Hello Switzerland Issue 2/ 2021 by Hello Switzerland AG

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TOP THINGS TO DO IN AUTUMN

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EVENTS

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Live and work in Switzerland the easy way My Journey is our innovative digital solution designed to make your life in Switzerland easy and fun. For example, if you’re Relocating to Switzerland, you won’t care so much about how recycling works, there are more pressing matters. But once you’re Living here, this suddenly becomes important. And we’ll tell you all about it. Simply choose where you are in the journey (Research, Relocate, Living or Leaving) and you’ll be able to find the information you need when it matters most.

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All you need to know and do as an international resident in Switzerland.

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Quick and easy Swisscom activation As a licensed Swisscom re-seller, Hello Switzerland will connect you to Swisscom in the easiest way possible: We’ll handle all the admin for you at no extra charge. You’ll benefit from service in English and ultra-fast response from our knowledgeable team. You’ll benefit from unique sign in conditions and flexible cancellation terms in case you have to leave Switzerland.

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FEATURED PARTNER: DISCOVER SWITZERL AND

TOP THINGS TO DO IN AUTUMN AMAZING EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT SWITZERLAND Provided by: Switzerland Tourism

Enjoy the last warm days of the year, with plenty to do both outdoors and indoors. From exploring the fiery autumn colors to the best weekend getaways, we’ve put together some top activities to make the most of Swiss autumn.

Autumn hike in Nendaz, Valais © Nicola Fürer/ Switzerland Tourism 6

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

From wildlife watching, to traditional alpine descents, from gorgeous hikes above the fog to adventure trails and scavenger hunts, there are so many wonderful activities waiting for you throughout Switzerland this autumn. Pick one and enjoy this incredible season.

Wildlife watching in Graubünden’s nature parks

Enchanted Forest Adventure playground

Traditional sheep shearing in Savognin

Graubünden is home to the impressive Swiss National Park and other precious nature reserves - Biosfera Val Müstair, Parc Ela or Beverin, to name a few. From marmots, bears, to wild horses and the canton’s emblematic ibex – Graubünden is the place to be for wildlife watching.

Great family fun in a beautiful forest. The Enchanted Forest adventure Playground in Binntal Nature Park (Valais) is an absolute riot. Kids will have a blast with the pinecone run, swinging tree, suspension bridge or ravine trails. Don’t forget your cervelat – you’ll find plenty of bbq areas.

Alpine descents are a huge thing in Switzerland, and reason for great celebration every autumn. In Savognin, the sheep come home from the mountains and you can also witness a traditional sheep shearing – 300 sheep are shorn in a single day!

Above the fog on Mount Rigi

Muggestutz adventure trails

Treasure Hunt in Ascona

Painted by Turner and climbed by Mark Twain, Mount Rigi is widely known throughout Switzerland as the ‘Queen of the mountains’. For a completely relaxing day, enjoy the breath-taking views of the surrounding lakes and Alpine peaks, then discover the stunning spa designed by Mario Botta at the Rigi Kaltbad Hotel.

The Muggestutz adventure trails are famous throughout the Bern region and popular with kids of all ages. They tell the lovely story of the Hasli dwarves, with plenty of activities kids will absolutely adore. If you’re looking for a fun hike with your kids, then you’re in for a treat.

Next door to Locarno, Ascona’s narrow alleys are filled with boutiques and cafés that weave down to the lakeshore. Discover them all in this exciting treasure hunt through the streets of the old town, then enjoy a well-earned cappuccino by the lake.

Discover more spectacular autumn breaks throughout Switzerland on MySwitzerland.com/autumn Visit this website in English to plan your perfect trip in Switzerland: MySwitzerland.com/expats For more travel info and tips throughout Switzerland, please get in touch with expats@switzerland.com or phone 0800 100 200 TRAVEL INSPIRATION

FE AT URED PAR TNER : L A NG UAG E COUR SES

HOW TO LEARN ONE OF SWITZERLAND’S FOUR LOCAL LANGUAGES Get professional language training from Berlitz Provided by: Berlitz

Find out how far your English will take you in Switzerland and why it’s worth learning your local language. In Switzerland, business may be done in English, but everyday life runs in the local language of your area.

