Know Your Rights with Swiss Health Insurance
Last updated: 3 August 2026 · Applies to mandatory basic insurance (KVG/LAMal). We compare and inform — we do not provide advice.
Swiss mandatory health insurance (KVG/LAMal) gives policyholders strong legal rights: every insurer must accept you regardless of age or health, your basic coverage is identical at every insurer by law, and you can switch insurer every year — in some cases even mid-year. Here are the 10 rights every insured person in Switzerland has.
1. The right to be accepted by any insurer
For basic insurance, every insurer must accept every applicant, regardless of age, health condition or claims history. There are no health questionnaires and no rejections for basic insurance. This does not apply to supplementary insurance.
2. The right to identical coverage everywhere
The benefits of basic insurance are defined by federal law and are exactly the same at every insurer. A more expensive insurer does not cover more. Only the premium, service quality and model options differ.
3. The right to switch every year
You can cancel your basic insurance for the end of the year. Your cancellation letter must reach your insurer by 30 November (the last working day of November); the switch takes effect on 1 January. The date of receipt counts, not the postmark — registered mail is the safe way.
4. The right to switch mid-year (standard model, CHF 300 deductible)
If you have the standard model with the minimum deductible of CHF 300, you can also cancel for the end of June. Your letter must reach the insurer by the last working day of March.
5. The special cancellation right when premiums change
If your insurer changes your premium, you have the right to cancel in response. Your insurer must inform you of the new premium in advance and point out your right to cancel.
6. The right to be notified of next year's premium
Your insurer must tell you your personal premium for the coming year by 31 October, leaving you a month to compare and switch before the 30 November deadline.
7. The right to choose your deductible and model
You choose your annual deductible (CHF 300 to CHF 2'500 for adults) and your insurance model (standard, family doctor, HMO, Telmed). Alternative models and higher deductibles reduce the premium; the covered benefits stay the same.
8. The right to keep supplementary insurance when you switch basic
Your insurer is not allowed to cancel your supplementary insurance because you moved your basic insurance to another company. Basic and supplementary insurance can be held at different insurers.
9. The right to premium subsidies
Low- and middle-income households are entitled to premium reductions (Prämienverbilligung / réduction de primes), paid by the canton. Conditions and thresholds differ by canton; applications go to the cantonal authority.
10. The right to free mediation
If you disagree with your health insurer, the independent Ombudsman of Health Insurance offers free mediation before any court is involved. Insurers must also issue formal, appealable decisions on request.
One limit to know
You cannot switch basic insurer while you have unpaid premiums, cost contributions or related debt with your current insurer — outstanding amounts must be settled first.
Compare 2026 premiums now →Frequently asked questions
Can a Swiss health insurer refuse me?
Not for basic insurance. Acceptance is mandatory by law, regardless of age or health. Supplementary insurance is different — there insurers may ask health questions and decline.
Can I switch health insurance mid-year in Switzerland?
Yes, in two cases: with the standard model and CHF 300 deductible you can cancel for 30 June (letter by end of March), and a special cancellation right applies when your insurer changes your premium.
Does more expensive basic insurance cover more?
No. Basic insurance benefits are identical at every insurer by federal law. The premium difference buys nothing extra.
What can I do if my insurer rejects a claim or I disagree with a decision?
You can ask the insurer for a formal, appealable decision and contact the independent Ombudsman of Health Insurance for free mediation.
General information on mandatory basic insurance under KVG/LAMal. We compare and inform — we do not provide advice.