Relocating to a new country comes with its fair share of questions—and securing the right insurance coverage is often at the top of the list. To help expats better understand the Swiss insurance landscape, we spoke with Marcus Vinti, Head of Expat Services at Helvetia, one of Switzerland’s leading insurance providers.
With years of experience supporting international clients, Marcus shares his expert insights on health insurance, common pitfalls to avoid, and the growing importance of tailored solutions for globally mobile individuals and families. Whether you’ve just arrived in Switzerland or are planning your move, this interview is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.
At La Relocation Group, we work closely with trusted partners like Helvetia to ensure that every aspect of your relocation—insurance included—is handled with care, clarity, and confidence.
Interview with Marcus Vinti, Head of Expat Services at Helvetia
Marcus, could you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to lead the Expat Services division at Helvetia?
I grew up in Rome, Italy, and moved to Switzerland at the age of 16. In the late 1990s, I had the opportunity to work in the UK, where I stayed for 11 years. After returning to Switzerland, following my role in business development at a Big Four firm in the UK, I decided to gain experience in a different industry. I chose to become an insurance consultant, supporting international professionals in navigating the complex world of insurance.
Over the years, I worked with several insurance companies and eventually joined Helvetia, which has a dedicated team for expat clients. Since 2020, I have been leading the Helvetia Expat Consultant Community in the Swiss Market.
What inspired you to focus specifically on the expat community within the insurance sector?
Having been an expat myself, I understand how challenging it can be to settle in a new country and navigate unfamiliar topics such as insurance. That’s why it feels natural for me to work in a field where my team and I can support international professionals and help them feel at home when it comes to insurance matters.
Many expats are surprised by the complexity of Swiss health insurance. What are the main things they should keep in mind?
In some countries, health insurance is provided by the government, but in Switzerland is provided by private companies. You can choose the insurance and coverage that best fits your and your family’s needs.
It is important to know that you have three months to take out the mandatory basic health insurance. If you miss this deadline, you may have to pay a fine. You can take the supplementary insurance if you wish later.
Coverage is standardized by law – all insurers offer the same basic benefits. Premiums vary by insurer, canton, and chosen deductible (franchise).
Even if you have not signed a contract, you are covered by basic health insurance, which means, if you sign up after two months, you will have to pay the premiums retrospectively even if you have not used the services.
Your employer is responsible for providing accident insurance. If you work more than 8 hours per week, this also covers accidents that occur during your free time.
Can you explain the difference between basic and supplementary health insurance, and when it makes sense to consider both?
The basic insurance guarantees access to essential medical services, but its coverage is limited. For example, hospital stays are usually in a general ward (shared rooms, treatment by the doctors on duty).
To extend your coverage, you can add supplementary insurance either at the same time or later. While it is not compulsory, it is highly recommended, as it offers significant benefits, such as: Semi-private or private hospital rooms, The right to choose your doctor or specialist in hospital, Maternity extras (e.g. birthing centers, private rooms)
Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurance requires you to complete a health questionnaire. Depending on your health status, coverage may be denied, or you may only be accepted at a higher premium. The basic insurance, however, is available to everyone without restrictions or medical checks.
From your experience, what are the most common mistakes expats make when setting up their insurance in Switzerland?
Delaying health insurance: Many expats wait too long to sign up, underestimating the time needed for consultations and to choose the right coverage.
Overlooking liability and household insurance: Private liability insurance is mandatory for most rental contracts, yet many delay signing up for it, or for household and legal protection insurance—often only realizing its importance after a claim, when it’s too late.
Relying solely on employer coverage: Many assume that employer-provided death or disability insurance is sufficient, which is not always the case.
Ignoring the Swiss social security system (3-pillar system): A lack of proactive engagement in understanding investments, retirement savings, and coverage in case of disability or death can leave significant gaps.
Not reviewing the pension certificate: Many expats do not fully understand the coverage stated in their pension certificate, missing important details about their benefits and potential gaps.
How does Helvetia tailor its insurance services specifically for international professionals?
Helvetia has a dedicated team of experts that has been advising international professionals and their families in Switzerland for many years. They understand the unique needs and challenges expats face and explain insurance in a clear and simple way.
Using a customer journey approach, we guide our client’s step by step through the different life stages of their stay in Switzerland, helping them identify which insurances are most relevant at each stage.
With our 360° consultation, we cover all essential topics, including: Household, private liability, and car insurance, the Swiss 3-pillar savings and pension system, support for home ownership such as mortgages from various providers as well as tailored solutions for expats setting up their own business, such as pension plans and related insurances.
We provide consultations in some cases also prior to arrival in Switzerland.
How important is the role of relocation partners like La Relocation Group in helping expats manage their insurance responsibilities?
Providing a reliable insurance partner to their clients, is one of the important steps during the settling process. Someone who helps their customers efficiently find the most suitable coverage and supporting in case of a claim.
We are pleased to support La Relocation clients from their arrival and throughout their stay, helping in person, online, by email, or by phone, depending on the client’s wish.
We are very motivated to work with La Relocation Groupo professionals.
A Partnership Built on Clarity and Trust
Navigating insurance in Switzerland doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With partners like Helvetia and La Relocation Group, expats gain peace of mind knowing that both the practical and personal aspects of their move are managed with expertise, transparency, and genuine care.
From choosing the right coverage to understanding the Swiss system, you’re never alone in this process, accompanied by your dedicated Relocation Manager.
If you’re planning your move to Switzerland or have recently arrived, contact us to discover how our tailored services—and our trusted partners—can make your transition effortless and secure.