Dear AFSPA Member,

This year, July brings changes for many of you. Some may be facing a change in employment status, either a transition to retirement or a separation from federal employment. Please take a look at my email from June 27 for more information about how these changes may affect your federal health benefits.

For others, July will mean the start of PCS season or some time for personal travel. Juggling work responsibilities with summer fun can sometimes be tricky. That’s why making the most of your benefits, especially massage therapy benefits, is a great idea this month!

Tips for Healthy Summer Travel

Summer is often the ideal season for a travel adventure with family and friends. Whether taking an international flight or camping trip, here are some tips to help you maintain your health while away from home.

• Consult your doctor – It’s crucial to schedule a doctor’s appointment for at least a month before a significant trip, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Your doctor might recommend specific vaccines or medications. Review the latest travel information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/travel. If you expect to be away for more than 30 days, discuss with your doctor the need for enough medication for your journey.

• Prepare a travel health kit and don’t forget your prescriptions – Bring your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications (enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra), first aid supplies, and health insurance card in your carry-on luggage. You won’t want to be without them if your bag gets lost!

• Understand your health coverage – Check whether your health insurance covers medical care abroad or emergency evacuation back to your home—many plans do not! You might want to consider purchasing additional travel medical insurance that covers healthcare and emergency evacuation.

AFSPA offers four travel insurance plans with various coverage options and costs. We also offer Member of Household (MOH) insurance, a unique medical travel coverage for your loved ones, specifically those you cannot cover under your Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) plan, who are traveling outside of their home country to visit you for an extended period. You can enroll in any of these plans at any time.

Relaxation After the Vacation

Traveling can be wonderful, yet it often leaves you feeling exhausted. After a trip, you might yearn for a moment of relaxation, and a soothing massage is the perfect remedy. This is why we celebrate Everybody Deserves a Massage Week from July 13 to 19! This special week highlights the benefits of massage therapy. I encourage you to schedule a session with a qualified massage therapist. During this week, many spas and massage therapists may offer discounts and special deals on various treatments. Explore the services provided by local clinics and therapists to take advantage of their offerings. Getting a massage can significantly alleviate anxiety, reduce stress levels, enhance mood, combat insomnia, and relieve joint pain or discomfort.

The best part? The Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) covers 50 massages per benefit year for you and your covered dependents. FSBP will reimburse up to $75 per visit from any U.S.-licensed massage therapist or facility, or any massage therapist while traveling abroad. I hope you take advantage of this fantastic benefit this summer. Please review our guidelines for massage therapy claims  and use the special submission tool in the AFSPA Member Portal  to ensure fast consideration of your massage therapy claims.

Please continue to connect with us to learn more about how you can maximize your benefits and coverage through our blogs, weekly podcasts, social media platforms, and our free educational webinars. You can also read past issues in our newsletters on our website, which contain plan updates and other important health topics and information.

Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day! Whether you’re celebrating here in the U.S. or overseas, I hope each of us will take some time to reflect on the numerous freedoms we cherish in our country. Your service to our nation plays a crucial role in safeguarding these freedoms, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to you.

To Living and Feeling Better, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO