Why switch health insurer?
Basic-insurance premiums rise almost every year, but the gap between the most expensive and the cheapest insurer in the same canton remains considerable. Because basic benefits are identical everywhere, paying more brings no additional benefit: it is purely a question of premium.
Switching to an equivalent, cheaper premium is therefore one of the few cost-saving moves with no trade-off. Our savings score estimates the potential in seconds based on your canton and your deductible (franchise).
By when can you switch for 2026?
The general rule: your cancellation must reach your current insurer by 30 November at the latest, to take effect on 1 January. It is a date of receipt, to be anticipated by a few days if you send registered mail.
The case of a premium increase
If your premium rises, you benefit from an extraordinary right of cancellation: you can cancel within one month of being notified of the new premium, even after 30 November. The increase announced in autumn therefore opens a second window.
The concrete steps of switching
Compare the premiums in your canton, choose a new insurer, sign up for membership from 1 January, then cancel the old one in writing before 30 November. Keep the proof of dispatch. The new insurer cannot refuse basic insurance.
Should you also switch the supplementary insurance?
Be careful not to confuse basic and supplementary insurance. Supplementary insurance (VVG/LCA) follows its own rules (often a three-month notice period, sometimes a multi-year commitment) and can be refused depending on your state of health. Many insured people keep their supplementary insurance and only switch the basic one — that is perfectly possible.
Frequently asked questions
Does switching insurer mean losing benefits?
No, for basic insurance: the benefits are set by law and identical at every insurer. Only the premium changes.
Can you switch insurer mid-year?
For basic insurance, in principle only on 1 January. A premium increase, however, opens an extraordinary right of cancellation during the year.
Can the new insurer refuse me?
Never for basic insurance, even in case of illness. Refusal is only possible for supplementary insurance.