RPCV Health Care and Insurance

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) receive medical care for unresolved conditions which occurred during service and transition insurance to protect against coverage gaps immediately upon close of service.

Transition insurance protects against coverage gaps

Upon close of service (COS) RPCVs are auto-enrolled for one month of Short-term Health Insurance for Transition and Travel (SHIFTT) coverage funded by Peace Corps. RPCVs may optionally sign up and pay for one or two additional months of coverage, not to exceed three months total. Prior to leaving service, Volunteers have the option of deducting the cost from their service award*. After COS, Returned Volunteers must enroll prior to expiration of SHIFTT coverage to extend coverage beyond the first month.

*readjustment allowance

Important considerations

• It is provided by International Medical Group, a private company.
• It covers health conditions Volunteers acquire during the period of coverage.
• It covers Volunteers both internationally and in the U.S.
• It can cover Returned Volunteers as well as eligible dependents at the RPCV’s expense.
• It is not considered Minimum Essential Coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
• It does not cover evaluation or treatment of service-related conditions.

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Enrolling in comprehensive health insurance

Upon close of service (COS), RPCVs can access other health insurance options in a variety of ways. Find more information regarding your state's healthcare options by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov/.

If you’re 65 or older or have certain disabilities, Medicare may help cover your health care after Peace Corps service. It’s important to understand your options and how to enroll if you are eligible.

Health conditions not resolved during service

To obtain medical care for health conditions not resolved during service, RPCVs will need to contact the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) team at [email protected] or 202.692.1540. A FECA case management specialist will guide you through the process. For more information, visit Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) Benefits for Volunteer Service-related Health Conditions.