30 November: a date of receipt, not of dispatch
The law sets the end of cover at 31 December, provided the cancellation is received by the insurer no later than 30 November. This nuance is crucial: it is not the postmark date that is decisive, but the date on which your insurer receives the letter.
In practice, send your cancellation at least three to four working days before 30 November, and prefer registered mail: it gives you proof of the date of receipt, which holds up in the event of a dispute.
The deadlines for other situations
30 November applies to an 'ordinary' switch. Other deadlines apply depending on the reason.
Premium increase
You have one month from the notification of the new premium to cancel. As premiums are communicated in autumn, this right can extend your window beyond 30 November.
Moving abroad
When you leave Switzerland, the KVG/LAMal insurance obligation ends on the date of departure confirmed by the residents' registration office. The cancellation takes effect on that date, on presentation of the supporting document.
How to never miss the date
Our deadline calculator determines your personalised cut-off date and generates a calendar reminder (.ics). You receive the alert in time, without having to think about it all year.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my letter arrives on 1 December?
It is out of time for a change on 1 January: your contract is renewed for a year, unless there is an extraordinary right of cancellation (premium increase, moving abroad).
Is the postmark decisive?
No. It is the date of receipt by the insurer that counts. Send early and keep the proof of receipt.