‘Can I get by in Switzerland with English alone?’ We’d say yes, for large cities such as Basel, Zurich and Geneva, which are very international. That means that you can order food at a restaurant, buy groceries or manage your account in person at a bank without significant language barriers.

‘So why should I learn any of the Swiss languages?’ Even if you are only living in Switzerland for a short time, there are so many reasons why learning the local language is important and will do you good: • You get the full ‘Swiss experience’: Living in Switzerland is wonderful and knowing the local language makes it even better. You can experience Swiss cuisine because you’ll be able to read the menu; you’ll feel a lot less like an outsider when you know a few key phrases. • You’ll be closer to your children: If your child attends a local school, then knowing some German, French or Italian will make it easier for you to interact with their teachers, as well as

other parents. The assignments and papers that your child will bring home from school will be in the local Swiss language. • It’s so much easier to make friends: The Swiss love their clubs! No matter where you live, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to meet up for activities ranging from networking, hiking and sailing, to chess and cooking. In their free time, the Swiss revert to their own language. So if you want to join your local fishing club and build friendships with your neighbors, knowing how to converse in German, French or Italian will make it much easier. • It helps with getting your C permit: If you want to stay in Switzerland, you’ll need the Swiss Permanent Resident permit. Among the requirements for this permit are at least Level A2 of language skills in the official language of your canton and proof that you are well-integrated into Swiss society (good relations with the local population or connections to a local association). • You’ll be able to understand official documents: If you need to take care of any administrative work, like taxes or registration forms, all documents and info sheets you receive or submit will be in the Swiss local language.

“Picking up” a language seldom works Berlitz is a leading provider of language training throughout the world. With their highly immersive and original method, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to start speaking a new language right away. Guaranteed results.

GET CONNECTED WITH LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS: Roxana Schwickert, Center Director, and her team of professional language instructors at Berlitz will help you find the most effective type of language instruction to significantly and rapidly boost your language skills.

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Start learning a new language now Get 5% off all Berlitz language courses

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FE AT UR ED PAR TNER : R ELOC AT ION

LEAVING SWITZERLAND Smooth sailing with Departure Support

Provided by: Packimpex

Are you planning to leave Switzerland in the near future? Here’s what to expect and how to make your departure smoother. Leaving Switzerland means more than packing your bags and waving goodbye. And we’ll show you how to prepare for it.

The hurdles of leaving Switzerland Ending utilities and insurance contracts, handling the end cleaning of your apartment, selling your vehicle, deregistering from schools and other authorities – all these steps must be done at the right time and in the right order.

How to tackle all departure formalities Start by checking all your contracts for cancellation terms and methodically cancel them all. Don’t forget to deregister from the local authorities – most people tend to leave this aside. Your lease also needs to be terminated and your home handed over – plan this in detail and find out what your rights as a tenant are, to make sure you get your rental deposit back.

Smooth sailing with our Departure Support Packimpex has nearly 45 years of relocation experience and has helped more than 8,000 customers leave their homes with peace of mind in the last 10 years alone. When you book our Departure Support, this will make a world of difference, especially if you don’t speak the local Swiss language or if you

don’t know Swiss tenancy law. What this means is that a Packimpex Relocation Consultant will coordinate the different steps of your departure and provide support at all necessary steps, from terminating your lease, to finding new tenants or coordinating repairs, even once you’ve left the country. Our team will make sure that the exit inspection of your apartment is handled in a fair manner and in line with Swiss lease standards, to minimize your chances of being held accountable for damage to the property. Having an expert on your side ensures you save time on the process and avoid unnecessary costs. A relocation consultant will act as your advocate and negotiate on your behalf and in your best interest. Packimpex relocation experts will handle any aspect of your departure from Switzerland, eliminate language barriers

and, most importantly, guide you past potential pitfalls.

