Switching Swiss Health Insurance

Hey there, fellow Swiss residents! If you're like most of us, staring at your monthly health insurance bill and wondering why it feels like you're funding a small country's GDP, you're not alone. Switzerland's compulsory basic health insurance, known as LAMal (or KVG in German), is a lifesaver—literally—but those premiums? They can vary wildly between insurers, even though the coverage is identical across the board.

Imagine paying hundreds of francs less per year for the exact same benefits. Sounds too good to be true? It's not. Today, we're diving into why you should consider canceling your current LAMal policy, how to do it smoothly, and a step-by-step guide to switching to a cheaper option. Plus, I'll hook you up with a ready-to-use template letter.

Let's make your wallet a little happier. 💰

Why Bother Canceling and Switching?

The Money-Saving Magic of LAMal

First things first: LAMal isn't optional. Every resident in Switzerland must have basic health insurance, covering essentials like doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and maternity care. But here's the kicker—while the benefits are standardized by law, premiums aren't. Insurers set their own rates based on factors like your canton, age group, and even their operational costs. This means you could be overpaying by 20-50% or more compared to a competitor offering the same protection.

Why switch?

Simple: savings. In 2025, average premiums are hovering around CHF 400–500 per month for adults, but shopping around can shave off CHF 1,000–2,000 annually. For families, that's game-changing—think extra ski trips or fondue nights. Plus, with inflation biting and living costs in cities like Zurich or Geneva skyrocketing, every franc counts. And no, switching doesn't mean skimping on quality; all insurers must provide the same core coverage. It's like choosing a different brand of chocolate—same sweetness, different price tag.

But wait, there's more incentive. If your current premium has jumped by more than the national average (which happens often), you might qualify for a mid-year switch. Otherwise, the standard window is year-end.

Pro tip: Always check if you're eligible for subsidies (reductions) based on your income—many middle-class folks qualify and don't even know it.

The Switcheroo:
How to Cancel Your LAMal Insurance Like a Pro

Canceling sounds dramatic, but it's straightforward if you time it right. Swiss law protects you from gaps in coverage, so as long as you line up a new policy, you're golden. Here's the lowdown:

Check Your Deadlines

The main cancellation period is at the end of the year. You must notify your insurer by November 30 to end your policy on December 31, with the new one kicking in January 1. If premiums rise significantly (above the federal average), you can cancel mid-year by June 30 for a July 1 switch. Always confirm with your insurer or the federal health office (BAG/OFSP) for exact dates.

Compare Options

Before canceling, scout for deals. Use free comparison tools like those on the federal government's priminfo.ch website or independent sites like comparis.ch. Filter by your canton, age, and deductible (franchise)—opting for a higher deductible (up to CHF 2,500) can lower premiums if you're healthy and low-risk.

Apply to a New Insurer

Once you've picked a winner, apply directly via their website or app. They'll handle the paperwork, and acceptance is guaranteed—no health checks required.

Send the Cancellation Notice

This is key. You need to formally cancel in writing (email or letter) to your current insurer. Include your policy number, personal details, and the effective date. Swiss Post's registered mail is your best bet for proof.

Confirm Everything

Your old insurer will acknowledge the cancellation, and the new one will send confirmation. Double-check for overlaps or gaps—though rare, it's peace of mind.

One caveat: If you have supplementary insurance (like dental or alternative medicine), it might not transfer automatically.
Cancel those separately if needed.

Template Letter

Your Ready-Made Cancellation Weapon

To make this painless, here's a customizable template letter.
Send it via mail or email.

Subject: Cancellation of Basic Health Insurance Policy (LAMal/KVG)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby give notice to cancel my basic health insurance policy with your company, effective at the end of the current year.

Policy Details:

Policy Number: [Your Policy Number]
Insured Person: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [Your DOB]

Thank you for your services to date.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Signature]

Important: You need to sign the document, signing digitally is fine.

Hunting for That Cheaper Option

Tips to Slash Your Premiums

Switching isn't just about canceling; it's about smart shopping. Here's how to land a budget-friendly LAMal plan:

Go Digital: Insurers like those with online models (e.g., some budget-friendly ones) often have lower overheads, passing savings to you.
Choose Your Model Wisely: Standard model? Fine. But consider HMO (you pick from a network for discounts) or Telmed (consult a hotline first)—these can cut premiums by 15-25%.
Deductible Dance: If you rarely see a doctor, bump your franchise to CHF 2,500 for major savings. Families can mix deductibles per member.
Canton Matters: Premiums vary by region—Geneva's are pricier than Appenzell's. If you're moving, time your switch.
Subsidies and Extras: Apply for premium reductions via your canton's social services. And don't forget: Kids under 18 often get lower rates.

Tools like priminfo.ch let you simulate scenarios—play around to see potential savings.
In 2025, top low-cost insurers include names like Assura or Concordia (but always verify current rankings, as they fluctuate).

Final Thoughts

Empower Your Health (and Wallet)

Switching LAMal insurers isn't about ditching protection—it's about optimizing it. With identical coverage guaranteed, why not pocket the difference? Thousands of Swiss do this annually, saving collectively millions. If you're feeling the premium pinch, grab that template, compare options, and make the move.
Your future self (and bank account) will thank you.

Got questions?
Drop a comment below—let's chat health hacks!

Stay healthy and thrifty. 🩺💸