If you’re planning to leave Switzerland, canceling your mandatory health insurance is an important step. Whether you’re relocating temporarily or moving away for good, here’s what you need to know to end your coverage correctly and avoid paying unnecessary premiums.

When can you cancel your insurance?

In Switzerland, basic health insurance (LAMal) is compulsory for all residents. You can only cancel (or avoid) it if:

You leave Switzerland permanently and deregister from your commune (see dedicated article)
You are moving abroad temporarily and can prove equivalent health insurance coverage in your destination country
You switch to international health insurance due to a long-term assignment abroad
You are employed by an international organization with it’s own health insurance scheme and request en exemption from the LAMal obligation (you must submit an exemption request form to the Service de l’assurance maladie – SAM)

Simply traveling or staying abroad for a few months does not qualify for cancellation if you keep your residence in Switzerland. In that case, your Swiss coverage must continue.

The required documents

To cancel your health insurance, your provider will ask for proof that you are no longer subject to the Swiss obligation. This often includes:

Your deregistration confirmation from the commune (attestation de départ – how to get one?)
The exact date of departure
A forwarding address abroad
If applicable, proof of equivalent health coverage in your new country

Some insurers may request additional documents. It’s best to check directly with your provider.

How to notify your insurer

You must notify your insurer in writing. Most providers require a letter send via registered mail (not sure how to send a letter in Switzerland?). Your message should include your deregistration document and clearly indicate the date from which you are requesting cancellation. A letter template will be available here soon to help you with this process.

Ideally, send your request before you leave, allowing at least 30 days’ notice to avoid delays.

If you’re not deregistering but qualify for an exemption due to international coverage, you will need to include proof of that coverage and the exemption form submitted to SAM.

What happens after cancellation

Once your cancellation is approved, your policy will end as of the official departure date indicated on your deregistration certificate (or the date accepted by your insurer). If you’ve already paid for coverage beyond that date, any unused premiums should be refunded.

If your cancellation is incomplete or denied, your insurer may continue to charge you. Follow up if you do not receive written confirmation.

If you return to Switzerland later, you will be required to take out basic health insurance again. It doesn’t matter if you wait until the third month to register, you will still be charged retroactively from the day of your arrival.

Canceling supplementary insurance

Supplementary insurance (LCA), unlike basic coverage, is optional. Most providers require three months’ notice before the end of the calendar year, unless you are moving abroad.

If you’re leaving Switzerland, many insurers will accept early cancellation upon receiving your proof of departure. Always check the terms of your contract and send your request in writing.