Cancellation letter for a dental insurance (supplementary LCA/VVG)

A supplementary cover in its own right

Supplementary dental insurance covers all or part of dental care (check-ups, treatments, sometimes orthodontics), which basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) generally does not reimburse. It falls under the Insurance Contract Act (LCA/VVG), like the other health supplementary covers. Its cancellation therefore follows the rules of private law, not those of compulsory insurance.

Some dental policies have annual caps that rise in steps in the first years: before cancelling, look at where you stand, as starting again elsewhere may mean restarting these steps.

Also bear in mind that dental insurance has no link to your basic insurance: you can cancel it without touching the KVG/LAMal or your other supplementary covers. Simply name the right product in the letter to avoid any processing confusion at the insurer.

Before cancelling: check the real usefulness

Dental cover makes most sense when care is foreseeable (orthodontics, major treatments). If you no longer have needs, cancelling lightens your premiums; but if care is ongoing or expected, compare the premium cost with the expected reimbursement before leaving. Once the cover is cancelled, you start from scratch elsewhere, often with new waiting periods.

Notice period and minimum term

As with any LCA/VVG supplementary cover, the usual notice period is 3 months before the annual expiry (often 30 September for an end on 31 December). Check your general conditions (CGA/AVB): a multi-year minimum term is frequent on dental products and prevents you from cancelling before it ends.

If the insurer has notified you of a premium increase, an extraordinary cancellation may be possible within a short period after the notification, depending on what your contract provides.

Writing the dental letter without ambiguity

Clearly state 'supplementary dental insurance' in the letter, with the policy number, to avoid the insurer cancelling another of your covers. State the effective date, date and sign. Keep a copy and send by registered mail to have proof of receipt.

You can generate a letter already worded for a dental supplementary cover here, to review, print and sign.