The AFS Medical Plan will continue to respond solely to immediate illness and/or injury, anything considered routine or preventative will NOT fall under the AFS Travel Medical Plan and will be the responsibility of the student and Sending Family.
Who covers the cost of any COVID-19 tests required to enter the US/return to the home country?
The Sending Family. The AFS Medical Plan responds to participants who get injured or sick while they are on program. Therefore, the sending family and student are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining a negative PCR result as it pertains to travel requirements needed in order to travel both to the host country and return travel to their home country.
If during the program a participant goes to the doctor and requires tests to determine if the participant has COVID-19, who covers those costs?
The AFS Medical Plan covers costs related to diagnosis and treatment of illness. From that perspective as an insurer, this is not specifically COVID-19, but simply illness. If a doctor orders a test, then it is a covered expense. If a school requires an additional test for a new period, then the Sending family would pay.
Does the AFS Medical Plan cover host families or volunteers?
No. Host families and volunteers are responsible for their own medical expenses.
Is the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine covered by the AFS Participant Medical Plan?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine, as with any other vaccine, is not covered under the Travel Medical Plan and any costs associated with obtaining the vaccine will also be the responsibility of the student and sending family. For more information about the COVID vaccine for AFS students, click here.