Hello Switzerland Issue 1/ 2021 by Hello Switzerland AG

issue 1/2021 helloswitzerland.ch Presenting Partner:

SWISS BOUTIQUE TOWNS

FOREST

KINDERGARTEN

LEAVING YOUR

SWISS APARTMENT

CAR SUBSCRIPTION HOW DOES IT WORK

The number one knowledge and inspiration source for Switzerland’s international community

“A wea of know lth the usu ledge al has no expat clu about” e (M ag gie

) L. o n My Journey

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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.

ur o y e t Crea y on journeerland.ch swit hello

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

Presenting Partner

Never miss a thing, as we guide you on your Journey. Find valuable knowledge to do things on your own or get essential services from trusted providers.

Featured Partners

Magazine Distribution: 20,000 copies throughout Switzerland Advertising & Partnerships: Lukas Hayoz, partners@helloswitzerland.ch Photo credits: Cover: Solothurn St. Ursen cathedral © Switzerland Tourism/ Andre Meier. Lausanne photos on page 15 © Laurent Kaczor, Régis Colombo & P. Waterton

GET CONNECTED

for international residents

Fast 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.

Relocation

Connect to Swisscom now A special free service for international residents

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FEATURED PARTNER: DISCOVER SWITZERL AND

SWISS BOUTIQUE TOWNS DISCOVER SWITZERLAND’S URBAN GEMS Provided by: Switzerland Tourism

This past year, you’ve probably mapped and explored every corner of your local forest, nearby parks and all major nature spots on a 100km radius. But don’t you miss a frothy cappuccino? Or walking on a cobbled street with any other shoes that aren’t meant for hiking? They must be somewhere deep in your closet. This spring it’s time to get them out, get your matching facemask and explore these quaint Swiss towns.

A gorgeous view of Sion and its spectacular castle perched on top of Tourbillon hill © Jan Geerk/Switzerland Tourism 6

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Our top choice is the very special town of Sion in Valais. And here, our tips for Sion: explore the two monumental medieval constructions facing each other: the castle of Tourbillon and the fortified church of Valère, both dating back from the 13th century. Find out more here: MySwitzerland.com/sion

Solothurn

Montreux

Olten

This is the finest Baroque town in Switzerland, rich with Italian grandeur, French charm and German practicality.

This little piece of paradise has attracted many artists, writers and travellers in search of beauty, tranquility and inspiration.

A town unjustly overlooked as a pass-by on your way to Zurich or Geneva. Give it a chance, you’ll love the chill feel of the Aare riviera.

Our tip: The Old Town and the restaurants & bars along the river Aare.

Our tip: The Vinorama Wine Tour Lavaux

Our tip: The Swiss Writers Path

MySwitzerland.com/solothurn

MySwitzerland.com/montreux

MySwitzerland.com/olten

Bellinzona

Schaffhausen

Chur

Bellinzona has three of the bestpreserved medieval castles in Switzerland – all considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With its beautifully painted medieval houses, Schaffhausen is surrounded by vineyards and boasts an imposing fortress.

Switzerland’s oldest city will surprise you with its fine mountain setting, hidden alleys and historic buildings.

Our tip: The colorful Saturday market. You are sure to find a lovely Italian vibe and that cappuccino we keep dreaming about.

Our tip: Take a river cruise on the Rhine up to Lake Constance.

Our tip: Take your time and discover the Old Town.

MySwitzerland.com/bellinzona

MySwitzerland.com/schaffhausen

MySwitzerland.com/chur

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

FE AT URED PAR TNER : R ELOC AT ION

LEAVING YOUR SWISS APARTMENT What to do and when? Provided by: Packimpex

If you’re leaving Switzerland altogether, you should be well prepared for a logistical roller-coaster. Leaving your Swiss apartment is the ﬁrst and often underestimated challenge you’ll have to face. Find out what you need to do and when from the departure experts at Packimpex, the Swiss relocation market leader. Even if the apartment is spotlessly clean, there’s always the risk that your landlord will ask to pay for this or that hole in the wall, or for damages to the floors that may have been there before you moved. Here are a few tips from relocation professionals to guide you as you’re planning your departure from your Swiss apartment and maximize your chances of getting your rental deposit back.

