I have also found many Swiss happy to help, in particular I have an amazing (Swiss) colleague who always makes time for me when I haven't been able to find the answers myself and takes the time to explain lots of background information in general, which I really appreciate. Maybe I have just been very lucky in where I work and live but this has been my experience. Don't give up speaking to people and you'll soon come across some people who'll help out.

Not true with all insurance companies! I asked one insurer and they came back to me stating they were only required to give me the information in one of the 4 official languages of which English is not. Obviously I looked for another company to accommodate my uni-lingual requirements.

INstead of just getting a contract from one copany, have you got an insurance broker nearby, who speaks English, and can do the comparisons and advise you as to which policy will be best for you? (We have a good one here in Basel.)

Whatever you do, do not sign anything without understanding the whole, every single word..been in sticky situations with that before. Even just knowing the general gist of the contract may cause you trouble in the end...finding someone to help is tricky, sad about that, if you need some translating, I have a friend that helps me with that...though if it is someone near you who can read it out to you right there is better...

Thanks all. I appreciate all the observations, suggestions and offer of assistance. My attitude needed an adjustment and I am working on it.

I am very glad for the forum and the support!