Why You Can Still Switch Coverage with Your Current Health Insurer in January
Introduction
January is the last month in which you can adjust your health insurance for the current year. Perhaps you have forgotten to change your supplementary insurance, or your needs have changed. Fortunately, many health insurers offer you the option to make changes in January. In this blog we explain why this is possible, how it works and what you need to do.
Why can you still switch in January?
Flexibility for policyholders: Health insurers understand that December is a busy month. That is why they give their customers extra time to adjust their policy.
Start of the insurance year: The insurance year officially starts on January 1, but changes within that month often apply retroactively from that date.
Competition between insurers: By giving customers extra time, insurers retain their customer base and improve customer satisfaction.
What Can You Change in January?
Additional insurance:
You can add or change additional packages, such as dental coverage or physiotherapy.
Please note: Some insurers impose medical acceptance requirements for additional insurance.
Deductible:
Many insurers still allow you to choose a higher or lower voluntary deductible. This can have a direct impact on your monthly premium.
Coverage of specific care:
Consider alternative medicine, maternity care or additional foreign cover.
How can you switch coverage?
Log in to your insurance portal:
Most health insurers have an online environment in which you can easily adjust your coverage.
Contact customer service:
Call customer service for advice or assistance in changing your coverage.
Check the conditions:
Make sure you read the policy conditions carefully before making any changes. This prevents surprises.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coverage
Evaluate your healthcare needs:
What care do you expect in 2024? Estimate possible costs, such as dental visits or physiotherapy.
Compare additional packages:
Not all supplementary insurance policies provide the same coverage. Compare policies from your current insurer.
Take acceptance requirements into account:
Some supplementary insurance policies require a medical statement. Please check with your insurer.
Please note premiums and deductible:
A higher premium often means more coverage, but ask yourself whether you really need that extra coverage.
Benefits of Changing in January
Retroactively: Adjustments you make in January usually apply from January 1.
More time to think: January gives you a chance to reconsider choices you may have made hastily in December.
Flexibility: You can adapt your health insurance to unexpected situations, such as new medical needs.
Conclusion
January offers a valuable opportunity to change your health insurance policy and tailor it to your healthcare needs. Whether it concerns an additional package or increasing your deductible, it is important to be well informed and take the time to make the best choice. Check your policy conditions, use customer service and ensure that you are optimally insured for the new year.
