What to do if your student needs dental care
The Participant Travel Medical plan covers ONLY TWO specific forms of dental care:
- Coverage for injury to sound, natural teeth. An example of such an injury is when a fall from a bike causes external impact that damages teeth.
- Treatment to extract an impacted wisdom tooth ONLY when that is required to prevent the spread of infection.
The Medical Plan does not cover the threat of infection to teeth, even when a dentist feels that the threat is imminent or serious. This means that before proceeding, AFS should work with the sending family to confirm they will be able to cover the expenses.
The Medical Plan only covers dental-related illness only when there is a threat to the body from a wisdom tooth infection that is underway and must be controlled.
A dentist can contact GMMI to find out if a planned procedure is covered. GMMI can be reached at (954) 370-6404. If a procedure is covered, GMMI will issue a Verification of Benefits (VOB) in writing. Coverage is limited to exactly what is specified in the VOB.
There is limited coverage for dental care in the AFS Additional Benefits policy. This coverage is part of a packet of travel-related benefits that are provided automatically to every AFS participant. This Emergency Dental Care benefit has a limit of $500 and is designed to be used for the alleviation of pain and infection to teeth and gums, including the treatment of abscess or wisdom teeth.
Dental care that is considered “routine” is not covered. Dental braces are not covered. Unless a procedure is required for the alleviation of pain, most dental restoration services like fixing fillings or crowns or bridges are not covered by the Emergency Dental Care benefit.