FAQ TytoHome
With SWICA TytoHome you receive medical support from the comfort of your own home. The telemedicine device enables you to carry out simple examinations yourself and send the results directly to the healthcare professionals at santé24. This allows you to get an expert opinion quickly – at any time of the day or night and without visiting a doctor’s surgery.
FAQ overview
Purchase and costs
Only one device can be bought per policyholder.
SWICA customers with a Favorit or BestMed plan can use the device and the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge, without no excess or deductible to pay. If using TytoHome means that you don’t have to consult a doctor, then you of course won’t have to pay the deductible on the doctor’s fees.
No, using TytoHome does not affect the insurance policies that you have taken out with SWICA. If you have taken out Favorit Casa insurance (general practitioner model), for example, your first point of contact will still be your GP. TytoHome and the santé24 telemedicine service represent a no-cost option that can be used, where appropriate, for a quick initial assessment.
Getting started
The package contains the device itself and three attachments (accessories) which allow a range of examinations to be carried out. The package also includes disposables such as earplugs and throat spatulas. To allow examinations to be carried out for both children and adults, the disposables are provided in two sizes.
To start using the TytoHome telemedicine device, first download the TytoCare app and the Benecura app from your app store. Once you have successfully logged into the Benecura app using your SWICA account, you can access the TytoHome telemedicine service without having to log in again. It is not possible to log in to the TytoCare app directly, nor is it necessary if you use Benecura. If you do not yet have a SWICA account, you can sign up for one on the Benecura app homepage.
Downloads
SWICA Benecura app
App Store Google Play
TytoCare app
App Store Google Play
No. The TytoHome package includes video tutorials and instructions which make it easy and safe to use the device. You can watch the video tutorials at any time in the TytoCare app.
Using the device
In principle, you can also use the TytoHome device offline, i.e. without connecting to the TytoCare app. Please note that in this case your examinations cannot be forwarded to the medical staff at santé24. We therefore recommend that you always use the TytoCare app and the TytoHome device together.
TytoHome can be used to make audio recordings of the heart, lungs and abdomen along with high-quality digital images and videos of the ears, throat and skin that can then be sent to santé24. It is also possible to measure heart rate and body temperature. You can also enter other information (e.g. weight) manually. You can then send the results of the examinations to the medical experts by text message or in the form of a short video recorded using a smartphone. A direct, app-based, face-to-face consultation with a doctor is also possible where medically indicated.
TytoHome is a compact, easily transportable device. Examinations can therefore be carried out regardless of where you are. All you need is a wifi or hotspot connection.
TytoHome can be used for children and adults of all ages. Anyone who has ever downloaded and used an app will also be able to use this app. However, there are a number of conditions for purchasing a device (see “What are the conditions for ordering a device?”)
TytoHome can be used by you and your family members. You decide which family members to set up as patients in the app. If you have any questions, please contact santé24. To allow examinations to be carried out for both children and adults, the accessories are provided in two sizes. Hygiene is ensured by means of disposables such as earplugs and throat spatulas, which can be cleaned with ordinary wet wipes/alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol).
TytoHome can be used on infants of all ages, but we recommend use from around the age of 12 months.
You can use the TytoHome device after you have logged into the Benecura app. In the Benecura app, you will find the link to TytoHome under “More services”. You can access the TytoCare app from there without having to log in again. The TytoCare app will be activated as soon as you accept TytoCare’s terms of use. You then connect the device to the TytoCare app via your private wifi network or a mobile hotspot.
Downloads
SWICA Benecura app
App Store Google Play
TytoCare app
App Store Google Play
For medical concerns, santé24 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on +41 44 404 86 86. In case of a medical emergency, please call the emergency number 144 or the emergency number of the country in which you are located immediately.
To reorder consumables such as earplugs and throat spatulas, please contact our technical helpline on +41 52 244 28 30 or send an email to tytohome@swica.ch. We will then provide you with new disposables and/or discuss the appropriate course of action.
The TytoHome device package includes a welcome letter from us with the required information and instructions.
iOS 13 (2019 version) or a more recent release is required to use Benecura.
Technical service
It can take up to a minute to establish the automatic connection to the TytoCare app. Alternatively, you can try using your mobile phone’s hotspot instead of wifi. If you are unable to connect, please call the technical helpline on +41 52 244 28 30 or write to us at tytohome@swica.ch.
It is not possible to log into the TytoCare app directly. The TytoCare app can only be accessed through Benecura. Once you are in the Benecura app, you can then jump directly into the TytoCare app.
Downloads
SWICA Benecura app
App Store Google Play
TytoCare app
App Store Google Play
Benecura is the central point of entry for accessing the services provided in many of SWICA’s digital applications. However, all you have to do is log into Benecura, and you will automatically have direct access to the TytoCare app.
Downloads
SWICA Benecura app
App Store Google Play
TytoCare app
App Store Google Play
Whenever an updated version of the software becomes available, you will receive a message when you use the device. You will then be prompted to install the updates. Once the updates are complete, you will be able to carry out further examinations. The TytoCare app will also be updated regularly. Since this usually occurs automatically, you won’t notice it (providing that you’ve set this up accordingly).
TytoHome has had FDA approval in the USA since 2016 and CE marking for use in Europe since 2018.
Data protection
Your data is sent to santé24 via an encrypted connection. The data is backed up to an Amazon cloud server in Ireland.
TytoCare provides the TytoHome device to SWICA and other international companies. For this reason, data is stored using Amazon’s global cloud solution.
The Swiss Data Protection Act is complied with at all times:
1) This means that only the patient and the medical experts at santé24 are able to view the examination data.
2) Neither SWICA nor TytoCare are able to view or access your medical data.
TytoHome contact
If you have any further questions that are not covered here, you can reach us on our helpline on +41 52 244 28 30 or email us at tytohome@swica.ch:
Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13.30 to 17:00 or
Friday from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13.30 to 16:00.
