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HEALTH

Newly released figures show Switzerland is flattening the coronavirus curve

New coronavirus infections in Switzerland have reached their lowest levels in more than two months.

Published: 5 May 2020 18:46 CEST
Newly released figures show Switzerland is flattening the coronavirus curve
Coronavirus testing in northern Italy. Photo: Marco BERTORELLO / AFP

On Tuesday, May 5th, there were a total of 28 new infections in Switzerland. It marks the first time that fewer than 50 new infections have been recorded in total across the country since March 5th, while it is the lowest daily total since March 4th. 

 

 

There were 76 infections recorded by the Federal Office of Public Health from Sunday to Monday, compared with 76 from Saturday to Sunday. 

In addition, new figures from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office have shown declining mortality in all but one region across the country. 

Looking at figures from late April, the Federal Stats Office compared usual mortality rates for over 65s to those this year. 

Given the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and difficulties testing the deceased, this has been considered a helpful metric in determining the true impact of the virus – while also providing a base of comparison with other illnesses such as the seasonal flu. 

In Switzerland’s seven major regions, the death rates were within the annual projections for this time of year in all but two: the Lake Geneva and Ticino regions. 

Although the rates were higher than the yearly average in these two regions, the data showed they were decreasing. 

Experts have greeted the news as a sign the country’s lockdown measures have been working, although they have indicated the country must proceed with caution in winding back lockdown restrictions. 

READ: Experts warn of second coronavirus wave in Switzerland

International Hand Washing Day

Tuesday was also International Hand Washing Day, with FOPH spokesman Daniel Koch releasing a video in English while challenging several others to follow suit. 

 

 

Alongside Health Minister Alain Berset, Koch has been at the forefront of Switzerland’s daily press briefings on the battle against the coronavirus. 

 

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HEALTH

How can a foreign resident apply for Swiss disability insurance?

This particular benefit is part of the compulsory social insurance scheme for all persons living in Switzerland — including foreign citizens.

Published: 17 June 2024 13:53 CEST
How can a foreign resident apply for Swiss disability insurance?

Disability insurance (DI), also known in Switzerland as ‘invalidity’ insurance, may sound as though you have to be physically handicapped in order to be eligible to receive this benefit.

But that is not so.

It is intended to replace lost income if you can’t work for long periods of time due to health problems — whatever the type of your ailment.

According to a government brochure on this subject, “the law defines invalidity as a total or partial incapacity to work or inability to perform previous tasks. The reason for the invalidity must be an impairment of physical, mental or psychological health that cannot be overcome with medical treatment and reintegration measures. Possible causes of the health impairment are a congenital infirmity, an illness, an occupational disease or an accident.” 

Are foreigners eligible for this insurance?

Everyone working Switzerland, regardless of the nationality, is insured for DI when they pay their compulsory social security contributions.

Note, however, that you will be entitled to draw full amounts (read more about this below) only if you contribute into the social security scheme from the time you turn 21 without any gaps.

You will receive these payouts for as long as you remain in Switzerland

However, if you move away, there will be some differences  based on whether you come from the EU / EFTA states (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or a third country.

Nationals of  EU / EFTA have the same DI rights as Swiss citizens — they will continue to receive the benefits even if they move back.

But if you come from elsewhere, benefits may be limited once you return to your country of origin, if that country doesn’t have a social security agreement with Switzerland.

How can you apply for these benefits?

In order to receive the DI, you will first need to complete an application form for IV/AI benefits (form available in German, French and Italian).

You will have to provide various documents, including medical certificates and other relevant paperwork detailed in the form that will allow authorities to determine whether you are eligible to receive disability  in the first place and, if so, how much (see below).

It is in your interest to register as soon as possible.

If you wait too long, your benefits may be reduced.

How much can you expect to receive?

These payments are intended to cover your essential needs, so don’t expect huge amounts.

The benefits are determined by two factors: your average salary before you become disabled, as well as the degree of your disability, which will be determined by health professionals designated by your social security office.

Logically, the more (and longer) you earned and contributed into the system, the more you will receive.

Generally speaking, the lowest possible full DI pension is currently 1,225 Swiss francs per month.

The highest is 2,450 francs per month — if  you earned 86,040 francs or more per year and you have paid uninterrupted contributions from age 21.

What if these amounts are not enough for you to live on?

In this case you could receive supplemental benefits at a level considered adequate to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Whether or not you are eligible for these benefits depends on your combined income and your personal wealth. You can only receive supplemental benefits as long as you live in Switzerland, though — unlike the basic DI, they are not transferable abroad.

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