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.
1. Who covers the cost of COVID-19 tests required prior to departure from the home country or upon arrival to the host country?
The Sending Family. The AFS Medical Plan responds to participants who get injured or sick while they are on program. This is in line with common practice, i.e. if a participant arrives in the host country and needs a vaccination to enter school, the participant pays for that. Natural parents must give permission for any vaccination prior to it being administered.
2. 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.
3. Does the AFS Medical Plan cover host families or volunteers?
No. Host families and volunteers are responsible for their own medical expenses.