The special cancellation right is your trump card when switching health insurance. When your health insurance increases the supplementary contribution rate, you can bypass the normal 12-month binding period and switch immediately. We explain how to use this right optimally.
What is the Special Cancellation Right?
Normally, you must stay with your health insurance for at least 12 months before you can switch. The special cancellation right is an exception to this rule. It applies when:
- Increase of the supplementary contribution by the health insurance
- First-time levy of a supplementary contribution
- Discontinuation or restriction of benefits
Your Advantage
With the special cancellation right, you can switch even if you have only been with your insurance for a few months. The normal binding period does not apply!
When Does the Special Cancellation Right Apply?
The special cancellation right automatically arises as soon as your health insurance:
| Reason | Special Cancellation Right? |
|---|---|
| Supplementary contribution is increased | Yes |
| Supplementary contribution is levied for the first time | Yes |
| Additional benefit is canceled | Yes |
| Contribution remains the same | No |
| General contribution rate increases (nationwide) | No |
Deadlines for Special Cancellation Right
Timing is crucial. Here's how it works:
Announcement of Contribution Increase
Your health insurance must inform you about the increase and your special cancellation right at least one month in advance.
Cancellation Period
You have a cancellation period of 2 months to the time of the increase. Example: Increase on January 1st = cancellation must be received by October 31st.
Execute the Switch
Register with the new insurance. They will handle the cancellation. The switch occurs on the day of the contribution increase.
Important: Don't Miss the Deadline!
If you miss the cancellation deadline, you must stay with the expensive insurance for the next 12 months. Act quickly when you receive the letter about the contribution increase!
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Correctly
- Check the letter: Has your insurance properly informed you about the special cancellation right?
- Choose new insurance: Compare supplementary contributions and benefits
- Register with new insurance: They will handle the cancellation
- Wait for confirmation: You will receive a membership certificate
- Inform your employer: Submit the new insurance certificate
Sample Wording for Cancellation
If you want to cancel yourself (normally the new insurance handles this):
Sample Text
"I hereby cancel my membership with [Health Insurance] invoking my special cancellation right pursuant to § 175 Para. 4 SGB V to [date of contribution increase]. Reason: Increase of the supplementary contribution to [date]. Please send me a cancellation confirmation."
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Missing the deadline: React immediately to the announcement
- Wrong date: The switch occurs on the day of the increase, not at the end of the next month
- No cancellation confirmation: Always request this
- Forgetting employer: Inform your employer about the new insurance
Compare Health Insurance Now
Calculate your savings potential and switch in just 3 minutes - free and digital!