Avoid penalties

Taps. Lights. Doors. Window blinds. Cooker burners. Extractor fan. Toilet. Are they all working? Are they spick and span? Are any of the keys missing? Are there any scratches on the floors? Are all walls made whole again with all holes filled in? Leaving your Swiss apartment comes with so many headaches. Will the landlord accept your cleaning or will they ask you to re-do it? Will you be held responsible for repairs or will you get your entire deposit back? Many foreigners in Switzerland place too much importance on the end cleaning and completely ignore other aspects.

Check all your rental and utilities contracts for the right cancellation terms, to avoid penalties. Then cancel all contracts accordingly, as each supplier will have different notice periods.

Pay close attention at the apartment handover Even if damages to your property may be noted, know that normal depreciation has to be taken into account. Some damages can be claimed through your insurance.

Plan your departure with this free call

Departure Planning Call and get answers to all questions regarding your departure. Thanks to this planning call, you will get a full picture of what leaving Switzerland actually entails, what you need to do and in what order. You’ll also get infos on key topics - such as deregistration from Swiss authorities, cancellation of various contracts, rental deposit retrieval - and will be able to structure your move with top efficiency.

. GET CONNECTED WITH DEPARTURE SUPPORT EXPERTS Martijn ter Hart and his team are here to answer any questions related to your departure from Switzerland. Whether you’re leaving your Swiss apartment or Switzerland altogether, you’ll get expert answers from relocation professionals.

Do you have any questions related to leaving your Swiss apartment or leaving Switzerland altogether? Our relocation experts are here for you. Request a free

Leaving

Book a free departure planning call Leave Switzerland hassle-free

8 16

LIVING IN ST YLE

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FOREST KINDERGARTEN My Journey into Swiss Culture Written by: Lourdes Treviño

A beautiful account of a forest kindergarten morning and how the Swiss way of educating children challenges us, the non-Swiss. Before we – usually – embrace it. I still remember my Schnuppertag, or trial visit, in the Waldspielgruppe. Only four months earlier, we had left our native Mexico to come live in Switzerland, and I was looking for activities for my son, who would soon be three. My online research had brought me to the Wurzelzwergli Waldspielgruppe, which met at the edge of the Linde forest every Tuesday morning. There, kids ages two to five, dressed in whatever gear the weather mandated, would sing a song in Swiss German, wave goodbye to their parents, and wander into the forest. There’s a saying in Switzerland, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” And they took it to heart. Dressed in rain boots, plastic overalls, and sleek waterproof jackets with a protruding hood, these kids were ready for a rainy morning of fun in the mud. My son had never worn one of these rain overalls, and I’d be surprised if any of my friends back in Mexico had ever bought a pair for their children. Come to think of it, I don’t even know where one could buy them. Yet, in Switzerland, these waterproof overalls were a staple in any walking-age child’s wardrobe. On our trial-visit morning, the forecast was dry. Still, most children wore waterproof overalls, while others wore jeans stuffed bulkily into their socks to keep away deer ticks. All of them had ankle-high hiking boots and a backpack with their water bottle and snack. I was invited to come along for the morning, and we started on the path, carpeted with moist brown leaves. The forest was alive with the chirping of unseen birds, the chatter of children and a scent that hinted of wildflowers. The sunlight glistened through the dense foliage as children gathered sticks to use as swords or crouched over a mushroom or snail. After about fifteen minutes, we arrived at a clearing. This, I was told, was where 10

