When can you cancel a supplementary plan?
Unlike basic LAMal, supplementary cover is governed by private law (Insurance Contract Act, LCA/VVG). Cancellation follows your policy's general terms. Typically you can cancel for the annual expiry with 3 months' notice; since the 2022 LCA revision you also have an ordinary right to terminate at the end of the 3rd year at the latest, even under a longer contract.
How to cancel: the steps
1) Read your terms for the expiry date and exact notice. 2) Write a cancellation letter with your name, policy number and desired end date. 3) Send it by registered mail within the notice period (the reception date counts, not the sending date). 4) Keep proof and request written confirmation. Basic insurance has a different schedule (Nov 30) — don't mix them up.
Can you cancel anytime?
Not freely, but several situations open an extraordinary right. On a premium increase (other than age-based), you can usually cancel the affected part, often within 30 days of notice. A settled claim can also open a mutual right to cancel. Otherwise, ordinary termination applies.
Mistakes to avoid
The costliest mistake: cancelling your old supplementary BEFORE the new insurer accepts you in writing. Unlike basic cover, a supplementary insurer can refuse you or impose exclusions based on your health — you could end up uncovered. Compare first, get accepted elsewhere, then cancel.
Before cancelling: compare
Don't cancel a supplementary blindly to save money — do it to replace it with a better offer or because it no longer serves you. Compare benefits item by item first. Polia helps you compare LCA supplementaries.