Swiss health insurance: when can you switch?
Every year for 1 January: your cancellation letter must reach your current insurer by 30 November. Basic insurance covers the same at every insurer, and every insurer must accept you.
Ep. 15 · This is Ueli · 67 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Health insurance is compulsory and private, and the basic cover is the same at every insurer, so the Swiss shop around every autumn when new premiums arrive. For 2027 the average premium rose 5.0 percent. As a newcomer, compare in October, and if you switch, make sure your letter reaches your insurer by 30 November.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. You can switch. Same basic cover at every insurer. Every insurer must accept you.
FRANCHISE: really: the deductible; adults: CHF 300 to 2,500 a year, paid first Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Compare in October. Cancel by November.
Learn more: Swiss health insurance for expats
The rule, explained
Basic health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland and offers the same range of benefits at every insurer; only the price differs, and insurers must offer basic insurance to everyone. Insurers announce the new premiums by 31 October. For 2027 the average premium is CHF 412 a month, up 5.0 percent (FOPH). To switch for January, your letter must reach your current insurer by 30 November. The deductible, the franchise, is CHF 300 by default; adults can choose 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or 2,500. After it, you pay 10 percent, up to CHF 700 a year.
Sources: FOPH (BAG), press release 29 September 2026; ch.ch, cancelling and changing health insurer; FOPH, premiums and co-payment
Questions people ask
What is the deadline to change health insurance in Switzerland?
Your letter must reach your current insurer by 30 November to switch for 1 January (ch.ch).
Can a Swiss health insurer refuse you?
Not for basic insurance. Insurers must offer basic insurance to everyone.
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