Changing supplementary health insurance in Switzerland
With supplementary insurance the order matters: get the new insurer's acceptance first, then cancel the old policy. There is no obligation to accept you.
Quick overview
What matters before you compare
With supplementary insurance, the following applies: first the approval of the new insurer, then the cancellation of the old policy. Unlike basic insurance, there is no obligation for the insurer to accept you here.
- Health checks, exclusions or rejection are possible at any time when changing.
- Note the notice period in the contract and it is best to send the notice by registered mail.
- Compare benefits, exclusions and price together instead of just looking at the premium.
Changing supplementary health insurance in Switzerland
Change supplementary health insurance Switzerland You should only do so once you have received written confirmation from the new insurer. If you cancel first and are then rejected, you will lose your extra benefits for dentists, semi-private rooms or treatments abroad. This guide explains each deadline, lists all the VVG rules and provides a clear five-step plan to ensure your Change additional health insuranceand still remain fully protected.
1. Why not cancel first?
Your current policy offers you valuable additional benefits. Once your cancellation letter is received, these benefits will end on December 31st. If the new insurer then rejects you, you will start the new year without additional protection - and an earlier rejection will make any future application more difficult.
Conclusion: First get confirmation, then cancel the old supplementary insurance.
2. This is how the Swiss healthcare system works
- Mandatory basic insurance (KVG / LAMal) – legally defined services, compulsory admission for everyone.
- Additional health insurance – Voluntary, private law contract. Each fund sets its own premiums, questionnaires and coverage (private rooms, glasses, worldwide protection). Compare multiple offers; the price is only one criterion.
Obligation to accept the basic insurance applies, but not the supplementary insurance. That's why you should always take out a new contract first, then cancel the old one.
3. Notice periods & contract rules
- Three month deadline. Most policies renew on December 31st, so your registered letter must arrive no later than September 30th.
- Exit from multi-year contracts. Art. 35a VVG allows termination after the 3rd insurance year, provided the three-month period is adhered to.
- Written form. Handwritten signature and registered letter; an email is not legally secure.
Legal text: Federal Law on Insurance Contracts (VVG).
4. Ordinary vs. extraordinary termination
Ordinary termination: Contract ends on December 31st, letter must be received by September 30th.
Extraordinary termination – possible reasons:
- Premium increase during the year – right of cancellation within 30 days from receipt of the letter.
- Permanent move abroad – submit confirmation of deregistration, policy ends on the date of the move.
- Receive a refund (e.g. Physio) – many contracts allow termination within 30 days of notification.
5. Five essential steps
- Contact Nexin and get a free comparison.
- Choose a policy and fill out the application. Answer the questionnaire honestly.
- Wait for confirmation. Check start date, premium and exclusions.
- Send cancellation. Registered mail, ideally mid-September.
- Store documents. Confirmation + termination ensure complete protection.
Tip: Welcome discounts are tempting, but require long terms - check the services carefully.
Key message: First take out a new additional policy, then cancel it in a timely manner by registered letter. This is how you can change yours Supplementary health insurance Switzerlandwithout risks. For independent advice Contact Nexin– free and neutral.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my supplementary health insurance every year?
Yes - for annual contracts with a notice period of three months. If your policy has a longer term (e.g. five years), you can cancel after the third year of insurance on December 31st if your letter is received no later than September 30th.
Does an HMO model in basic insurance have an impact on switching?
No. Basic and supplementary insurance are two separate contracts. Your model (HMO, Telmed, family doctor) in the KVG basic insurance does not change the termination conditions of the supplementary insurance.
Is cancellation by email valid?
In most cases not. The insurers require a handwritten, signed notice of cancellation by registered mail because this is the only way the delivery date can be legally verified. An email is not enough.
What do I do if the new insurer adds exclusions?
You can decline the offer and stay with your current policy. That's why you only cancel the old supplementary insurance once you have checked and accepted the written agreement from the new insurer.
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How this page is maintained
- Written by
- Nexin editorial
- Reviewed by
- Thomas SchallertInsurance intermediary, VBV-certified
- Published
- Last reviewed
- Deadlines, amounts and legal references checked against the Health Insurance Act and its ordinances. Content unchanged; the page moved from the blog into the knowledge section and received a permanent address.
- Next scheduled review
Sources
- Insurance Contract Act (SR 221.229.1)Fedlex, Federal Chancellery · retrieved 6 August 2026
- Health Insurance Act (SR 832.10)Fedlex, Federal Chancellery · retrieved 6 August 2026
Changes
- Moved from the blog into the knowledge section. The old address redirects permanently.