Deadlines 2026
All cancellation deadlines at a glance
So no date slips through the cracks: the key dates for a clean switch as of 1 January 2027.
- 1
31 October 2026
Your health insurer must notify you of the new 2027 premiums
- 2
30 November 2026
Final deadline, your cancellation must have arrived at your old insurer
- 3
1 January 2027
Your new contract with the new insurer begins
Recommendation: Send your cancellation by 15 November at the latest, by registered letter or A-Post Plus. That way you have proof that the letter arrived on time.
| Insurance | Switch as of | Cancel by | Notice period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic insurance | 1 January 2027 | 30 November 2026 | 1 month |
| Basic insurance (CHF 300 + standard) | 1 July 2027 | 31 March 2027 | 3 months |
| Supplementary insurance | As per the GIC | Usually 3 months before year-end | Varies by insurer |
| Suppl. insurance on premium increase | After notification | Usually 1 month | Varies by insurer |
How-to
Cancel basic insurance in 4 steps
No paperwork chaos: here's how to cancel your basic insurance cleanly and on time.
- 1
Compare premiums
September to October
As soon as the new premiums are published on 26 September, compare premiums for your canton, your age and your model. Use our premium calculator or priminfo.admin.ch.
Go to the premium calculator - 2
Choose a new insurer
October to November
Apply for basic insurance with the new insurer BEFORE you cancel the old one. The new insurer MUST accept you (obligation to accept). You will receive written confirmation.
- 3
Send the cancellation
by 30 November
Write a short cancellation letter (template below). Send it by registered letter or A-Post Plus to your current insurer. Keep the receipt.
- 4
Wait for confirmation
December
Your old insurer confirms the cancellation in writing. From 1 January you are insured with the new insurer, seamlessly and without a single day uninsured.
Important: You must not have any outstanding premium bills. Pay all open invoices BEFORE cancelling.
Template letter
Copy and send
Two ready-made template letters, for the ordinary year-end switch and for the mid-year switch. Replace the placeholders with your details and print.
[Your name] [Your address] [Postcode and town] [Name of health insurer] [Address of health insurer] [Postcode and town] [Place], [date] Cancellation of basic insurance (OKP) Insurance number: [your policy number] Dear Sir or Madam I hereby give ordinary notice of cancellation of my mandatory health care insurance (basic insurance) effective 31 December 2026. Please confirm receipt of this cancellation and the termination of the contract in writing. Yours faithfully [Signature] [Your name]
[Your name] [Your address] [Postcode and town] [Name of health insurer] [Address of health insurer] [Postcode and town] [Place], [date] Cancellation of basic insurance (OKP) as of 30 June Insurance number: [your policy number] Dear Sir or Madam I hereby give ordinary notice of cancellation of my mandatory health care insurance (basic insurance) effective 30 June 2027. I confirm that I have chosen the ordinary deductible of CHF 300 and the standard model (free choice of doctor). Please confirm receipt of this cancellation in writing. Yours faithfully [Signature] [Your name]
Second chance
Mid-year cancellation as of 1 July
Did you know you don't have to wait until November? With the ordinary deductible and the standard model, you can also switch as of 1 July.
You can cancel as of 1 July if
- Deductible CHF 300 (adults) or CHF 0 (children)
- Standard model (free choice of doctor)
- Cancellation received by 31 March
You canNOT cancel as of 1 July if
- Optional higher deductible (CHF 500 to 2'500)
- Alternative model (family doctor, Telmed, HMO)
- In these cases: only possible as of 1 January
Special case
Extraordinary cancellation after a premium increase
If your health insurer raises your premium, you automatically have an extraordinary right of cancellation. The most common case: your insurer notifies you of the new premiums by 31 October.
Triggers a special right of cancellation
- A premium increase by your health insurer
- A premium change in your supplementary insurance
Does NOT trigger a special right of cancellation
- Moving to a new home
- Moving from the children's to the adult premium (19/26)
- Loss of your premium reduction
- Changing your own deductible
Supplementary insurance
Cancelling supplementary insurance: different rules
Supplementary insurance is governed by private law (the Swiss Insurance Contract Act, VVG), not the KVG. Different deadlines, different rules, and every insurer defines them in its GIC (general insurance conditions).
| Feature | Basic insurance (KVG) | Supplementary insurance (VVG) |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | 1 month (30 November) | Usually 3 months (30 September) |
| New insurer must accept you | Yes, always | No, health screening |
| Premium increase | Special right of cancellation | Usually 1 month after notification |
| Legal basis | KVG (public law) | VVG (private law) |
Apply for the new policy FIRST, THEN cancel the old one!
The new insurer's health screening could reject you. Only cancel once you have the acceptance in writing.
Switching basic insurance does NOT auto-cancel supplementary insurance
You can hold basic insurance and supplementary insurance with different insurers.
Read the GIC carefully
Every insurer has its own deadlines. Some require 3 months' notice, others 6 months. If in doubt: ask your insurer.
CAUTION: If you cancel your supplementary insurance and want one again later, you must pass a new health screening. With increasing age or new diagnoses, you may no longer be accepted, or only with exclusions.
Avoid
5 common mistakes when cancelling
These pitfalls cost time, money or a whole year of waiting. Here's how to avoid them.
Missed the deadline
The cancellation must have ARRIVED by 30 November, not just been posted.
Tip: Send a registered letter by 15 November.
Cancelled by email
Most insurers only accept written cancellations by letter.
Tip: Always send by post, signed by hand.
Outstanding bills
Unpaid premiums block the switch.
Tip: Pay all bills before cancelling.
Forgot the supplementary insurance
Basic insurance cancelled, but the supplementary deadline was missed or no new supplementary policy applied for.
Tip: Sort out the supplementary switch first, then cancel the basic insurance.
Didn't compare
Switched straight to the cheapest insurer without optimising model and deductible.
Tip: Compare first, then cancel.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about cancelling
Ready to switch?
Compare now and save. We're happy to handle the cancellation, registration and confirmation for you, free of charge and without obligation.