Those who wish to become self-employed after a cancer diagnosis encounter invisible barriers in Switzerland. Insurers require a full disclosure of the medical history when signing a daily allowance insurance policy, even if the illness occurred years ago. As a result, these individuals have little chance of securing insurance coverage for their income. France, Italy, Spain, and other European countries have already resolved this issue through a law that guarantees a 'right to be forgotten.'
Federal Council rejects removal of barriers
National Councillor Benjamin Roduit submitted a corresponding motion in the winter session. It proposes to remove such barriers for cancer survivors in Switzerland as well. It demands that insured individuals should no longer have to declare pre-existing conditions after five years. Additionally, certain healthcare measures should also be exempt from this obligation. However, the Federal Council rejects the motion. This decision is all the more striking because the federal administration itself had identified gaps.
'For those affected, this situation is doubly challenging: Having already overcome the illness, they now face disadvantages when trying to build a new livelihood,' says Aline Descloux, Policy Specialist at the Cancer League Switzerland. Numerous reports illustrate how deeply people suffer from this inequality. These personal challenges ultimately burden the entire society. The prospects for employment diminish, affected individuals avoid medical visits for fear of disadvantage, and they face financial difficulties in the event of a relapse. This can lead to increased social assistance expenses and a heightened risk of poverty.
Contrary to certain concerns, insurers could still freely decide the conditions for concluding a contract. Their economic freedom would thus remain unaffected. The Cancer League, therefore, calls on Parliament to eliminate this invisible hurdle. Doing so would reward, rather than hinder, self-initiative towards employment.
Contact:
Media Office, Swiss Cancer League
Effingerstrasse 40
CH- 3001 Bern
T +41 31 389 94 01
media@krebsliga.ch
www.krebsliga.ch