Each organisation offers a different refund policy. While Pegasos say they will only reserve €1500 of monies paid (for administration costs), Dignitas have been known to keep the entire deposit amount (CHF3000). Exit Member Troy Thornton had found out the hard way with the latter.
Switzerland remains the only place in the world where a foreigner can get help to die. However, travelling to a foreign country is never going to be everybody’s first option. Considerations include having to prove yourself sick enough to a doctor in order to qualify to get their help to die, not to mention the famous Swiss bureacracy, the travel and the expense.
Finally, there is the desolate location of each of the Swiss clinics. Be prepared for a distinct lack of snow-capped peaks, Swiss chalets and alphorns. Instead, get ready for utilitarian buildings in semi-industrial areas on the outskirts of the big cities. If you are wanting a beautiful vista in Swiss nature, you will be sorely disappointed. With these points in mind the romance of one last trip remains a pipe dream.
Exit’s 3D-printed Sarco aims to address both the issues of onerous medical involvement and location. Watch this space.