Does anyone know the pros and cons of the 2 systems?

Which would have the greater benefit if you pay into your pension maybe 10-20 years max, no previous pension and which would better if you had to retire early due to medical reasons?

I have googled and googled and not figured out the answer.

No idea, except you don't retire due to medical reasons.....

If you are unable to continue working due to medical reasons and have not reached retirement age, then you would be paid a invalidity pension of some sort not a retirement pension. Perhaps that is why Google is not working it's magic.

Well yes I understand the difference but it's still a way "retired" as in no longer working.

No, it's different from being retired, and may not even last until retirement.

My wife was on AI for a few years, but no longer is, for example.

Anyway, it has nothing to do with what one has paid into their pension.

Tom

So if you have to stop working early due to chronic illness it could be you are only able to claim for a few years?

Depends on the insurance attached to the policy, in CH quite a chunk of 'investment' is 'wasted' on insurance & not invested, if you claim on the insurance you win big time.

It depends on how your situation is re-evaluated, which it will be every so often.

I.e. a decision for/against isn't for life, and can be changed at any moment.

Tom