How to Cancel and Switch Your Swiss Health Insurance to Save Thousands in 2026
Rising premiums got you down? All Swiss basic health insurance offers identical coverage by law. Learn how to cancel by November 30 and save CHF 500-2,000 annually.
Rising health insurance premiums got you down? You're not alone. In 2026, Swiss health insurance premiums are climbing 4.4% to an average of CHF 393.30 per month—that's CHF 4,720 per year for basic coverage alone.
Here's the good news: All Swiss basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG) offers identical coverage by law. Whether you're paying CHF 250 or CHF 550 per month, you get the exact same benefits. The difference? You could be overpaying by CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 annually for literally nothing extra.
This guide walks you through everything you need to cancel your current LAMal policy and switch to a cheaper option—including critical deadlines, common mistakes that could cost you another year of high premiums, and a ready-to-use cancellation letter template.
The 2026 Premium Reality
Premium increases vary dramatically by canton in 2026. But here's what really matters: the difference between insurers in the same canton is staggering.
Ticino +7.1%
Highest premium increaseCHF 306/month gap
Geneva price difference between cheapest and most expensiveCHF 3,673/year
Potential savings for identical coverageSame Coverage
All basic LAMal insurance is legally identicalYour Coverage Stays Exactly the Same
Swiss law mandates that all basic LAMal insurance must cover the following. There's zero quality difference—you're simply paying a fair price for the same legal minimum coverage.
Medical Care
Complete healthcare coverage guaranteed by Swiss law.
- Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- Hospital stays (shared room)
- Prescription medications
- Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures
Additional Services
Comprehensive coverage for all life stages.
- Maternity care and childbirth
- Emergency medical care
- Preventive health measures
- Same benefits across all insurers
Deadlines You Cannot Miss
Missing these deadlines means you're stuck with high premiums for another entire year.
November 30
Main cancellation deadline. Your insurer must receive your letter by this date (not postmark).
March 31
Mid-year cancellation deadline for standard model with CHF 300 deductible.
30 Days
Special termination right within 30 days of receiving premium increase notification.
September 30
Supplementary insurance cancellation deadline (different from basic insurance).
The Correct Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps in order. Doing them wrong could leave you without coverage or stuck with your current insurer.
Step 1: Compare Your Options
Before canceling anything, research which insurers offer the best rates for your situation.
Use the official federal calculator at priminfo.ch—this is the only government-approved comparison tool with accurate 2026 premium data.
Enter:
- Your canton and municipality
- Your age
- Your preferred deductible (franchise)
- Whether you want alternative models (HMO, Telmed, Family Doctor)
The calculator shows you all options ranked by price. Remember: basic coverage is identical, so price is often the only differentiator.
Step 2: Apply to Your New Insurer
Once you've chosen a cheaper option, apply directly to the new insurer through their website, phone, or in-person at an agency.
Acceptance is guaranteed. Swiss law prohibits insurers from rejecting applicants for basic LAMal coverage. They cannot ask about pre-existing conditions or refuse you based on health status.
Step 3: Wait for Written Confirmation
Do not cancel your current insurance yet.
Wait until you receive written confirmation from your new insurer that they've accepted you and coverage will begin on your desired date (usually January 1 or July 1).
This typically takes 1-2 weeks. If you haven't received confirmation within three weeks, follow up.
Step 4: Send Your Cancellation Letter
Only after receiving acceptance from your new insurer should you cancel your current policy.
Your cancellation must be:
- In writing (letter or email, but most insurers require physical mail)
- Signed by hand (digital signatures often not accepted)
- Sent via registered mail (Recommandé/Einschreiben) for proof
- Received by the deadline (not just postmarked)
Use our template below and customize it with your details.
Step 5: Confirm Everything
Your old insurer will send written confirmation of your cancellation. Your new insurer will send confirmation of coverage start date.
Verify there are no gaps or overlaps in coverage dates. You must be continuously insured—Swiss law requires it, and gaps can result in penalties.
Cancellation Letter Template
Copy this template, fill in your details, print it, sign it by hand, and send it via registered mail.
Your Full Name
Your Address
Postal Code, City
Your Insurance Company Name
Insurance Company Address
Postal Code, City
Date: Today's Date
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 December 31, 2025 (or June 30, 2026 for mid-year cancellation).
Policy Details:
- Policy Number: Your Policy Number
- Insured Person: Your Full Name
- Date of Birth: Your Date of Birth
- Address: Your Address
I have arranged alternative coverage beginning January 1, 2026 (or July 1, 2026).
Please confirm receipt of this cancellation and send written confirmation to the address above.
Thank you for your services.
Sincerely,
Your Handwritten Signature
Your Printed Name
Important notes:
- Keep a copy for your records
- Request a receipt when sending registered mail
- If you also want to cancel supplementary insurance, send a separate letter (different contract)
Common Mistakes That Cost Thousands
Avoid these errors that could trap you with high premiums for another year.
Canceling Too Early
Never cancel before getting written acceptance from new insurerWrong Date
Deadline is receipt date, not postmark dateUnpaid Premiums
Outstanding debts can block your switchNo Proof
Always send via registered mail for legal proofWrong Model
Understand HMO/Telmed restrictions before choosingForgetting Supplementary
Different contract with different deadline (Sept 30)How to Find the Cheapest LAMal Insurance for 2026
Use the Official Calculator
Go to priminfo.ch and enter your details. This federal government tool shows all available insurers ranked by price with accurate 2026 data.
