Swiss Option for Exit Members

Special Swiss Help for Exit Members

For anyone who has ever applied for a VAD at any of the clinics in Switzerland, you will know that there is a ton of bureaucracy that goes along with the ‘Swiss option’.

The Swiss authorities demand an inexhaustive list of personal and public documents (eg. birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates). Some documents need to be the originals, re-issued no more than 6 months ago. Some documents need to be certified by a public notary.

Medical records are also required. Psychiatric reports will be required if the person has a psychiatric or neurological condition.

This includes diseases such as ALS/ MND, Parkinsons and MS, even though these conditions do not normally impact a person’s mental capacity.

David Goodall arriving in Basel Switzerland, being met by Exit director, Philip Nitschke. David was accompanied by Exit nurse, Carol O’Neil.

Application Assistance Program

The proper compilation of the paperwork described above takes time and know-how.

For those who do not have a family member or friend to help them: someone who is Internet savvy and who knows which government departments need to be approached for which paperwork and can follow-up all the loose ends, Exit is able to step in to help.

Please note, the service described below requires an experienced consultant and this consultant charges Exit for this service.

The Application Assistance Program (AAP) is exclusive for Exit Members.

This assistance program includes but is not limited to: website application, identification of government agencies, assistance with document certification, document advice, review, collation and travel and accommodation advice and assistance (inc permits, visas etc).

The AAP involves the consultant’s continual real-time liaison with the relevant organisation: in short, the Assistance Program covers every part of the administration process that is required in order to secure the ‘Green Light’ of approval.

Fees apply for this service. Please email Exit for details.

Note – Exit is unable to guarantee an applicant the Green Light of approval. If Exit considers that the person is unlikely to obtain a green light, this will be stated at the outset of the process.

Sam Lara and Henny the dog at the clinic after the death of Laura Henkel, in December 2019. Sam would go on to make the documentary Laura’s Choice with her mother Cathy Henkel.

Identification Assistance Program

Swiss regulations require that everyone who dies in Switzerland can be lawfully identified. This can be done in 2 principal ways.

Firstly, the person can be identified by a family member or friend who is present. Directors of Exit can also undertake this task. This is valuable to those who are traveling alone to Switzerland.

Fees apply for this service. Please email Exit for details.

Secondly, a person can be identfied by their medical records. The VAD organisation in question can advise further on the type of dental records required (along with their verification). Additional fees are charged for this service by the organisation concerned.