Dear AFSPA Family, 

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing self-care is more important than ever. Whether you’re utilizing the excellent massage coverage offered by the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) or planning a rejuvenating vacation with your loved ones, this summer is all about choosing your health first because you matter. Remember, your well-being is crucial and you deserve to invest in it. 

You Deserve a Massage! 

Let’s take a moment to celebrate Everybody Deserves a Massage Week (July 14-20). It’s a time to recognize the benefits of massages. I encourage you to treat yourself to a relaxing massage and take advantage of any discounts or specials offered by participating spas and massage therapists because of this celebration. Remember that massage therapy can help you relieve anxiety, reduce stress, improve your mood, combat insomnia, and alleviate joint pain or discomfort. 

FSBP provides coverage for 50 massages per year for you and your dependents. FSBP will reimburse up to $60 per visit for services provided by any U.S.-licensed massage therapist or facility, or by a massage therapist while you are traveling abroad. I encourage you to make use of this great benefit this summer. Please note there are specific guidelines for filing massage therapy claims. You can find more information about our massage benefits and other alternative benefits, such as chiropractic and acupuncture, in the official FSBP brochure.  

Summer Health Travel Tips 

Summer is the perfect time for a travel adventure with family and friends. Whether hopping on an international flight or car camping, here are some travel tips to help you manage your health while away from home. 

• Check in with your doctor – It’s essential to schedule a doctor’s visit at least a month before a big trip — especially if you’re traveling outside the country. Your doctor may suggest certain vaccines or medications. Also, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest travel information at cdc.gov/travel. If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your doctor about getting enough medication for your trip. 

• Pack a travel health kit – Pack your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications (enough to last your whole trip, plus a little extra), first aid supplies, and health insurance card in a carry-on suitcase. You do not want to be without them if your bag gets lost! 

• Know your health coverage – Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad or emergency evacuation back to your home—many plans do not! Consider buying additional travel medical insurance that covers healthcare and emergency evacuation. 

AFSPA offers five 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, subject to medical underwriting.  

Lastly, stay connected on all things AFSPA through our website news, blogs, podcasts, and social media channels. You can also read past issues of our newsletters on our website, which consist of Plan updates and other important health topics and information.  

Finally, I want to sincerely wish all of you a Happy Independence Day! Whether reveling in the festivities locally or around the world, let’s pause to truly cherish the countless freedoms we’re fortunate to have in the United States. Your dedication to our nation plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these freedoms, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. 

To Choosing Your Health, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO