Thanks for reading it ... I know with each written details would make it too lengthy. My spouse told me: you are making it look like scary process..!!


you too have a great life.

Thanks dear..

There is ofcourse variation in process for each countries, but i was surprise to know: why was it different within Swiss from Kanton-Kanton..!!

Anyways

Thanks again..

Thanks a lot for reading it...

Upcoming posts....


LEVEL 4: Getting a MEDICAL INSURANCE for 3008 Bern.

LEVEL 5: Learning German/ French @ Bern.

LEVEL 6: Getting a job as Resident Doctor in Kanton Bern/Swiss.

......

I am so sorry for interrupting my posts as I am on 2 month long vacation in Delhi, India for my sister's marriage.

Thanks for such an informative post.


I can also confirm that Zurich offered me the option for a translator, but it was not mandatory.


However they did highlight the importance of actually understanding the ceremony and so I suspect that is why they were keen to offer a translator (as they know it would be somebody good).

It was really a very nice post and it reminds our past, since my Husband is also an INdian and me being a Swiss.

Actually in Kanton Bern, translator service is not offered by Bern zivilstandamt but rather one has to arrange himself or herself.

Also, as I have mentioned, he/she should be unrelated to either of the marrying pair as we were also asked/confirmed also by the civil affairs officer over there.

Thanks a lot...

LEVEL 4: Getting a MEDICAL INSURANCE for Switzerland:

IT IS COMPULSORY TO HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE IN SWITZERLAND, if you want to live for short or long term.

It depends on your stay:
1. Short term= stay duration less than 3 months
2. Long term stay = more than 3 months

SHORT TERM STAY

For people visiting and staying for 3 months or less in Switzerland:

When you apply for Visa, you will be asked to get a TRAVEL INSURANCE from the insurance companies of origin country. They also provide you the list of recognised companies in your country. The prices varies according to the facilities. This must include also the accidental and medical coverage.

For Eg: I applied for visitor´s visa in 2003 in New Delhi. I had to take the travel insurance from TATA AIG. I applied online and got it on 3rd day. It costed me that time around 2500 INR for 1 month.

LONG TERM STAY

For people visiting and staying for more than 3 months in Switzerland:

Trust me: It is one of the most important thing to do in Switzerland and people waste a lot of money because they don`t know it or pay it without knowing it or they don`t want to know it because of its complexities.

Few FACTS about BASIC INSURANCE :

* There are more than 80 health insurance companies in Switzerland. All offers the same benefits/services in the Basic health insurance policies, as laid down in Health Insurance Acts/ KrankenVersicherungsGesetz (KVG).

*Health insurance Cos must admit anyone who applies for basic health coverage.

* Every individual in free to choose his insurance company and his policy.


*Services covered by BASIC HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY:

-Outpatient treatment: Treated by officially registered doctors
-Inpatient treatment: Treatment including your stay in the general ward (=shared roooms) of a hospital in your residing Canton. This hospital must be on an official list (hospital list).
-Emergency: Emergency treatment & contributions to transport & rescue expenses.
- Medicines Medicines & Lab. tests prescribed by the treating doctors & which are on the list (specialiseed medicines list & analysis list).
-Pregnancy & childbirth: Antenatal classes & check-ups, childbirth expenses, breastfeeding advice, abortions.
-Healthcare * Gynaecological check-ups
*Vaccinations
*check-ups for children by paediatrician before starting their school.
-Rehabilitation: IPD patients` rehab after an operation / serious illness, physiotherapy and Ergotherapy if prescribed by doctor.
Illness Abroad: Emergency treatment during short trips abroad (eg. while on holiday)
Alternative therapies: Anthroposophic therapies, homeopathy, neural therapy,phytotherapy & traditional Chinese medicine.

One can get more detailed info about each of these services from the insuring companies.

IS HEALTHCARE FREE OF CHARGE IN SWITZERLAND?

BIG NO..! You pay following things:

1. INSURANCE PREMIUMS:
You pay monthly premium for your health insurance coverage, even if you are healthy.
* The premiums are lower for children under 18.
*Most of the companies charges less from young adults (between 19-25 years).
* Above 25 are considered as adults & are charged same.
Insurance companies charges different premiums (= different range of prices) although the basic health coverage services are same (by all companies).


2. PATIENT'S CONTRIBUTION:
This is paid only when sick or hospitalised. They are:
2 a. ANNUAL EXCESS:
*This is the fixed amount, policyholder pays for medical expenses (doctor's fees, hospitals & medicines) for themselves.
*Minimum is CHF 300/year for adults (& max limit is 2500/year), if you get sick/hospitalised.
* There is no ANNUAL EXCESS for children.
* One can choose from an Annual Excess of CHF 300, 500, 1000, 1500,2000 and 2500.

*Insurance companies pays only after patient has crossed his EXCESS limit for any one particular year.

Important tips:
*If one has healthy life = s/he should choose his/her EXCESS of higher/highest amount (while taking the health insurance) = then his/ her monthly premium cost will reduce.
*If you have chronic illness, in which you need frequent medical help/ hospitalisation = s/he should choose his/her EXCESS of lower/lowest amount (while takingthe health insurance) = then his/ her monthly premium cost will be more.

2 b. DEDUCTIBLES:
This is the amount paid by policyholder for his for his medical expenses additional to his EXCESS.
This is 10% of medical bills but is limited to maximum of CHF 700 per year for adults and CHF 350 per year for children.

2 c. HOSPITAL COST:
In case of hospital stay, one has to pay a contribution towards hospital costs of CHF 15 per day.

Insurance policy's cost depends on:
* Company which one chooses: some companies have always higher costs for each policies by them
* Age of the person: younger have lower cost than adults
* Place of residence: policy costs varies from canton-canton.
* Annual Excess amount, which s/he chooses: higher the EXCESS amount, lower is the premium cost & vice-versa
* Accidental Insurance: Normally employed person(>8hrs/week) is covered by his employers for this.
* Model of Insurance service for first contact (to seek medical help/advice): see below for details


How to save money on monthly health insurance policy?
* Choosing the cheapest swiss insurance model: that is Telmed/telemedicine model in Switzerland. Other cheaper models are: Hausarzt/GP Model and HMO/Health centre Model.
*Increase your annual EXCESS, this lowers the monthly premium costs (see below).


INSURANCE MODEL:
Since the benefits covered under basic insurance are set out in the Health Insurance Act (KVG). This is why all benefits under any insurance model are identical with all health insurance companies.
This depends on, with whom (different types of medical help/advices) you contact with if you are sick. They are:

1. Standard Model:
The standard model is the statutory standard version of mandatory basic insurance. It is offered by all health insurance companies.
Pros:
*Free choice of doctors at all times
*You can go to a specialist directly
Cons:
*As this model grants free choice of doctors, it is the most expensive option compared to the other models.

2. Family doctor model – GP as first point of contact
Policyholders commit themselves to always consulting their fixed GP/family doctor in the event of illness.
The health insurance companies determine which doctors can be chosen by policyholders. These doctors are either affiliated to family doctor networks or independently practising physicians.
If medically necessary (decided by his GP/Hausarzt), he/she will refer the patient to a specialist in a hospital.
Pros:
Fixed point of contact for any health-related issues. (except emergencies)
Premium cost reduction of about 15 to 20 percent compared to the standard model
Cons:
*No free choice of doctors or specialists.
*Annual gynaecological check-up and regular eye examinations are exempt from this obligation.
*Emergencies are exempted from it but emergencies services can also be availed unce Accidental coverage/Unfallsversicherung.

3.HMO model (Health Maintenance Organisation)– A network of physicians

Policyholders commit themselves to always first consulting a doctor based at the HMO practice in the event of illness.
An HMO practice is a group practice including not only GPs but usually also specialists and therapists from various areas of medical specialisation.
Pros:
*Several medical specialists under one roof
*Fixed point of contact for any health-related issues. (except emergencies)
*Premium reduction of up to 25 percent compared to the standard model
Cons:
*No free choice of doctors or specialists.
*Annual gynaecological check-up and regular eye examinations are exempt from this obligation.
*Emergencies are exempted from it but emergencies services can also be availed unce Accidental coverage/Unfallsversicherung.

4. Telmed model – Preliminary consultation on the phone

For every newly appearing health problem, policyholders have to call a consultation hotline before consulting a doctor for the first time. There, medical experts give advice, make recommendations on how to behave or refer patients to a doctor, a hospital or a therapist.
Pros:
Medical advice around the clock
*Cheapest model
*Few restrictions as you are usually free to choose your doctor after the telephone consultation
*Premium reduction of about 20 to 25 percent compared to the standard model


Comparing Insurance policies:
* for english speakers: www.comparis.ch
* for german/french speakers (official website): www.praemiem.admin.ch

Every year premium amount fluctuates/changes, one can check and decide for next/ coming year.

Changing insurance company:
*Every company releases the premium plans (for each model) by October of every year. If your company has increased your premium then your registered letter to cancel your premium must reach them by 31st May or by 30th november at the latest.


THE BEST & SIMPLEST WAY TO GET CHEAPEST INSURANCE, which I had done is:
Step 1: Compare the different insurance policies/models of different companies (see above).
Step 2: Order it online every year,if you wish to change.

Dear drremobond007,

Many thanks for the post as it has helped me to understand the process. I come from Bihar, India and am a researcher by profession. My partner (Italian) holds C permit in Zurich Canton and has been working here for 8 yrs. We want to apply for the marriage visa and came across your post while looking for the required information.

I need clarification regarding legalisation of birth certificate which (earlier 3 steps) took 4.5 months for you to get it done. Would you mind clarifying if it was due to the bureaucratic attitude of the officials or was it the complicated process itself? Asking as we are going to apply for the marriage visa in the Delhi Embassy and follow the similar process you have shared.

Looking for your response.

Thanks!

Where are you getting married or got married? India, Switzerland or Italy?

Hallo simple_person,
We plan to get married in Switzerland.
Thanks.

Hi SuRoby,
Thanks for the kind words..
It was maximum time because of careless bureaucratic attitude & attestion at District level from SDO and in Patna. It took almost 4.5 months also because of National election ambience that time.

Also, I was unaware about the exact correct procedure & these locations.
The location of govt office of the concerned dept in Patna was changed (as mentioned in the post), which nobody knew in the Centeral sect. Jugad helped me then.

For Marriage visa procedure at Embaasy, you will also have to follow same procedures but in Kanton ZH, process can vary a little from Bern, which I have no idea.

Good luck for your marriage.

Dear drremobond007,

Thank you for the reply and the wishes. I understand how the system works there, especially during the election and all. I am thankful to you that at least I know the process due to your post. Lets see how my experience goes.

May the coming year brings lots of love, joy and happiness in your life!
Regards.

you said that they asked about "How, when and under what condition did you meet to your spouse?"
what your wife did wrote about that?
as i and my girl plan to get marry in Switzerland and we had never met before as we know each others by marriage website and we afraid that they refuse my visa.
i live now in Saudi Arabia and my girl lives in Switzerland.

You have never met her and want to get married? Yea sure, Swiss authorities will like that......... No, honestly, your chances of refusal are extremely high as they will think you only come here for the permit

Hi Tigerwood,

Regarding me and my spouse: Answers replied by my spouse were:
> how?: through internet/Skype
> When?: since Feb 2012 until applying for marriage.
> under what condition?: as friend, we chatted and our relationship developed further.

As I have also written in detail, we first met each other (in Person) through visit visas before marrying.
My spouse was also in India with me for 1 month in December 2013. I was in Switzerland for 1 month in October 2014 and We had holiday together to see if we really can be compatible or not.

I don't know about your situation exactly, but for me, I had to start my medical practice with PG Residency program also as resident doctor/Assistenzarzt in German here, which i was not sure then. So, to confirm all these dilemma, I had to decide (to be here for 1 month) and finalise before moving to Switzerland permanently.

My suggestions/ advices:
1. you both should meet first and live with each other for some time (like 1-2 month) to see if everything is well between both of you than to regret later.
2. Most important: If you plan to shift to Switzerland permanently, learn a Swiss language like German/French in Saudi Arabia, (depending where you will come). It will be easier for finding a job, if you can speak Swiss language, which I had also done before coming.

I guess, you already know it, English is not among Swiss language and not so helpful for job in Switzerland, unless, you work in a international or IT company etc.

I hope, your doubt is clear and wish you good luck for your marriage & future.

Thanks

Dr remo

thank you very much. I am on first level yet...
after some days I also have to fill in that questionnaire.as I dont speak German they told me to take someone who will help me to write. as I guess there are questions about me and my spouseright?about our plans and so on

Hi there,
Sorry about late reply..!
Yeah, you are right..! It just about your and your spouse's personal details .

Thanks and wish a successful life ahead.
Best regards
Remo

Hi Teenabels,

The process is successful if the lawyer/ representative from the embassy is convinced that your relationship is futuristically compatible one and not due to some other motives. As I have through the same process and already living in Bern city for last 3 years.
The whole process of Marriage visa should be almost 3 months including the query process from your spouse in Switzerland.

I hope that you would get the Visa and I know the waiting interval is a bit painful but that's how the embassy system works.

I wish you all the success in this process.

have a nice day
Dr R

Hi.I need some advice regarding this process. My partner is in India and we want to get married here because my family is here and we want to then live in Switzerland. The problem is -
His birth certificate was issued in Mumbai as he was born there so he needs to go to the home ministry in Mumbai for the attestation. But
He lives in Goa so his PCC and affidavit should go to the home ministry in Goa? He can't get a PCC from Mumbai since he doesn't live there.
Now we are getting really confused. Does any one out there have any experience with this?
Thanks for your help!

__________________
A valuable but incomplete strand of thought...

Hi Starbug,

I was in same situation as your partner (for details read my article for getting swiss marriage visa).
If his birth certificate is issued in Mumbai.. he has to get everything done in mumbai, not in Goa
Step1: if in Marathi or any one of 23 official indian languages (other than english), get a english TRANSLATed version of it. Get all the following attention only on English version.

Step 2: then he has to locate SDO- sub divisional officer of the district, from where it was issued. Get it attested there.

Step 3: get it attested/legalised from "Deputy Secretary Home" of the State, i.e Maharashtra.

Step 4: then infact ministry of external affairs of indian govt. will attest & apostole it. It has nothing to do with home ministry if he would applying for swiss marriage visa.


Now, coming to PCC.. ( it has nothing to do with birth certificate steps, if he already has it from Mumbai). It is issued where he is living currently and for more than 6 months. PCC is of two types in India:
1. Issued by MEA. It is useless if applying for swiss visa.

Type2: from local police station i.e from Goa, i did it online from Delhi police. It is the one needed for swiss visa and get it issued with possibly current date when applying for visa.

Have a nice weekend

Bye

oh I just saw the message, Im so sorry because Im helpless, I dont know what should be done . Probably you have to ask authorities, its a bit complicated for me to say anything
I hope you have already found some solutions