Health insurance guide
Cancel Swiss health insurance 2026: deadlines, steps and checklist
Last updated: July 2026
To switch your mandatory basic insurance with effect from 1 January 2027, your written cancellation must generally reach your current insurer by the last working day of November 2026. Receipt counts, not the postmark. Supplementary insurance has its own deadlines. With SwissDocs24 you fill in the cancellation online and send it straight by post – from CHF 2.49, no account.
By when do I have to cancel health insurance in 2026?
You can switch your basic insurance (mandatory health care insurance, KVG/LAMal) each year with effect from year-end. Your cancellation must reach your current insurer by the last working day of November at the latest. Because receipt counts, do not wait until the last day and allow for postal transit time.
For supplementary insurance (VVG, e.g. hospital, dental, outpatient), the deadlines in the relevant policy apply – often three months to the end of the calendar year. Check your conditions, as these are cancelled independently of the basic insurance.
Cancellation deadlines at a glance (no guarantee):
| Insurance | Deadline / date |
|---|---|
| Basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) | received by end of November, effective 1 January |
| Choose a higher deductible | also by end of November |
| Change model (e.g. family doctor) | by end of November |
| Supplementary insurance (VVG) | per policy, often 3 months to year-end |
Switching basic insurance: step by step
1. Compare the 2027 premiums and choose a new basic insurer. Basic insurance benefits are identical by law – premium, deductible and model are what matter.
2. Settle acceptance with the new insurer. The switch only takes effect once the new basic insurer confirms cover from 1 January. In basic insurance, acceptance is mandatory.
3. Cancel with your current insurer in writing so the cancellation arrives by the end of November. Ideally send by registered mail so you have proof of posting.
Send the cancellation safely
Because timely receipt is decisive, registered mail is recommended (from CHF 8.99). You receive an item number and proof of posting at Swiss Post. A simple send by A-Post or B-Post is possible from CHF 2.49.
With the ready-made template you fill in sender, recipient and text online, check the PDF preview, and we hand the letter to Swiss Post – no printer, no account.
Health insurance cancellation checklist
• New basic insurer chosen and acceptance settled.
• Cancellation letter prepared with name, address, insured number and cancellation date.
• Cancellation sent so it reaches the current insurer by the end of November.
• Proof of posting (registered mail) kept.
• Supplementary insurance checked separately and – if desired – cancelled on time.
This information is provided as drafting help only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines can vary by insurer and policy – if in doubt, check with your health insurer.
Frequently asked questions
By when must the cancellation arrive?
For basic insurance, the cancellation must generally reach the insurer by the last working day of November so the switch takes effect on 1 January. Receipt counts, not the postmark.
Can my current insurer reject the cancellation?
In basic insurance, acceptance by the new insurer is mandatory. Outstanding premiums or cost shares can, however, affect the switch – settle open amounts in good time.
Do I also have to cancel supplementary insurance?
Supplementary insurance is separate and has its own deadlines per policy, often three months to year-end. Cancelling basic insurance does not automatically end supplementary cover.
How should I best send the cancellation?
We recommend registered mail (from CHF 8.99) as proof of timely posting. A simple send is possible from CHF 2.49.
Do I need an account to send it?
No. You fill in the template and pay as a guest – no registration.
Cancel your health insurance now
Fill in the template online, check the PDF and send it straight by post – no printer, no account.