Volunteers in BVS are provided medical coverage beginning the first day of orientation. This is a standard medical plan and is set up in such a way that the volunteer will not be expected to pay most medical costs.

The medical plan for volunteers serving in the United States and on International assignments provides a maximum benefit of $50,000 per cause. It also has a medical evacuation and repatriation for those serving internationally. Please note that BVS will not be responsible for medical costs beyond maximum benefits allowed, in this case $50,000.

Special notes about the plan are as follows:

• The volunteer will be given detailed information about the plan while at orientation, and will receive a medical insurance card and more information after arriving at project.
  
  
• Projects have the option to place the volunteer on a medical plan provided by the project. BVS will work with the project that the medical plan provides adequate coverage.
  
  
• If you are currently covered under a family or independent medical plan you may want to consider continuing that coverage if possible. Volunteers who maintain their own medical coverage will be responsible for all medical costs.
  
  
• If the volunteer has other coverage such as Medicare or a retirement medical plan, enrollment in the BVS medical plan is optional.
  
  
• The volunteer will be responsible for medical costs that are not covered under the medical plan. Note that this means any expenses over the $50,000 per benefit maximum are the responsibility of the volunteer
  
  
• Volunteers will be covered to the end of the month of their end of service date. The medical plan is not available for purchase after your term of service.
  
  
• Volunteers may want to consider an additional medical plan with coverage higher than $50,000 and a high deductible. One site to explore such a plan is www.ehealthinsurance.com. Any expenses for an additional plan are the responsibility of the volunteer.