I'm having a problem with my health insurance company and I'm hoping someone else has had the same problem and/or can advise.

We moved here in Jan, and I took out our health insurance policies at the start of April, backdated for our first 3 months as is compulsory. The insurance co assured me that I could pay the bill for the first 3 months spread over the next 9 months of the year.

We then started to receive bills for the normal monthly premium, not including the part payment for the first 3 months. I have now called them 2 or 3 times to query this. The insurance company changed the time period from the rest of the year to the next 6 months - annoying, but manageable. I was told NOT to pay the first few bills but to wait until the revised bills were sent. They haven't been, despite me chasing.

Then last week we get a reminder letter for the missing 3 month's payment plus the two unpaid bills that I was told would be revised. When I phoned up today, the insurance company said it is ILLEGAL to spread the payments in this way, and that the total amount (now over 3500F) is due. Obviously we don't have that kind of money stashed away. Also, this is the first time anyone at the insurance company has told me I can't spread my payments.

I am pretty confused and annoyed - if it wasn't possible to spread payments, why was I told that I could when I applied in March?! Does anyone know what my legal position is here and whether (and where) I can make a complaint against the insurance company?

Would be v grateful for any advice, thank you.

Perfect example of why you shouldn't wait the 3 months to sort thing out, it just makes life difficult. if you were given incorrect info' about payment spreading from the agent that's annoying and if the companies customer service is poor that's annoying to... but this is Switzerland so steady yourself for lots of that. However if you knew you had the bill to pay, so why haven't you been setting the money aside.

All I can suggest is you pay the bill, as insurance company ultimately take action against you if you don't.