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Switching health insurers: this is how easy it is

Higher supplementary contributions or worse benefits? You are not at the mercy of your statutory health insurer: a switch is uncomplicated, and the new insurer must accept you.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Clarify the question

Your chances of getting your money back

After a minimum tie-in of twelve months you can switch your statutory health insurer with a notice period of two months. If your insurer increases the supplementary contribution, you have a special right of termination and can switch even before the tie-in ends.
You do not have to give notice yourself for the switch: you simply register with the new insurer, which takes over the termination of the old one. Acceptance is guaranteed; a statutory insurer may not reject you because of pre-existing conditions or demand a risk surcharge.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the tie-in

    Have you been a member for 12 months, or does a special right of termination apply (supplementary-contribution increase)?

  2. 2

    2. Choose a new insurer

    Compare the supplementary contribution and benefits and pick a new insurer.

  3. 3

    3. Register there

    Register with the new insurer; it terminates the old one automatically.

  4. 4

    4. Inform the employer

    Tell your employer (or the paying office) the new health insurer.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can I switch health insurer?

After a minimum tie-in of twelve months with a notice period of two months. If your insurer increases the supplementary contribution, you have a special right of termination and can switch even before the twelve months end. You simply register with the new insurer, which takes over the termination of the old one.

Can a health insurer reject me?

No. With the statutory health insurers, an acceptance guarantee applies: they may not reject you because of age, pre-existing conditions or the like, nor demand a risk surcharge. The benefits catalog is largely prescribed by law; differences exist above all in the supplementary contribution and in voluntary additional benefits.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.