LIVING IN SWITZERL AND

the children spent the morning. Here? I looked around. I don’t know what I was expecting. A little cabin? A slide, a seesaw or a swing-set? Toilets? But there were none of these; only a series of wooden stumps which formed a circle around a burnt-out fire pit. Sitting on these stumps, the kids took out their snacks and water bottles, and placed them on other stumps that served as tables. After their snack, they wandered around the clearing, balancing on fallen tree trunks, moving dirt with rakes the teachers had brought along, and turning over stones to look for earthworms. As the teachers began stacking the fire pit with broken branches, I was surprised to see three-year-olds collecting sticks and helping to start the fire. “Have you ever had any accidents?” I asked, keeping one hand firmly on my son’s chest as he enthusiastically thrust dry wood into the flames. “Not in the twenty years since we began,” I was reassured. Throughout the morning, I watched kids using a saw to cut creases into branches, play too close to the fire, and take turns with an activity involving a real metal hammer and nails. As I recalled every baby-proofing advice I had ever received back home, it became clear I was in a very different world now. The funny thing was, although I was completely out of my comfort zone,

I knew I wanted this for my son. The baby-proofed, structured and didactic environment he would have had in a kindergarten in Mexico seemed lackluster in comparison. There was something alluring and refreshing about these toddlers being given the freedom to make their own playground, literally out of sticks and stones.

. Read the full article on

helloswitzerland.ch/ waldkindergarten

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lourdes Treviño grew up in Mexico, went to college at the University of Pennsylvania, in the United States, and lived in Switzerland for six years. She is an independent educational consultant and a mother of three wonderful and demanding boys. She loves to read, write, cook, travel and spend time outdoors with her husband and kids.

FE AT UR ED PAR TNER : HE A LT H

DO YOU NEED TO SEE A SPECIALIST DOCTOR? Hirslanden’s dedicated team for international residents will help Provided by: Hirslanden

Are you a foreigner in Switzerland and need to see a specialist doctor? Hirslanden will help you quickly and efﬁciently. What do you do when you need to see a specialist doctor? There are so many doctors in Switzerland. How can you judge their experience and decide which one is right for you? For minor interventions, this might not be an issue, but for complex surgeries or treatments, your doctor’s expertise and know-how, as well as that of the entire medical team, matters immensely. If you’re registered with a GP in Switzerland, then they will usually recommend a specialist for you. If you’re looking for options, if you need a second opinion or if you simply prefer to go directly to some of the best doctors in the country, here’s how Hirslanden can help.

What Hirslanden will do for you When you contact Hirslanden’s dedicated team for international residents, this is what you can count on: • No language barriers. Hirslanden will recommend a specialist who speaks your language or a language you feel most comfortable with. • You’ll have fast access to highly qualified specialist doctors. Hirslanden will schedule your consultation as

quickly as possible, so you don’t have to wait for months to see a specialist. • You’ll find a specialist doctor who’s right for you from among Hirslanden’s network of over 3,000 highly qualified and experienced doctors. • If no physical examination is needed, or medical equipment, you can schedule a telemedicine consultation and talk to your doctor on Skype. • Hirslanden can arrange for a second opinion consultation, especially recommended for complex medical conditions. • First-class medical care, leading diagnosis capabilities and state-of-the-art treatment. 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

in an interdisciplinary manner involving doctors from other fields, if necessary. . GET FIRST-CLASS MEDICAL CARE With 17 top-class hospitals throughout Switzerland and a network of over 3,000 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 in an interdisciplinary manner involving doctors from other fields, if necessary.

Living

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

helloswitzerland.ch/offers

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 13

EVENTS

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

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO LEARN YOUR LOCAL SWISS LANGUAGE Get professional language training from Berlitz Provided by: Berlitz

Switzerland is quite a particular country when it comes to language learning. Most people expect the Swiss to be ﬂuent in English, which is seldom the case. Find out why you should learn your local Swiss language. In Switzerland, business may be done in English, but everyday life runs in the local language of your area.

Don’t underestimate language learning Most foreigners in Switzerland are certain they can get by with a little bit of picked up German or French and a lot of English. Picking up a language, without having a solid knowledge of grammar is simply not effective. You might be able to handle simple situations, but you won’t make a good impression on your Swiss acquaintances and you’ll miss a lot of what’s going on.

Here’s why you should learn your local Swiss language You might say, ‘But I’m only staying in Switzerland for a short time, what’s the point?’ Here are a few important reasons why it’s still worth learning your local Swiss language: • Swiss people know at least two Swiss languages, but not many speak English

• You’ll need to understand your kids, especially if they go to public school • It’s an amazing advantage to practice a language where it is spoken • Swiss people absolutely love it when you speak their language • You’ll need it for your C permit in case you want to settle here

Professional language training is a must 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.

It’s all about gaining the confidence to speak Not many language schools can claim to offer guaranteed results. With the exception of Berlitz. Their proprietary full-immersion method focuses less on acquiring grammar skills out of context, (so there’ll be no mindless repeating of

phrases you have no use for in real life) and more on putting those grammar skills in daily-life context and developing your conversation skills.

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.

Living

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

helloswitzerland.ch/offers

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 URED 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 CoFounder, explains why this is the best mobility solutions for expats. How does the subscription work?

Why is it so great for foreigners living in Switzerland?

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.

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.

‘Everything’ meaning what exactly? Everything is included except fuel or charging, and that means: insurance, taxes, service & maintenance, cantonal registration, tires, first toll sticker and a fuel or a charging card for electric cars. 16

MOBILIT Y

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.

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

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 it.

What do I have to worry about? Nothing, everything will be taken care of. You only have to refuel or charge your car yourself. And clean it from time to time.

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 subscription for your mobility needs.

Living

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

helloswitzerland.ch/offers

FE AT URED PAR TNER : EDUC AT ION

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

SIS Swiss International School is a bilingual education pioneer. We are fully committed to consistent and genuine bilingual classroom instruction in English and German from kindergarten to primary school and through to secondary and college level. A Bilingual Immersive Approach English and German play equal roles in school communication at SIS – in the classroom and in all parts of day-today school life. Children learn English and German through immersion. This immersion method of language learning and instruction by native speakers exposes students to the rational, emotional and cultural dimensions of the second language. As a result, children learn to express themselves naturally and confidently in both languages. Bilingualism is not a prerequisite for joining SIS at any level.

Pioneering Bilingual Education SIS schools are part of the SIS Group, a pioneer in the bilingual education arena since 1999, which consistently ensures high-quality standards. By catering to all education levels from kindergarten to college level (sometimes even under the same roof), SIS facilitates a seamless transition from one educational stage to the next in a familiar environment.

A range of events and activities, such as the SIS Cup (SIS’ International Sports Day), bring children from various countries, classes and ages together, creating a genuine sense of community, where students of all ages have the opportunity to learn from one another.

SIS Pfäffikon-Schwyz: A Home Away from Home At SIS Pfäffikon-Schwyz children and adolescents from preschool to secondary school live and learn together in German and English in a modern, well-equipped school building. The secondary school prepares the students for a bright future, with the possibility of transferring to SIS Zürich or SIS Basel’s Bilingual College, or joining the local system for the Swiss Matura or a demanding apprenticeship. “Besides the high academic performance at SIS Pfäffikon-Schwyz, the children and staff love coming to school. We have a strong and positive team, school and community spirit. The older children learn and develop the responsibility of being role-models to younger children

while the younger children can be inspired by the achievements and overall positive attitude of the older children,” explains Christian Rütti, Principal at SIS Pfäffikon-Schwyz. Join SIS’ diverse school community and learn more about the benefits of continuous, bilingual education.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE SIS TEAM OF EDUCATORS: 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 3,700 students attending classes from kindergarten through to college.

Living

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

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FE AT URED PAR TNER : IM M IGR AT ION

ALL QUESTIONS ON IMMIGRATION TO SWITZERLAND - ANSWERED Book an Immigration Case Assessment for CHF 99 Provided by: Sgier+Partner

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? Everyone’s immigration profile is different, and in Switzerland, there are a huge number of local complexities in the immigration system. Unlike neighboring EU countries, there is often no simple answer to immigration questions, especially if you do not hold a EU/EFTA passport.

Sgier+Partner is Switzerland’s leading immigration adviser Together with Sgier+Partner, Hello Switzerland has found a way to assist expats and would-be newcomers in the easiest, fastest way possible.

