer?
No. You do not have to explain your cancellation. You can switch even if your current insurer has not raised its premiums.
Should I cancel my old insurance or take out the new insurance first?
It is best to do both at the same time. You can cancel your current basic insurance before receiving acceptance confirmation from the new insurer. The new insurer must then confirm uninterrupted cover.
What happens if I miss the cancellation deadline?
If your cancellation arrives too late, you generally remain insured with your current insurer. Under certain conditions, you can switch on 1 July; otherwise, you must wait until the next standard switching date.
Can my insurer reject my cancellation?
A timely cancellation of basic insurance cannot be rejected arbitrarily. However, certain outstanding debts subject to reminders can legally prevent the switch.
Can I have basic and supplementary insurance with different insurers?
Yes. For example, you can take out basic insurance with a cheaper insurer and keep your existing supplementary hospital or dental cover.
How much does switching health insurer cost?
Switching compulsory basic insurance is generally free. You may only incur costs for sending the cancellation letter. Your new premium depends on the insurer and insurance model you choose.
Conclusion: compare and switch health insurer in good time
Switching health insurer in Switzerland is easier than many people think.
Compare premiums for 2027, choose a suitable insurance model and cancel your current basic insurance in time. To switch on 1 January 2027, your cancellation must have arrived by 30 November 2026 at the latest.
Pay particular attention to the different rules for basic and supplementary insurance, and check the confirmations from both insurers.
Check K-Check for the health insurance premiums available where you live and see whether switching could save you money.
Sources
- Federal Office of Public Health – Switching health insurer in 2027 (factsheet of 29 September 2026)
- Priminfo – Switching health insurer
- Priminfo – Sample letters for cancellation and registration
- Priminfo – Supplementary insurance
Information checked against the FOPH factsheet of 29 September 2026.