Specific medical questions we hear from 50+ candidates.

Is the medical evaluation process during application different for older candidates?

The medical evaluation process is the same regardless of an applicant’s age. Because of the nature of countries where Peace Corps serves and the scope of the medical services available in those countries, all applicants undergo a comprehensive medical and dental assessment based on their health history and examinations to determine if they are medically qualified to serve in the Peace Corps. Each applicant is assessed individually to determine if Peace Corps’ medical eligibility standards are met. The Peace Corps Office of Medical Services screening unit works with an applicant to ensure that pre-existing conditions are considered and that a Peace Corps country is capable of providing the necessary services and support to accommodate a condition.

The medical assessment process may take more time for applicants with involved health histories. This assessment usually requires more communication between the applicant and the Office of Medical Services and often involves the need for additional information and medical tests. While the Peace Corps reimburses applicants a set amount for certain dental and medical examinations, costs incurred above that are not covered by the Peace Corps, and you will likely have to pay for these additional medical costs while trying to get a medical evaluation.

Resources in terms of an applicant’s time and finances are not insignificant. The Peace Corps provides a list of medical conditions that typically cannot be accommodated.

Will the Peace Corps office in the country I serve
be aware of my medical records and needs?

Yes. Your medical records are provided to the Peace Corps medical officer prior to your arrival in-country. Peace Corps takes very seriously the confi dentiality of medical records, and they are protected by the Privacy Act. On occasion, some limited information may be given to a non-medical Peace Corps staff member (e.g., the country director) who has a specifi cneed to protect the safety, health, and security of Volunteers. Staff also
has an obligation to protect confi dentiality.

Will my medical expenses be covered while I am serving as a Volunteer?

The Peace Corps provides a comprehensive health program beginning at the start of Peace Corps service and continuing until you end service. This coverage includes health education and instruction, treatment for injuries/medical conditions, prescriptions, immunizations, and dental care. These services are delivered by the Peace Corps medical offi cer at post and/or other approved providers in-country.

What about after Peace Corps service is over?

After service, returned Volunteers are eligible for 18 months of coverage by a private health insurance called CorpsCare®.

Peace Corps pays the first month’s premium and you have the option to purchase this comprehensive health insurance policy to cover you and qualifi ed dependents. If you have service-related conditions that need an evaluation, your medical officer or the Office of Medical Services at headquarters will provide an authorization for this evaluation. If an illness or injury was related to your activities as a Volunteer, you may be eligible for benefi ts under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) through the Department of Labor.

What if I become ill while overseas?

Necessary immunizations, anti-malaria medication (if appropriate), and health precaution instruction are provided at initial training by the Peace Corps medical officer. The Peace Corps medical officer in-country will assist you in protecting and maintaining your health, and provide primary care as needed.

If a medical condition should arise that requires a level of care not available in the country of assignment, medical evacuation to another country or to the United States will be arranged through the Peace Corps Volunteer health system.

Should I maintain my health insurance during Peace Corps service?

Some private sector retirees may experience difficulty reapplying for health insurance upon completion of service. For this reason, private sector retirees may wish to contact their insurance company to determine the options available and/or consider maintaining their existing health insurance during service.

Federal retirees may suspend federal employee health benefits during Peace Corps service. However, you will need to talk with your retirement office to ensure that the suspension is done in a way that permits re-enrollment.

The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with full healthcare coverage during service, so check with your Medicare office to find out whether Medicare payments will continue to be deducted from your Social Security payment while you serve. You can cancel Medicare Part B (so you don’t have to pay the monthly premiums
during your service) and re-enroll without penalty when
you return to the U.S., as long as you submit the re-enrollment form prior to your close of service. This form can also be used to file for CorpsCare® or other private insurance. While serving as a Volunteer, Medicare defines you as “employed” for its purposes,
which waives penalties for late filing.