Immigration Case Assessment service for CHF 99 You can now get fast answers to all these questions related to immigration to Switzerland from Sgier+Partner. Book an Immigration Case Assessment for CHF 99 and get answers to all your questions about family reunion, immigration of unmarried partners, document requirements and much more.

Why you should work with an immigration specialist The preparation admin is all taken care of. You can upload the required documents at the same time you book the service on the Hello Switzerland website. That way, by the time you speak to the experts at Sgier+Partner, we will already have analyzed your case and can give you fast answers. Sgier+Partner’s team of experts boast together over 70 years of practical experience in Swiss immigration services and work permit management. They have successfully obtained over 35,000 work and residence permits for their clients. They know the processes of Swiss local and

cantonal authorities better than any other provider and can act quickly when it comes to getting your application processed. GET ANSWERS TO ALL IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS Sgier+Partner’s team is made up of experienced immigration specialists, legal staff and lawyers. The company is active all over Switzerland, with offices located in Zurich.

Living

Book Immigration Case Assessment Get answers to all questions on immigration to Switzerland

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LIVING IN ???????? ST YLE

21 17

FE AT URED PAR TNER : B A NKING SER V ICES

THE NINE PRINCIPLES OF OPTIMAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT How to have a successful stock market investment strategy

Provided by: Credit Suisse

Predictions are often overrated as a guide to investing successfully, and the key principles of successful investors are mostly underappreciated. That is why it’s worth restating the principles for a successful investment strategy on the stock market. These are the basic principles you should take into account for a successful investment strategy:

1. Markets are extremely efficient Knowledge of the markets should not be underestimated. As a general rule: When it comes to investments, modesty – not arrogance – is a better guarantor of happiness. This means that successful wealth management is based on thorough preparation and not on predictions.

2. There are no universal investment rules There is no single key to success on the financial markets. Because markets consist of people, and they follow their instincts, their knowledge, and their expectations. In the long run, markets create an equilibrium based on profits, balance sheets, valuations, and expectations – but short term everything

revolves around the question as to whether buyers or sellers prevail on a given day.

3. Performance comes from what you have Around 80% of investment success stems from choosing the right strategy – not from the right tactics. The things that matter in the long run are patience and a suitable investment strategy in particular. By contrast, realizing gains prematurely is perhaps one of the most common psychological traps for investors. Rather, they should feel free to let their winners work for them and not hesitate to dispose of losers in a dispassionate way. And the yardstick for success – is it really objective? Or sometimes subjective after all, perhaps? Is the purchase of a property only a success if its value increases? Or aren’t there other yardsticks? For many people, the yardstick for “value” is subjective. Is it only the performance of a safekeeping account in one tax year

that counts? Or does social impact count too? Should value and performance be measured over longer periods of time? Fully understanding these questions is crucial. Would you like to know the rest 6 principles? Read the rest on: credit-suisse.com/investbetter

Legal Notice: The reader acknowledges that the information provided in this publication is only intended for distribution and use by persons who are residents of Switzerland. In particular, it is not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by or for the offer or solicitation of any products or services directed to any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability, use, offer or solicitation would be contrary to applicable law or regulation or which would subject Credit Suisse to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction. Credit Suisse will not treat readers of this publication as its clients by virtue of them accessing it. Readers of this publication should seek the advice of their independent financial advisor prior to taking any investment decision on the basis of any information contained herein and no information herein constitutes general or specific investment, legal, tax or accounting advice of any kind, it is solely for marketing purposes. Copyright © Credit Suisse AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Living

Schedule an appointment at Credit Suisse Take control of your financial planning

FINANCIAL ADVICE

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

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

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR EXPATS How to select the best model for you Provided by: SWICA

Do you need to change your health insurance provider or your coverage type? Find out what your options are and how to choose what works best for you. If you’re an expat who’s been living in Switzerland for some time now, then you’re already with a Swiss health insurer. You also know quite a few things about Swiss health insurance. But there’s always more you can learn about this complex system.

