Cancer and Daily Allowance Insurance: Invisible Barriers to Accessing Individual Private Insurance

Many people who have survived cancer or live with a chronic illness still want to actively contribute to society. Their reintegration into work and financial security are of central importance.

While initial illness or accident cases are generally well covered, relapses or chronic conditions often lead to rejections or very restrictive insurance conditions. This issue particularly affects the self- employed, employees of small companies, single individuals, and part-time workers - people whose income directly depends on their ability to work.

A Swiss approach to the 'Right to be Forgotten' for oncological cases

In several European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, the 'Right to be Forgotten' allows former cancer patients not to disclose their medical history after a certain period. Switzerland does not have such a right. The Swiss Cancer League therefore recommends legally anchoring a time limitation on the duty to disclose in individual private daily allowance insurance policies. National Councilor Benjamin Roduit intends to submit a motion on this in the winter session.

Health questionnaire: a targeted measure for more equal treatment

This motion calls for a targeted adjustment to the Insurance Contracts Act: The obligation to disclose medical pre-existing conditions should be limited to five years, and medical measures that maintain health and working capacity should be excluded from risk assessment. This specific measure requires no system change and would strengthen equal opportunities in accessing daily allowance insurance - benefiting individuals, employers, and society as a whole.

Little data, but many testimonies

In Switzerland, fragmented responsibilities among authorities and institutions make data collection on invisible barriers due to medical history difficult and complex. According to the BAG report of April 5, 2024, on motion 21.4209, about 80,000 people have taken out individual daily allowance insurance. It is unknown how many individuals are excluded from these policies due to pre-existing conditions or accident-related health impairments. Testimonies from those affected show that these barriers are real. According to postulate 24.3465, these individuals have lesser chances in the job market. Fearing disclosure obligations, they hesitate to seek medical help or risk losing their livelihood in the event of a relapse. These situations contribute to rising social security costs and an increase in the risk of poverty.

Contact

Press Office Swiss Cancer League
Effingerstrasse 40
CH-3001 Bern
T +41 31 389 93 31
media@krebsliga.ch
www.krebsliga.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.