Consider Alternative Insurance Models
Standard Model:
- Complete freedom to choose any doctor or hospital
- Highest premiums
- Best for: People who travel, need flexibility, or see specialists regularly
HMO Model:
- 15-20% cheaper than standard
- Must visit designated medical center first
- Best for: People who rarely need specialists and live near an HMO center
Telmed Model:
- 20-30% cheaper than standard
- Must call medical hotline before seeking care (except emergencies)
- Best for: Tech-savvy people comfortable with phone consultations
Family Doctor Model:
- 10-15% cheaper than standard
- Must see assigned GP before specialists
- Best for: People with an established relationship with a local doctor
Optimize Your Deductible (Franchise)
Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Options range from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500.
Higher deductible = Lower monthly premium
If you're young and healthy with minimal medical expenses, choosing the maximum CHF 2,500 deductible can save CHF 100+ per month.
However, if you have chronic conditions or regular medical appointments, the minimum CHF 300 deductible might save you money overall.
Quick math:
- Visit doctor 3+ times per year? → Lower deductible (CHF 300-500)
- Rarely visit doctor? → Higher deductible (CHF 2,000-2,500)
Check 2026's Most Competitive Insurers
While prices vary by canton, these insurers consistently rank among the cheapest for basic LAMal coverage in 2026:
- Assura (often the absolute cheapest in most cantons)
- CSS (competitive rates with good customer service)
- KPT (strong in Central Switzerland)
- Sanitas (competitive in urban areas)
Example premiums for a 30-year-old in 2026:
- Geneva: Assura PharMed CHF 438/month vs. expensive insurer CHF 744/month (difference: CHF 3,672/year)
- Zug: Concordia HMO CHF 191/month vs. expensive insurer CHF 389/month (difference: CHF 2,376/year)
What About Supplementary Insurance?
Basic LAMal doesn't cover everything. Supplementary insurance can add valuable benefits.
Dental Care
Cleanings, fillings, orthodontics
Alternative Medicine
Homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy
Vision Care
Glasses and contact lenses
Private Rooms
Private or semi-private hospital rooms
Worldwide Coverage
Medical care outside Switzerland
Key differences from basic insurance:
- Not mandatory (you choose whether to buy it)
- Different deadline (September 30 for year-end cancellation)
- Health checks required (insurers can reject you or exclude conditions)
- Coverage varies (not standardized like basic insurance)
- Can be kept with different insurer (you can have basic with Assura, supplementary with CSS)
Strategy tip: Apply for new supplementary insurance before canceling your current one. Unlike basic insurance, insurers can reject your application based on health conditions, so secure your new coverage first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my health insurance without having a new one lined up?
No. Swiss law requires continuous health insurance coverage. You must have confirmation from a new insurer before canceling your current policy. Gaps in coverage are illegal and result in penalties.
What if I miss the November 30 deadline?
You're stuck with your current insurer until the next cancellation period (June 30 if you qualify for mid-year cancellation, or next November 30). Set a reminder now—this deadline comes once a year.
Can I cancel just by sending an email?
Most insurers accept email cancellations, but you should always send registered mail as well for legal proof. Some insurers specifically require a handwritten signature on physical paper. Check your policy documents or call to confirm their requirements.
Is the cheapest insurer reliable?
Yes. All basic LAMal insurance is regulated by federal law and supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Coverage is identical regardless of price. The cheapest insurer provides exactly the same benefits as the most expensive.
Will I be rejected if I have health problems?
No. For basic LAMal insurance, acceptance is guaranteed regardless of age, health status, or pre-existing conditions. Insurers cannot reject you or charge higher premiums based on your health. This only applies to basic insurance—supplementary insurance can and does reject applicants.
What happens to my unpaid medical bills when I switch?
Outstanding bills from before the switch remain with your old insurer. However, you must pay any unpaid premiums to your old insurer before they'll process your cancellation.
Can I keep my current doctor?
Yes, if you choose the standard model. With basic LAMal insurance, you have free choice of any licensed doctor or hospital in Switzerland. Only alternative models (HMO, Telmed, Family Doctor) restrict your choices.
What if my new insurer goes bankrupt?
This is extremely rare due to strict Swiss regulations and mandatory reserves. If it happens, the federal government ensures your coverage continues and you're transferred to another insurer without interruption.
Take Action Now: Your November 30 Checklist
Time is running out if you want to switch for 2026. Here's your action plan:
By October 31:
- Compare insurers using priminfo.ch
- Calculate potential savings for your situation
- Decide on deductible and model type
- Apply to your chosen new insurer
By November 7:
- Receive written confirmation from new insurer
- Print and complete cancellation letter template
- Sign letter by hand
By November 23:
- Send cancellation via registered mail
- Keep postal receipt as proof
- Request confirmation from old insurer
By December 15:
- Verify you received cancellation confirmation
- Verify you received new policy start date confirmation
- Confirm no gaps or overlaps in coverage
Stop Overpaying for Identical Coverage
The average Swiss household can save CHF 500-2,000 per year. Coverage remains exactly the same by law. The only thing standing between you and significant savings is 30 minutes of your time.
The Bottom Line
Switching your Swiss health insurance isn't about cutting corners or reducing quality—it's about paying a fair price for coverage that's guaranteed to be identical across all insurers.
The facts:
- Average Swiss household can save CHF 500-2,000 per year
- Coverage remains exactly the same by law
- Process takes 30 minutes of your time
- Deadline is November 30 (receipt date)
- Acceptance is guaranteed for basic insurance
The only thing standing between you and significant savings is 30 minutes to compare options and send a letter.
Thousands of Swiss residents make this switch every year. The question isn't whether you should switch—it's whether you can afford not to.
Ready to get started? Visit priminfo.ch now to see your savings potential, then use our template above to make the switch official. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
Note: This guide is based on 2026 premium data and Swiss federal regulations current as of publication. Always verify specific deadlines and requirements with your insurer and consult the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) website at bag.admin.ch for the most current information.