How to choose between various insurance models Here are the main insurance models available, each with their pros & cons: The GP model, where you choose your GP from a list of doctors provided by your insurer. On the plus side, you will work with someone who knows your medical history. This is also a model with lower premiums. As a downside, you will always have to visit your GP first and hope they are not too busy to see you. If the GP cannot help you and refers you to a specialist, you’ll still have to pay for the consultation. The Free choice of doctor model, where you choose your doctor from your insurer’s directory. This independence comes at a cost, however, as this is one of the most expensive models. The Telmed model, where for any medical needs, you will first call your insurer and decide together the best course of action for you. On the plus side, you get instant medical advice from a health-care professional who

might be able to solve your health issues themselves or refer you to a doctor. As a downside, when you absolutely want to see a doctor first, calling your insurer is an extra step you are obligated to take. The HMO model, where you must contact a medical center approved by your insurer. As a plus, you have access to a group of certified doctors from various fields. Normally, this model comes with the highest premium discount. But you might not be treated by the same doctor every time, so you may have to retell your medical history every time you visit the medical center.

What to pay attention to when it comes to additional coverage When you choose a new insurer and your additional coverage, make sure you know the answers to these questions: • How good is your insurer’s customer service? How responsive are they? Is service available in English? • Does your insurer have a good online platform for claims and invoices? How fast do they reimburse? • Is all prescribed medication covered up to 90% of the costs, or are there restrictions? • Is treatment at a spa or wellness/ fitness center included in coverage?

• What is covered when travelling abroad? • Are emergency ambulance costs covered? • What costs are included for spectacles and contact lenses? • Which costs are covered for dental care? • Are extra charges likely to be incurred? • What specific treatments does this policy exclude?

. 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 copayments, and equal consideration of conventional and complementary medicine.

Living

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

16 24

LIVING EDUCATION IN ST YLE

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FEATURED PARTNER: INSURANCE

SECURE YOUR FUTURE IN SWITZERLAND Find out how with this free Insurance Check-in Provided by: Helvetia

Optimise costs, check for gaps in your insurance coverage and pension plans, get rid of unnecessary coverage, and ultimately save money. All in this free Insurance Check-in, over the phone, online or in person. Do you know what your income will be when you retire? As a foreigner in Switzerland, you will have missing years of contributions to your pension fund. You should start planning early for retirement if you’d like to enjoy the same level of income when you retire as during your professionally active years.

GET CONNECTED WITH SPECIALIZED INSURANCE ADVISERS FOR EXPATS:

Why should you book this free Insurance Check-in?

This is a great opportunity to pick an insurance expert’s brains for free so you can: optimise costs, check for coverage gaps, understand how to save money and plan for the future. Have a look at the list of topics you can choose to discuss during your consultation.

What you get during this Insurance Check-in: • A complete review of your current personal insurance set-up • Get advice on personal insurance products such as private liability, household insurance, car insurance • A crystal-clear view of which insurances are necessary for you and your family, potentially reducing your overall costs • Plan for the future to close the pension gap resulting from late arrival to Switzerland • Get a pension savings explanation and a free pension check • Get a health insurance situation review and explanation of additional coverage

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.

Optionally, if you’re looking to settle in Switzerland and buy property here, you might want to explore the following topics during the Insurance Check-in • Find out how mortgages work in Switzerland and understand which savings plans are best suited to saving for a mortgage down payment. • Get a detailed consultation on the Swiss Pension and Social Security System, including 3rd pillar pension system, savings, and survivor income protection.

Living

Request a free Insurance Check-in Get a full review of your insurance set-up

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Helvetia

NOW Insurance Check-in

Let an insurance expert take care of you Helvetia‘s expert advisers deal with international people on a regular basis and are uniquely specialized on advising newcomers and handling the intricacies of their relocation timelines. A top Swiss insurer, Helvetia was established in 1858 and now counts 80 agencies throughout Switzerland.

Always by your side

Exclusive Deal

TCS membership at

30%

HELLO SWITZERLAND DISCOUNT

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

Living

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

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