GET CONNECTED WITH DEPARTURE SUPPORT EXPERTS Martijn ter Hart and his team are here to support you with every aspect related to your departure from Switzerland. With a relocation expert by your side, you’ll be sure to leave no loose ends behind.

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Leave Switzerland hassle free Get more info on Packimpex Departure Support

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LIVING IN ST YLE

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FEATURED PARTNER: INSURANCE

PLAN, SAVE & BUY PROPERTY IN SWITZERLAND Learn how from a Helvetia insurance expert Provided by: Helvetia

Are you planning to buy property in Switzerland? For most foreigners living here, this is a painful topic. The high property purchase price, the complex mortgage system, the limited availability – and your list of hurdles doesn’t stop here. Helvetia sheds some light on the topic and adds some expert tips.

First of all, can foreigners buy property in Switzerland?

How do mortgages work in Switzerland?

If you have a valid residence B permit, you may acquire property or an existing building for your own use. If you have a C permit for Switzerland, you may buy more than one plot of land for residential use or real estate of any kind without special authorization.

The bank finances a maximum of 80% of the market value of the property. You have to contribute at least 20% of the purchase price. At least half of that amount must be your own funds and not taken from your employee benefits insurance.

FINANCIAL ADVICE

Mortgage financing is divided into a first mortgage and a second mortgage. The first mortgage can cover up to a maximum of 66% of the purchase price. If you need more financing, then you’ll need to take out a second mortgage. The second mortgage must be repaid in regular instalments over a maximum of 15 years before you reach the age of 65.

Do you know which funds to use for your 20% contribution?

What you’ll learn in this free consultation:

You’ll be happy to know that the list is generous. The funds you are allowed to use for your 20% can mean savings and securities holdings, pension capital, life insurance, gifts, or inheritance advancements. Presumably, the most significant contribution, will come from your Pillar 2 pension. But then - how can you make sure you still have a decent pension afterwards?

• Understand how to save towards property purchase as well as how to leverage your pension savings or insurance policies to buy property in Switzerland • Get an explanation of how mortgages work in Switzerland and understand the impact of property purchase on pension, savings and tax burden, including how you can reduce your tax burden by property purchase • Get a detailed consultation on the Swiss Pension and Social Security System and how to save for old age, including 3rd pillar pension system, savings, and survivor income protection • Check for gaps in your insurance coverage in case your life circumstances have changed and update insurance policies accordingly • Review your investments, tax benefits, inheritance situation, pension savings options with pillars 3a and 3b, funds account, and mortgage • Review your health insurance situation and get a better understanding of additional coverage

What is affordability and how is it calculated? Affordability is quite a simple calculation of your income versus the property costs. As a basic rule to estimate affordability, the cost of the property should not exceed one third of the borrower’s gross income. Let’s see what that means more in detail. In order to guarantee affordability, your total living expenses (mortgage interest, repayments, maintenance, and ancillary costs) should not exceed one-third of your gross income. Many financial institutions use a theoretical rate of 5% to calculate the mortgage interest to ensure that the mortgage would still be affordable if interest rates were to rise. Yearly maintenance and ancillary costs such as utilities, insurance, and minor repairs, are then added to this at a general annual rate of 1% of the market value.

Learn how to plan, save & buy property with this free consultation If you’re looking for guidance and advice before you buy property in Switzerland, then this free consultation from Helvetia is for you. A Helvetia insurance expert will explain in detail everything about mortgages and how to save to buy, answering all your questions.

Why work with Helvetia? Helvetia is Hello Switzerland’s partner of choice for all insurance related issues. Helvetia’s expert advisers deal with international professionals on a regular basis regarding property searches, financing, protection and much more. On the issue of property financing, Helvetia works closely with the leading specialist for mortgages and real estate in Switzerland, MoneyPark. You will appreciate their personal touch and high level of experience in dealing with the most common issues that international residents encounter in Switzerland.

When you choose Helvetia, you’ll enjoy excellent support and documentation in English, in-depth knowledge of expat needs, consultancy on all insurance types, and an excellent claims service. Helvetia is well-known in Switzerland for their ultra-fast claim response. Most claims are usually covered within 48 hours, which is a great relief if you are in a tricky situation or far from home.

GET CONNECTED WITH SPECIALIZED INSURANCE ADVISERS FOR EXPATS:

MICHAEL METRY

MARCUS G. SENN

Michael Metry and Markus G. Senn are part of the experienced team of advisors at Helvetia Insurance, covering the entire Switzerland. They specialize in specific savings plans (such as third pillar - unit linked plans, fund accounts or income protection) and on the pension needs of newcomers to Switzerland. In addition to personal retirement planning, they offer comprehensive advice and support in a variety of areas connected to a move to Switzerland. Helvetia is a top Swiss insurance company providing reliable coverage for nearly 1.3 million residents in Switzerland. They are known as a trustworthy, reliable and innovative insurance provider.

Living

Request a free consultation Learn from Helvetia how to plan, save & buy property

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

EVENTS September – October 2021 We’re happy to see events happening again all over Switzerland, so hopefully we can enjoy harvest and wine festivals together as in the good old days. We have checked all event dates before print, but please bear with us in case any of these events are cancelled. Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll keep you posted.

w to kno ening Want p is hap ? e s l e t nd wha tzerla ur i w S in o ribe to Subsc letter: news nd tzerla i w S o l Hel bit.ly/ ewsletter N

1 – 5 September

Equissima

1 – 18 September

Lausanne

Floss Open-Air Festival

Equissima® brings together the best athletes of the main equestrian disciplines (dressage, show jumping, eventing, horse teams and aerobatics), a unique show in Switzerland for equestrian sports fans.

Basel

bit.ly/HelloEquissima2021 10 – 11 September

Country Night Gstaad Gstaad

Country music superstar Emmylou Harris is the headliner of this year’s country music festival in Gstaad.

A unique music festival, where bands perform on a special stage that floats on the river Rhine. Take a seat on the steps of the Kleinbasel riverbank and enjoy this special atmosphere. Electrifying performances from international and local artists await you. Goran Bregović’ legendary band, Gigi Moto, Naturally 7, Francesco Piu or famous Swiss rapper Stress and many more will bring a Mediterranean atmosphere to Basel. Entrance is free, but voluntary donations are welcome.

bit.ly/HelloFloss

RECOMMENDED

bit.ly/HelloCountryGstaad2021 18 – 19 September

Autumn market

Ballenberg Open air museum, Brienz

The Ballenberg Open Air Museum hosts the quintessential traditional Switzerland, with traditional houses and crafts. There are loads of live demonstrations and also farm animals. The autumn market features homemade products and handicraft demonstrations (pottery making, horsehair braiding, weaving). Especially for this event, the wine press, the cider press and the schnapps distillery will be put to use.

bit.ly/HelloBallenberg2021 15 – 17 October

Benichon

Chatel St. Denis, Fribourg

The “Bénichon” (blessing) is a traditional popular and gastronomical festival that commemorates the end of the harvest,

much like Thanksgiving. It takes place in numerous places in the French part of Switzerland and it’s your chance to try some typical Bénichon foods: the ‘Cuchaule’ bread, the saffron mustard, lamb stew with grapes, caramelised pears or smoked ham among many others.

bit.ly/HelloBenichon2021 22 October – 17 December

Raclette & Fondue Cruise Lake Lucerne

Say cheese! Good food and great vibes make for a fantastic combination on this jovial evening cruise that showcases the very best of Swiss cuisine. Bring your friends and enjoy the fantastic views that only Lake Lucerne can offer in late autumn and early winter.

bit.ly/HelloCruise2021

30 October

Bonvillars Trufﬂe Market Bonvillars, Vaud

On the last Saturday in October, the village of Bonvillars near Lake Neuchâtel holds the number one truffle market in Switzerland. A must for all foodies!

