FAQs

Since 2019, the Pegasos Swiss Association has been working to ensure that adults capable of judgement can exercise their right to a self-determined, dignified death. Contrary to recent rumors (June 2025), our services remain fully operational. If you have any further questions, please contact us directly.

The best way to communicate with Pegasos is by email. You can reach us at contact@pegasos-association.com. Kindly be aware that phone communication is not possible until your application has been approved.

No, Pegasos operates only in Switzerland. This is because Pegasos is governed by the legal jurisdiction of Switzerland.

Yes. Under Swiss law, assisted dying is lawful if the person who wants assistance to die possesses decision-making capacity and has ‘control’ over his/her death and the motives of those assisting are not selfish.

More information on Swiss Law & Requirements.

At Pegasos we philosophically believe that no one should be prevented from a VAD with us, simply because they lack the financial resources. Pegasos hopes that in the future we will be in a position to provide financial aid to those who would otherwise be unable to avail our service.

We have dissolved the previous connections because of differences of opinion.

The device is an interesting idea. However we favor assisted dying methods that allow patients to be closely accompanied by family and friends.

Please refer to the VAD Procedure page for complete details. If you are considering a VAD at Pegasos you need to:

• Create a login here. You have the option to become a supporter.
• Log in at the site & apply online for a VAD. You will be able to save your application as you go. No need to complete it all at once.

Yes, you can log in to your private account at any time to edit or add your personal details.

To cancel your information or VAD application, please email us at contact@pegasos-association.com

Careful review is always required prior to approving VAD application. Please email us to get a more specific timeline when you apply.

Pegasos requires that you inform your family at some point, even if you know that they will not be supportive. If you have concerns regarding this, please email us. Discussing your plans with family members may lead to people saying what needs to be said before you go. This helps bring closure and is infinitely better than leaving a life unspoken for and full of regret.

No, Pegasos has no required wait period. However, it is important to remember that the Swiss State requires a certain number of officially-certified documents. It can take some time for these to be compiled and please plan accordingly.

Similar to other Swiss VAD services, the cost for a VAD at Pegasos is approximately CHF10,000. This covers paperwork, consultations, the VAD appointment (including drugs), cremation, and the couriering of ashes. Please be aware that this is an estimate, and the actual cost may vary based on the level of review and approval needed from external Swiss medical consultants for your medical documents. VAD cost is paid in 2 installments. The first (called the deposit) when you apply for a VAD. The second needs to be paid when you are ready to schedule your VAD date.

Pegasos accepts applications from people worldwide.

While it is not necessary to be terminally ill to be accepted for a VAD at Pegasos, careful review is always required in order to accompany people on their last journey.

At Pegasos we accept applications from adults over the age of 18 years only.

There is no definitive answer to this question. An individual medical assessment is always required.

Pegasos welcomes as many family members and friends as a person wishes to bring. There is no limit on numbers and our facility is large enough to accommodate everyone.

Of course, all pets are very welcome. Pegasos staff all own (or have owned) cats, dogs and other pets throughout their lives. We are animal lovers!

For legal reasons, everyone who comes for a VAD at Pegasos must have someone known to them who is able to confirm the patient’s identity after VAD (by co-signing a paper together with the MD) for the Swiss authorities.

Traveling alone: This must remain the absolute exception. Please make sure you can bring someone with you.

Of course, as natives of Basel, we are very happy to make travel recommendations. Please note that we will let you know which hotel we need you to stay in, to make the MD-visit possible. Please visit this page for some travel tips and links. Travel Tips

Pegasos uses the intravenous method of Nembutal administration. This involves having a cannula inserted into one's arm and a solution of the lethal drug fed into your body from a 'line' that is controlled by a 'tap'.

After the sodium pentobarbital starts flowing intravenously, the person goes to sleep within a minute and dies quickly afterwards.

At our clinic, we have highly skilled medical professionals, who will set up the intravenous line. In any case, you will be able to open the IV yourself. A special device we developed makes it also possible for quadriplegics to open the IV themselves.

Of course. Pegasos is linked to Spotify so we can easily connect to our speaker to play your favourite music. Alternatively, you could bring your favorite CD, a file on a USB stick or even a cassette.

After your VAD, Pegasos will call the authorities who will attend our clinic. These officials will be friendly and very sensitive to the fact that you have just lost someone you loved very much.

Once the formalities are complete, the accompanying persons receive their passports back and are free to leave.

Approximately 10 days later, your urn will be ready to be picked up from our funeral director or sent to the recipient of your choice.