Deadline for swapping health insurance in Switzerland approaches
By Jan de Boer
Expats and locals in Switzerland will have to hurry if they would like to switch their health insurance for 2022, as the deadline is fast approaching. Switching your health insurance is a good idea, as it will help you find the best price.
When is the deadline for switching health insurance in Switzerland?
The deadline for switching your basic health insurance in Switzerland is November 30, 2021. If you miss it, you will have to stick with your current health insurance provider for another year. Supplemental health insurance typically requires a notice period of three months to make the switch, so unfortunately this deadline has already passed.
Swapping basic health insurance is as simple as requesting a quote from a provider. Once you have signed and secured the right deal for your needs, your new provider will take over and make the switch happen, as long as you sign, complete and send a cancellation form to your former provider before the deadline. Your new policy will then begin on January 1, 2022.
Switching Swiss health insurance guarantees the best price
Along with applying for a residence permit, taking out health insurance is one of the first things expats must do when they move to Switzerland. For new arrivals unfamiliar with the Swiss healthcare system, getting basic or supplemental health insurance can seem complicated, especially if you're coming from a nation with public healthcare like the United Kingdom. Switzerland’s private but mandatory system can seem daunting, with all its special perks, requirements and fees.
That is why a large number of expats choose to “pick and stick” to one provider for the duration of their stay in the alpine nation, usually chosen by their relocation agent or from recommendations by friends and family.
Switching your health insurance is essential if you want the best deal at the cheapest price. Many providers will offer the same levels of care (be it beds in hospital, pharmaceuticals, TCM or choice of doctor) but at vastly different prices. If you do plan to make the switch, make sure to do it within the coming week as the deadline for this year is November 30, 2021.
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more