Switching health insurance funds can save you several hundred euros per year. However, many insured people are deterred by the effort or don't know the exact steps. In this guide, we explain in detail how you can switch your health insurance fund without any problems.
Why Should You Switch Health Insurance?
The most important reason for switching health insurance is usually the additional contribution. The differences between health insurance funds are significant: while some funds only charge 0.70% additional contribution, others demand over 2.5%. With a gross monthly income of 4,000 euros, this means:
| Additional Contribution | Monthly Contribution | Annual Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 0.70% | 28.00 euros | 336.00 euros |
| 1.70% (Average) | 68.00 euros | 816.00 euros |
| 2.50% | 100.00 euros | 1,200.00 euros |
The difference between the cheapest and an expensive health insurance fund amounts to up to 864 euros per year!
Requirements for Switching Health Insurance
Before you can switch your health insurance fund, certain conditions must be met:
Observe Binding Period
You must be insured with your current health insurance fund for at least 12 months before you can switch regularly. This period begins on the day you register.
- Minimum membership: 12 months with the current fund
- Mandatory insurance: You must be subject to statutory insurance obligation
- No optional tariffs: Special optional tariffs may have longer binding periods
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Health Insurance
Select New Health Insurance Fund
Compare health insurance funds based on additional contribution, benefits, and service. Use our free comparison calculator to find the best fund for your needs.
Register with New Health Insurance Fund
Submit an application to join your desired fund. This can be done online, by phone, or by mail. The new health insurance fund will then take over the cancellation process with your old fund.
Wait for Confirmation
You will receive a membership certificate from the new health insurance fund and a cancellation confirmation from the old one. Submit the new certificate to your employer.
Inform Employer
Give your employer the membership certificate from the new health insurance fund. They will then adjust the contribution payment accordingly.
Cancellation Periods and Deadlines
For a regular switch, a notice period of 2 months to the end of the month applies. This means:
| Cancellation by | Switch effective |
|---|---|
| January 31 | April 1 |
| February 28 | May 1 |
| March 31 | June 1 |
Tip: Use Special Right of Cancellation
If there is a contribution increase, you have a special right of cancellation. You can then switch with only 2 months' notice to the time of the increase - even if the 12-month binding period has not yet expired!
Frequently Asked Questions About Switching Health Insurance
Do I Have to Cancel Myself?
No! The new health insurance fund takes over the cancellation process with your old fund. You only need to submit an application to join the new fund.
Do I Lose Benefits When Switching?
The statutory basic benefits are identical across all health insurance funds - over 95% of benefits are legally mandated. Differences exist only in additional benefits such as bonus programs or optional tariffs.
What Happens to Ongoing Treatments?
Ongoing treatments are continued by the new health insurance fund. There are no gaps in coverage.
Can the New Fund Reject Me?
No! Every statutory health insurance fund is obligated to accept you, provided they are open in your federal state. There is no health check or grounds for rejection.
Compare Health Insurance Now
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