Change supplementary insurance correctly – avoid typical pitfalls

Find the right supplementary insurance

Before you consider canceling your policy, you should look for an insurance policy that better meets your current and future needs than your current one.
Think carefully about what is important to you in supplementary insurance: for example, do you need special benefits such as alternative treatments, additional dental benefits or international cover?
This step requires time and care, as switching often becomes more difficult as you get older.
Professional advice can be crucial here in order to find a suitable insurance policy.

Check termination of existing supplementary insurance

As soon as you have found a suitable new supplementary insurance policy, it is important to clarify whether and when you can cancel your existing supplementary insurance.
There are various termination options.
It is important to note any deadlines that must be observed:

• Ordinary termination: In accordance with the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), insurers set their own notice periods.
  In most cases, this period is three months to the end of the year, i.e. your notice of termination must be received by the insurer by the end of September at the latest.
  However, the period can also be longer, so it is worth checking your contract conditions carefully.
• Termination in the event of a claim: If you have reported a claim, you have the right to terminate your supplementary insurance with the corresponding notice period.
  This may be an opportunity to change your insurance without notice.
• Termination due to premium increase: If your health insurance company increases your premiums, you generally have a special right of termination.
  The exact deadlines can be found in the respective contract conditions.
  Some insurers give you until the end of the year, others only one month after announcing the increase.
• Cancellation if you move to another canton: If you move to another canton and your insurer does not offer supplementary insurance there, you can also cancel your policy.

Fill out the health check correctly and truthfully

Once you have found a suitable offer and you have found out about the options for canceling your insurance, the next step is to apply to the new insurer.
A key point here is the health check.
Make sure you fill out the health questionnaire completely and truthfully, as incorrect information can later lead to benefit exclusions or even the loss of complete insurance cover.

Only cancel after confirmation of admission

A common mistake when switching supplementary insurance is to cancel the old policy prematurely.
Do not cancel your existing supplementary insurance until you have received written confirmation of acceptance from the new insurer.
This is because the new insurer has the right not to include you in the policy.
Early termination could therefore lead to undesirable gaps in your insurance cover.
Due to the large selection of offers and possible stumbling blocks when changing supplementary insurance, we recommend that you seek advice from an expert.
Our customer advisors will be happy to assist you and support you both in choosing the right supplementary insurance and throughout the entire switching process.
Secure the best possible insurance cover in good time – we look forward to helping you!