How can I cancel my private health insurance contract, and what are the required steps?
Private health insurance contracts can be canceled following specific timing rules depending on the contract type and the reason for cancellation. The main contract types are standard and premium short-term plans, standard and premium long-term plans, and add-ons like sick pay or travel coverage. The cancellation timing and notice periods differ accordingly.
Refer to the chart below for guidance, as the timing varies based on your contract terms. You can also read more about pausing your private health insurance here.
| Standard and premium short-term plans | Standard and premium long-term plans |
Moving to a non-EU country | During the two months following your move | During the three months following your move |
Moving to another EU country | During the two months following your move | During the three months following your move |
You join public health insurance as a mandatory member | Within two months from when the obligation to be publicly insured starts | Within three months from when the obligation to be publicly insured starts |
Your contract is about to expire* | Fifteen days toward the end of the month | Three months to the end of the insurance year |
General increase in monthly premium | Within two months after you have been informed regarding the premium increase. | Within two months after you have been informed regarding the premium increase. |
How does cancellation work for long-term plans?
Long-term contracts last two years initially and can be canceled after this period by providing a three-month notice before the end of the insurance year, which begins on the policy start date. After the initial two years, contracts continue yearly with the same three-month notice requirement.
For example, if your insurance started on 01.09.2021, the earliest possible date to end your insurance is on 31.08.2023. You must request cancellation by 31.05.2023 for it to end on 31.08.2023.
How does cancellation work for short-term plans?
Short-term contracts roll monthly. Cancellation requires at least a 15-day notice before the end of the month, with the cancellation becoming effective at month-end.
What about sick pay and travel add-ons?
Your contract lasts for 1 year, and you can cancel it after this period by providing a three-month notice.
What documents are needed, depending on the cancellation reasons?
Moving from Germany to another country
Moving from Germany to another country
You'll receive a de-registration confirmation (Abmeldebestätigung) as proof that you've officially moved out of your German address. To de-register, simply get in touch with your local citizens' office (Bürgeramt) and follow their guidelines. Keep in mind that the de-registration process can vary between different states.
It's important to note that the Abmeldung finalizes your cancellation request. If you've paid any premiums before submitting the Abmeldung and do so within 3 months after your move-out date, you'll receive a reimbursement within 2 weeks.
Extraordinary cancellation
Extraordinary cancellation
You have an extraordinary right of cancellation in the following cases:
You are subjected to compulsory (mandatory) public health insurance. For example, if you lose your job or your annual income falls below the threshold, you may be subject to compulsory public health insurance. You will need to send us your proof of compulsory public health insurance.
Your monthly premium has increased. If you cancel within 2 months of being notified about the increase, your contract will end retrospectively at the point in time when the higher premium would be due. Since health insurance is mandatory in Germany, you must send us your proof of follow-up private health insurance.
Your contract is about to expire
Your contract is about to expire
We will need proof of your follow-up private health insurance.
What happens after cancellation?
You'll continue to have access to your account even after your policy is canceled. This will be particularly useful if you have medical invoices dated before your cancellation or if you need documents for tax purposes, etc.
You can easily cancel through your account without the need for writing letters or emails. We'll handle your cancellation request and get in touch if we require more information.