AFS provides secondary medical coverage to ensure that all AFS participants receive prompt, suitable, and comprehensive medical treatment in the event of an emergency or illness while on an AFS program. Although the AFS Participant Medical Plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, it will cover treatment for any illnesses or injuries that occur while abroad. We recommend that AFS participants maintain their primary insurance, in addition to having AFS’s secondary medical coverage while abroad.
Global Medical Management Inc. (GMMI) is the medical claims administrator for the AFS Participant Medical Plan. In accordance with the AFS Participation Agreement, which all parents/guardians and participants sign, the AFS Participant Medical Plan provides secondary coverage for participants while they are on the AFS program. This means that AFS will pay for medical expenses up front to ensure that the appropriate care or treatment is provided in a timely manner. After these expenses are settled, AFS will try to recover these expenses from primary insurance sources such as private or national health plans. This helps AFS to keep medical costs down while providing a comprehensive coverage plan for the majority of participants who are not covered under any other health insurance. The AFS Participant Medical Plan is ultimately responsible for medical expenses if not reimbursable through a primary policy.
The terms of the Participant Medical Plan are outlined in the Participation Agreement (form #10 of the full application) and in the AFS-USA booklet entitled “AFS Participant Medical Plan.” Participants and parents/guardians should be sure to review the Participation Agreement and the AFS Medical Plan Information booklet. The Medical Plan booklet is mailed to participants when their applications are sent abroad for review.
The national office of the hosting partner determines how claims will be handled in that country. This information is available to US participants and host families abroad.
Supplemental Plan
In addition to the coverage described above, AFS also provides Supplemental Insurance coverage for AFS participants through ACE American Insurance Company, which is in effect for all AFS participants currently on AFS programs.
The supplementary insurance program offers five kinds of extended benefits to cover some instances that may not be included under the Participant Medical Plan that can be helpful when illness or injury happens during travel.
These benefits include Permanent Disability, Emergency Reunion, Trip Interruption Benefit, Emergency Dental, and “Tail” Medical Coverage.
The full details of the Supplemental Insurance Coverage Benefits are located at the back of the Medical Plan booklet, provided to all AFS Participants.
