The following updates relate to the AFS insurance policy. Host families in the U.S. and natural sending families will receive an email this week notifying them of these updates.
1. INBOUND-RELATED UPDATES (RELEVANT TO HOST FAMILIES IN THE U.S.)
NEW AFS INSURANCE PROVIDER
Effective January 1, 2018, Europ Assistance Ireland Branch (EAIB) serves as the underwriter for the AFS Travel Medical Insurance and Berkley Accident & Health for the 7 Additional Benefits.
There are no changes to the claims process and Global Medical Management Inc. (GMMI) remains the AFS Third Party Administrator handling claims and responding to eligibility questions.
The changes are minor, primarily establishing the industry standard limit for therapies, and stricter application of existing policy regarding surgery. These are:
- Psychological counseling is now limited to 12 sessions.
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy is now limited to a combined total of 12 sessions.
- Orthopedic Surgery for situations which do not require immediate attention is not covered. Medical necessity is determined by GMMI in consultation with the attending physician and AFS.
- In the US, any surgery is expected to use only medical facilities which are part of the GMMI networks. (Log on to your GMMI account to access the Provider List.)
In addition, Hang gliding, Paragliding and Parachuting are not covered by the Medical Plan and Additional Benefits. Please click on link to get the most recent version of the Activity Waiver.
Click here to get a copy of the 2018 AFS Participant Medical Plan.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Participant Support Coordinator at (800) 237-4636 ext. 9.
2. OUTBOUND-RELATED UPDATES (RELEVANT TO SENDING NATURAL FAMILIES IN THE U.S.)
NEW AFS INSURANCE PROVIDER
Effective January 1, 2018, Europ Assistance Ireland Branch (EAIB) serves as the underwriter for the AFS Travel Medical Insurance and Berkley Accident & Health for the 7 Additional Benefits.
The changes are minor, primarily establishing the industry standard limit for therapies, and stricter application of existing policy regarding surgery. These are:
Psychological counseling is now limited to 12 sessions.
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy is now limited to a combined total of 12 sessions.
- Orthopedic Surgery for situations which do not require immediate attention is not covered. Medical necessity is determined by AON in consultation with the attending physician and AFS.
In addition, Hang gliding, Paragliding and Parachuting are not covered by the Medical Plan and Additional Benefits. Please click on link to get the most recent version of the Activity Waiver.
Your son/daughter and his/her host family will receive information about these changes from the AFS Office in his/her host country.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Participant Support Coordinator at (800) 237-4636 ext. 9.