bit.ly/HelloTruffle2021 13 November

Turnip Lantern Parade/ Räbechilbi Richterswil, Zürich

For the annual Räbechilbi in Richterswil, around 30 tons of turnips (Räben) are transformed into countless artistically carved lanterns and displayed in the form of themed floats on a spectacular procession through the village.

bit.ly/HelloTurnip2021

FE AT UR ED PAR TNER : HE A LT H

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE How should you approach prevention? Provided by: Hirslanden

A preventive check-up can save you years of pain and costly treatment. But do you know the right way to approach prevention? At Hirslanden we strongly advocate prevention, identifying underlying issues through preventive health check-ups. With world-renowned surgeons throughout the entire Hirslanden network, our patients know that whatever their medical need they will be in the best possible hands. In many cases, the treatment patients need to undergo, may not have been necessary if there had been a preventive check-up. Early-stage diagnosis for most conditions is critical as it provides patients with more less invasive - options and greatly increases their prospects of a long and happy life.

Prevention done right Efficient prevention means all preventive check-ups are highly personalized. A personalized check-up always starts with a full assessment of your current medical situation to determine all risk constellations. For a preventive evaluation of the health of a particular organ, or if significant illnesses have previously occurred in your family (for example, bowel cancer), we recommend an organ-specific preventive health checkup. These preventive programs are put together on a specialty-specific basis, and deal with an organ system (for example, the skin is covered by Dermatology).

How does a preventive genetic assessment work? If drug therapy is necessary, a genetic assessment of drug effectiveness contributes significantly to minimizing the risk of treatment failure or drug intolerance. Pharmacogenetics uses information about a person’s genetic constitution, or genetic make-up, to choose the drugs and medicine doses that will be most effective for that person. This innovative field combines pharmacology (the science of how drugs work) with the science of human genomes. Hirslanden’s ‘Precise’ program intends to use genetic analyses to adapt drug therapy to each individual patient in terms of type and dose. The goal is to make drug therapy safer and more effective.

GET FIRST-CLASS MEDICAL CARE With 17 top-class hospitals throughout Switzerland and a network of over 2,800 specialized doctors, Hirslanden is the largest private hospital group in Switzerland. When you are a patient at Hirslanden, you can be confident that every possible avenue will be explored and discussed, and that you will receive the best possible treatment for your condition. Call +41 44 388 75 75 to get more information, an individual cost estimate and to book an appointment.

Living

Get first-class medical care Contact Hirslanden‘s special team for international people

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FIRST-CLASS MEDICAL CARE IN SWITZERLAND When you need to see a specialist doctor, Hirslanden has set up a dedicated team to support foreigners in Switzerland. Get in touch with Hirslanden to get fast access to highly experienced specialist doctors from various disciplines, from oncology to plastic surgery or fertility treatment. Your health is in the best of hands at Hirslanden.

+41 44 388 75 75 hirslanden.com/international 19

EVENTS

Living

Immigration Case Assessment at CHF 99 Would you like to know if your parents can live with you in Switzerland? If your nanny can come over from your home country? Or if your partner can join you in Switzerland even though you are not married? You can now get fast answers to all questions related to immigration to Switzerland from the immigration specialists at Sgier+Partner. Book an Immigration Case Assessment for CHF 99 and get answers to all your questions on family reunion or immigration of unmarried partners.

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Living

Tax Support for International Residents Per Melberg, Managing Partner of Exactio Ltd and the Exactio team have decades of experience in global mobility and international tax. Do you need help filing your tax return? Or do you simply Per Helberg have questions regarding the Swiss social security and pension system? Get in touch with expert tax advisers who specialize in the complex situation of international residents in Switzerland. helloswitzerland.ch/offers

FE AT UR ED PAR TNER : MOBIL I T Y

CARVOLUTION CAR SUBSCRIPTION Expats all over Switzerland love Carvolution. Here’s why more and more decide to drive a car on a subscription. Provided by: Léa Miggiano, Carvolution Co-founder

If you’re a foreigner in Switzerland, and like most expats, you might not know how long you’re staying here, buying or leasing a car will tie you up in a long contract, renting a car will cost an arm and a leg and ..these are all your options. Now there’s Carvolution. Léa Miggiano, Carvolution Co-Founder, explains why this is the best mobility solutions for expats. How does the subscription work? It’s so simple. You choose your car on our website and configure your subscription in a few easy steps. Your fixed monthly fee includes everything. You can of course, ask for an offer first - no strings attached.

‘Everything’ meaning what exactly? Everything is included except fuel or charging, and that means: insurance, taxes, service & maintenance, cantonal registration, tyres, first toll sticker and a fuel or a charging card for electric cars. 22

MOBILIT Y

Why is it so great for foreigners living in Switzerland? Some expats don’t know in advance how long they will stay here, some have short assignments, and others just don’t want to bother with the paperwork. With us they have low expenses while still having flexibility, convenience and peace of mind.

Is there a down-payment for the car? We’re the netflix of cars, no down payment, just your monthly subscription fee.

What about the duration of the contract? What if, like most foreigners in Switzerland, I have no idea how long I’ll be here? You pick the minimum contract duration, whether it’s for 3, 6 or 36 months. After the minimum duration has passed, you can keep your car change or return it any time with 30 days’ notice.

Tell us more about payment, I see there’s an ‘initial cost’ of 390 CHF. What’s that? Once you book the car, this is what we’ll charge you: an initial flat fee of

390 CHF we charge one time only, which covers the registration and the order of your new license plates, as well as 2 monthly fees, which we charge in advance because we don’t require any security deposit. After that, you pay a fixed monthly price and that’s all.

How about the paperwork? To get a Carvolution subscription, we’ll need your residence permit, your employment contract and your last salary statement for the credit check. And that’s it, no hassle really.

Can my spouse or any other family member or friend drive the car as well? Of course. It is your car and you can choose who you allow at the wheel. There’s only one rule: the driver must have a driver’s license that’s valid in Switzerland.

How do costs for a car subscription compare to leasing or buying a car? We’ve made a rough calculation and taking all costs into account, a car subscription really is more affordable. See for yourself in this table here. The C-Class serves as an example. On our website Carvolution.ch all comparisons of a leasing are available.

What kind of cars do you offer? We have over 30 different models from different brands and types, from small cars to SUVs and electric cars. And what’s also very important is that our cars are top-equipped, we want Carvolutioners to feel safe and comfortable.

GET YOUR CARVOLUTION SUBSCRIPTION

Lea Miggiano, Carvolution Co-founder, and her team are here to assist you in finding the most convenient car for your mobility needs.

Living

Get an all-inclusive car subscription Enjoy CHF 50 off your new car from Carvolution

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LIVING MOBILIT IN ST YLE Y

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Always by your side

Exclusive Deal

TCS membership at

30% OFF

TCS membership for couples and families CHF 97 per year instead of CHF 139

TCS membership for individuals CHF 65 per year instead of CHF 93

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Request TCS membership 30% off Benefit from the best breakdown cover in Switzerland

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FE AT URED PAR TNER : HE A LT H INSUR A NCE

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR EXPATS All the basics you need to know Provided by: SWICA

With support from SWICA experts, we’ve answered some of the questions most foreigners have on the Swiss health insurance system. The main differences between health insurances in Switzerland versus other countries Switzerland’s health care system is not subsidized by the state, as in the UK or France, nor is it a combination of state subsidies and private insurance (as in Germany), but resembles the US health care system, where contributions are entirely private.

Some misconceptions foreigners have about Swiss health insurance If you’re coming from the UK for instance, then you’ll have a bit of a cultural shock when you find out you’re entirely responsible for choosing and paying for your health insurance. But you do not have to finance all health costs by yourself, your insurer contributes for you. Let’s quickly cover the most important questions and misconceptions foreigners have when landing in Switzerland: • If I have private insurance in my home country, why do I still need Swiss health insurance? If you live or work in Switzerland, Swiss health insurance is mandatory. • I’m here for less than 3 months. Should I get insurance? As soon as you have a Swiss resident permit, you need mandatory Swiss

health insurance. Students can buy a special student insurance and guests that visit family members in Switzerland can buy a “Guest insurance”. • Who is exempt from health insurance in Switzerland? Cross-border employees with residence in a neighboring state, diplomatic staff, retired persons who receive a pension in an EU/EFTA state and students who reside in Switzerland temporarily and have insurance in their home country.

What does Swiss health insurance cover? All benefits covered by the compulsory coverage are defined by law and are identical for all providers. Therefore, by law, your compulsory health insurance covers medical treatment, medication and hospital treatment in the event of illness, accident and maternity.

What does ‘additional coverage’ mean? Additional coverage needs to be taken out for more specific treatment or access to a wider range of private healthcare services, such as alternative medicine, non-mandatory medications, visual aids, preventive care, dental treatment or accident insurance. If employed, you’ll have an accident insurance through your employer. Self-employed and unemployed

persons should include accident coverage in their additional coverage.

When and how to change your health insurer If you want to change your health insurer, you can do so at the end of the year. Your insurer should receive your termination letter by the 30 November or by the last business day in November. Do you have questions on the Swiss health insurance system? Request a nonbinding quote on the website below and get answers from insurance experts.

GET THE BEST HEALTH INSURANCE SWICA has been repeatedly voted the Number 1 Health Insurer in Switzerland by its customers. As a top Swiss health insurer with outstanding customer satisfaction, SWICA offers generous contributions for health promotion and preventive healthcare, low co-payments, and equal consideration of conventional and complementary medicine.

Living

Request a quote from SWICA Get advice from the best health insurer in Switzerland

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EDUCATION LIVING IN ST YLE

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FE AT UR ED PAR TNER : EDUC AT ION

SIS SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Bilingual Education from Kindergarten to College Provided by: Marcel Stähli, CEO of SIS Swiss International Schools Schweiz AG

Join SIS’ diverse school community and pave your child’s way to a bright future with bilingual education in English and German from kindergarten to college. International Education – Local Insight The SIS school community of students, parents and teachers is made up of a variety of nationalities and backgrounds. We are pleased to welcome local children as well as the children of internationally mobile families and offer students a diverse and engaging school environment that simultaneously fosters an awareness of the wider world and a relationship to their immediate environment. Our intention is that SIS students graduate as global citizens with a strong sense of their origins.

share foods and crafts from their own cultures and roots,” says Andrew Wulfers, principal at SIS Basel. At SIS ZürichWollishofen, the school celebrates Halloween and the Swiss tradition of Räbeliechtli Umzug, where kindergartners carve lanterns from turnips to be carried in a parade in the early-evening dark of November, alternately every year. For Halloween, the school carves pumpkins and has a parade in costumes during the day.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE SIS TEAM OF EDUCATORS:

Celebrating Diversity: Trick or Treat and Räbeliechtli Umzug SIS’ day school programme includes lunch, before and after school care as well as extracurricular activities. A variety of school projects, events and activities together with the celebration of local and international holidays and traditions foster a sense of community at the school. “At SIS Basel, we have a number of annual traditions that celebrate our international community as well as the local culture, such as our Winter Fest, where students and parents from our school community

The two school languages, English and German, play equal roles in school communication. Bilingualism, however, is not a requirement for entry at any level at SIS, with special programmes helping students bring their language skills up to the necessary level to join classes. Learn more about SIS’ unique bilingual learning environment today!

Marcel Stähli is the CEO of SIS Swiss International Schools Schweiz AG. SIS operates 17 bilingual, private day schools in Switzerland, Germany and Brazil with more than 3,800 students attending classes from kindergarten through to college.

Swiss Matura and International Baccalaureate (IB) At college level, students can graduate with the Swiss bilingual Matura and/ or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Living

Understand the Swiss school system Find out the benefits of bilingual education

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