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ASPE FAQs
General Questions
ASPE stands for Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges. ECA-funded exchange participants are covered by the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), the Department of State’s self-funded, limited health care benefits plan. ASPE provides limited coverage for emergent accidents and illnesses while on program, in the host country. ASPE is NOT an insurance policy and does not provide routine healthcare coverage, nor dental or optical coverage. ASPE is secondary to any primary insurance that participants may carry. Participants need to submit claims to both their primary and secondary insurance, simultaneously.
When inside the US, you will want to locate a provider that is in the United Healthcare PPO Network. The logo for the UnitedHealthcare Network is on the front of your ASPE benefit ID card. You must present your ASPE ID card to your provider at the time of service.
When contacting a provider in the UnitedHealthcare PPO Network it is important to say: “My healthcare plan utilizes the UnitedHealthcare PPO Network.” Provider’s may not recognize ‘ASPE’ or ‘IMG’ but will recognize the name of the network the program uses.
When outside of the US, Exchange participants may go to any provider they want. IMG offers a Medical Network outside of the US, but the non-US Medical Network works slightly different from the US Medical Networks. To locate providers overseas you can directly search for providers by going to ipa.imglobal.com
Only you (the Exchange Participant) are covered under the ASPE health care benefit plan. ASPE does not cover dependents (spouses or children). Participants are encouraged to research the many travel insurance companies available that provide these types of plans for dependents. IMG can assist them in obtaining coverage that works for them. Contact +1 317-655-4500 and sales@imglobal.com for more information.
Yes, your medical information is protected. Information is obtained for the purpose of determining coverage and is used to pay for your medical care. Additional information is available here: USDOS Privacy Policy.
Inside the U.S.
Dial 911 from any telephone.
- Locate a provider that is in the United Healthcare PPO Network
- When you call to make an appointment tell the provider, “My healthcare plan utilizes the UnitedHealthcare PPO Network.”
- At your appointment, show your ID card. This lets them know where to send your medical bills.
- Review your ASPE Guide regarding any copays that might be due at the time of service.
ASPE requires all exchange participants to pay copays:
- $25 co-pay for office visits
- $75 co-pay for ER, Hospitalizations and Urgent Care
- $15 co-pay for all brand name drugs with a generic equivalent available
As a reminder the co-pay amounts will be pre-printed on the ASPE ID card.
- This healthcare plan requires precertification inside the US. Refer to your ASPE Guidebook about what services need to be pre-certified for certain medical conditions.
- You or your physician must call the Precertification phone number, +1 463-276-5286.
- Precertification is not a guarantee of coverage. A $300 penalty will be applied if precertification is not obtained.
Questions about benefits through the ASPE program or medical bills, Contact Customer Service at +1 463-276-5286 or send an email to ASPEcare@imglobal.com.
All forms can be downloaded from the Participant Resources drop-down ASPE Forms page
Contact International Medical Group at +1 463-276-5286.
Outside the U.S.
Contact your local emergency service or go to the nearest hospital.
- Unlike the US, you may go to any provider. You may search IMG’s International Provider Access network by going to: https://ipa.imglobal.com/
- International Medical Group will attempt to facilitate financial arrangements with non-U.S. medical providers on the Exchange Participant’s behalf, but Exchange Participants should be prepared to pay-out-of- pocket and seek claim reimbursement.
ASPE requires all exchange participants to pay copays:
- $25 co-pay for office visits
- $75 co-pay for ER, Hospitalizations and Urgent Care
- $15 co-pay for all brand name drugs with a generic equivalent available
As a reminder the co-pay amounts will be pre-printed on the ASPE ID card.
Remember that some non-US providers may not understand what a copay is so you should be prepared to pay-out-of-pocket and when you seek claim reimbursement, the copay will be applied at that time.
It is up to the Exchange Participant to provide Prenotification to IMG.
International Medical Group must be contacted: +1 463-276-5286
- To confirm coverage and benefits
- As soon as non-emergency hospitalization is recommended
- Within 48 hours of the first working day following an emergency admission
- When your physician recommends any surgery including outpatient
- Prior to any treatment for dental pain
- When beginning pregnancy care
Questions about benefits through the ASPE program or medical bills, Contact Customer Service at +1 463-276-5286 or send an email to ASPEcare@imglobal.com.
All forms can be downloaded from the Participant Resources drop-down ASPE Forms page
Contact International Medical Group at +1 463-276-5286
The United States Department of State has contracted with International Medical Group (IMG) to administer the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges. If you need any assistance, we are always here for you. You may contact us using any of the following methods.
International Medical Group
Attn: ASPE
PO Box 21605, Eagan, MN 55121
Telephone: +1 463-276-5286
Email: ASPEcare@imglobal.com