Health Care & Health Insurance

BAFF and CIEE are committed to helping you have a successful, enjoyable, and safe experience. Generally, most participants complete their programs without facing any major health or safety crisis. However, accidents do happen, so it is best to familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance coverage before you enter the U.S. The U.S. health care system is probably quite different from what you are used to in Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia.

Your travel insurance policy is designed to cover your medical expenses during a temporary stay abroad and therefore some limitations and exclusions apply. As a general rule, medical emergencies and most sicknesses are covered, whereas routine examinations, vaccinations, regular dental treatment, or vision services are excluded. As is usual with these types of policies, there is no coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you suffer from a chronic disease (such as asthma or diabetes), you need to ensure that your health insurance at home covers you for any costs arising from such sicknesses while in the U.S.

Your CIEE insurance policy comes with a maximum benefit of $1,000,000. In addition to being covered while you are in the U.S., you will also be covered on any trips you might take to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) during your dates of insurance coverage. You are not covered on trips to any other countries. If you are traveling somewhere else, be sure to purchase additional insurance to cover you during your trip.

The dates of your coverage period are indicated on the "Confirmation of Insurance" sheet that you received with your other program documents. You will also receive an insurance ID card which is located on your confirmation of Insurance form. Any trips taken to your home country are not covered by this insurance policy, and coverage expires as of the expiration date stated on the document "Confirmation of Insurance Coverage."

Insurance policies in the U.S. come in different forms, providing different benefits, and very few people have the same coverage. If you have insurance questions, or you need medical attention, you should contact CIEE at 1-888-268-6245. Your insurance policy is most likely very different from those your co-workers have, so you should not rely on their information or advice. CIEE has trained staff available to assist you with all of your medical and insurance needs.

Customer Service

Because it may be very complicated and confusing, CIEE has a designated team to assist participants in navigating the system. CIEE Customer Service representatives can help you manage any insurance-related issues that you might experience and are available to: