Health Insurance Info/Recycling Info/Driver's License

Compilation of information I'm finding on various websites and lists...just trying to get it all in one easy access point, and if someone else finds it helpful, all the better.

Also, remember to go to the local canton DMV and get a Swiss driver's license sometime during the first few months.

Health Insurance
Contact the Independent Insurance Center (Neutrales Versicherungs Center) at www.nvc.ch. They have offices in Basel, Zurich & Bern. If you meet with them in person and explain what you want to spend, and what you would like to get for your money, they will provide you with detailed, simple to understand and immediate advice. All at no cost (at least it was free advice a few years ago) They work together with all insurance agencies in Switzerland and are constantly updating their database to offer the best price from the best insurers. I have been told that they have some kind of a deal with these agencies which provide their people with a lower rate. (I think it works somehow like a group rebate) (from Robin on Positivelyswiss)

Recycling
Abfuhrplan or Abfallplan available from the local Kreisburo or Gemeinde (town hall).
"To make things easier for yourself try buying items with the minimum of packaging or return packaging material to the place of purchase (Migros has collection bins for example). Many shops have collection points for used batteries. Buy refillables such as cleaning, household products. Newspapers, magazines and bundles of old paper should be tied into bundles for collection. Cardboard, too, should be tied into bundles for collection which may take place in certain communities only. If you find that your area does not provide cardboard collection, you will have to take it to your local recycling centre. Garden waste such as grass clippings, branches, hedge clippings etc. are normally collected once a week during the summer months and must be placed in green containers or tied in bundles for collection at the regular curbside collection point. Bagging is not allowed. Glass jars and bottles should be taken to the designated collection points and separated by color. Small metal items are normally collected at the same location as glass. Cans and tins should be clean with the labels removed. Plastic beverage bottles marked PET on the bottom should be returned to the place of purchase, where you will find a special bin. Some bottles may be returned for the deposit and the value will be marked on the label. No other plastics are accepted and also no PET vinegar or cooking oil bottles can be returned." (from Robin on Positivelyswiss)