HEALTH AND INSURANCE
Insurance is provided by Nationwide Insurance (not by the YMCA)

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your insurance was arranged by one of the YMCA’s International Partners, it is your responsibility to understand the insurance coverage and the process for filing a claim.

You must be covered by sickness and accident insurance while you are a participant in the program (dates on your DS-2019). You are responsible for health and accident insurance for any days in the U.S. before the program starts or after it ends.

If you are covered by the YMCA’s sickness and accident insurance during the program, your policy is underwritten by Nationwide Insurance. The insurance policy is administered by Consolidated Health Plans. You will receive insurance information and two ID cards from the International YMCA.

Please read all insurance information carefully.
Keep one of the two ID cards with you at all times and present it whenever you see a doctor. The front of the card shows your ID Number, Group Name and Number, and your deductible.

There is a $100,000 limit per accident or illness with this insurance. Be aware that there is a deductible of $10 per sickness or accident (programs up to 4 months) or $100 per accident or illness (programs longer than 4 months). A deductible is the amount that must be paid by you. Be sure to read the insurance information in detail to understand what is and what is not covered.

If you are hurt while working, your employer’s Workmen’s Compensation plan should provide insurance. Your employer will know how to handle this.

If you have any questions about your insurance, call the YMCA. You may also call Nationwide Insurance directly at 1-800-525-8669.

If you are traveling and have an emergency that requires travel assistance services, contact the On Call International call center at 1-800- 407-7307.

Pre-Existing Conditions, Dental Care, and Eye Care
A pre-existing condition is an illness or condition that existed before you arrived in the U.S. and may not be covered by the insurance under this program. Dental care is not covered. Since you will be in the U.S for an extended stay, you should have a dental check-up before leaving home. Routine eye care is not covered. Be sure to bring any prescription you may have for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

If You Need to See a Doctor
If you need to see a doctor, or visit a clinic, you must take the medical claim form and ID card with you.

Click here to download the insurance claim form for ICCP, SWT, Global Programs

Click here to download the insurance claim form for the Training/ Internship Program


Most clinics and hospitals will not treat you until you can prove with the claim form and ID that you have insurance. You will need to pay $10 (programs up to 4 months) or $100 (programs longer than 4 months) the first time a doctor treats you for each accident or illness. This is called a “deductible” and is not paid by the insurance company. Sign the medical claim form and leave it with the doctor, clinic, or hospital before you leave. The doctor, clinic, or hospital sends the claim form directly to the insurance company. If you forget to leave the claim form, you could become responsible for the cost of the medical treatment beyond the deductible. If you need additional claim forms, write or call the YMCA.

How to Find a Doctor
Your insurance plan offers a preferred provider network of hospitals, physicians and other health care providers. You are welcome to use any providers you wish, but choosing preferred providers can save you money. You can locate preferred providers online at www.phcs.com. To find a doctor:

1. go to www.phcs.com
2. select “PHCS Network (PPO)” and click on “submit”
3. select “doctor” and click on “continue”
4. enter your location and the type of doctor you want to see and click on “continue”

How to Extend Your Insurance
Your insurance is valid for the dates of your program as printed on your form DS-2019. If you would like to extend your insurance for up to 30 days (the time you are allowed to stay in the U.S. after completing your program), you must contact the YMCA at least 2 weeks before your program ends. The cost of extending your insurance is: $15 per week if your program was 4 months or less; or $28 per week if your program was more than 4 months. All insurance must be pre-paid before the YMCA extends the insurance.