How do you change health insurer?
If you are unhappy with your insurer, you can of course change :-). Each insurer’s procedure differs slightly, but the basic principles are the same. Complete an insured-person registration application, or transfer application, with the new insurer. Some insurers also let you complete this form online.
In the application, give your basic details and state whether you are self-employed, employed, self-paying or covered by the state (typically students, children, pensioners and women on maternity or parental leave).
When can I change health insurer?
You can change health insurer only once a year. Transfers are possible only from 1.1. or 1.7., and you must apply at least 3 months in advance. To change insurer from 1.1.2024, you must therefore apply by 29.9.2023 at the latest (the last working day in September).
If you are self-employed
Self-employed people must provide their new health insurer with evidence of the amount of their advance payments and the bank account from which the advances were paid.
Health insurance is payable by the 8th day of the month following the month for which it is due. January insurance with the new insurer will therefore be payable from 9.1. to 8.2. of that year.
If you pay your own insurance
The situation is similar to that for the self-employed, except that self-paying individuals pay only the minimum advances and therefore do not have to notify the new insurer of their amount :-).
If you are an employee
As an employee, you must notify your employer of the health insurer change within 8 days of the actual switch. So, if you change insurer from 1.1., you must notify your employer in writing by 9.1. Insurers recommend obtaining the employer’s signature on the notice so that, if any problem arises, it is clear you supplied the information properly and on time. Alternatively, keep the email reporting the change.
The employer must then report the change within the same 8 days from your insurer switch, notifying both your old and new insurers. From then on, they will pay your health insurance to the new insurer.
If the state pays your insurance
The state pays health insurance for children, students, pensioners, women on parental or maternity leave and others. Students and women on parental leave must submit the necessary documents to the insurer within 8 days of the actual change (by 8.1. for a change from 1.1.). Students usually provide confirmation of study; women on parental leave provide the Labour Office decision granting parental allowance. You can find the required documents on health insurers’ websites :-).
If you are unsure what to do, please get in touch and we can look at it together. 🙂