In Switzerland, it is compulsory to have health insurance. But bonuses continue to rise, to the point that many households find themselves asphyxiated. And, in the current state of things, the only “parade” offered to citizens is to regularly change funds, to bring in competition. Or at least find a cheaper one.
It is in this context that in September 2023, Sandra, a young woman of 23, wanted to switch from Swica to Sanitas, for the year 2024. On paper, her new insurance was going to cost her 100 francs less per year. month. She therefore contacted Sanitas, which assured her that it would take care of all the procedures. During the following weeks, the Swiss woman asked for news several times, because she did not receive written confirmation of her termination from Swica, explains “Blick”. Each time, Sanitas replied that “everything was in order” and that there was “no need to worry”.
As of January 1st, Sandra started paying her premiums to Sanitas. But, very soon, she also received invoices from Swica, which she simply ignored. In reality, Swica had never received a written termination and Sanitas ultimately recognized “an oversight”, according to the young woman. The fact remains that, in the meantime, she found herself in debt of around 2,700 francs to Swica. In view of the situation, Sanitas agreed to reimburse him for the premiums paid between January and April. At the same time, Swica, which did not waive reminder and collection costs, accepted a payment arrangement spread over ten months.
The Health Insurance Ombudsman explains that “when you receive premiums from two health insurance companies, you should under no circumstances ignore them and inquire immediately”. The specialist further emphasizes that “while oral termination is possible in theory, this never happens in practice. Because, in the event of a conflict, written proof is missing.” In addition, she points out that “from January to April we often have to deal with the topic of double insurance.” Note that Sanitas did not respond to “Blick’s” questions.
Thousands of cases each year
Sandra’s is not an isolated case. In its response to a question on dual affiliation, the Federal Council estimated that thousands of people are affected each year. This is mainly due to two things: a failure to pay with the old insurer or errors with the new insurer. Please note that, without written termination, it is the contract concluded with the former insurer which is binding. The one taken out with the new insurance is therefore not valid, as Swiss law prohibits double affiliation.
