AFSPA's health plan offers coverage, telemedicine and alternative care -- ideal for federal employees at home or abroad, says its CEO.
Federal employees weighing their health plan options this Open Season may want to take a closer look at the Foreign Service Benefit Plan offered by the American Foreign Service Protective Association. Despite its name, AFSPA coverage extends far beyond the Foreign Service and far beyond U.S. borders.
CEO Kyle Longton shared that the plan is designed for a mobile, global workforce.
"About a third of our members are outside the United States at any given time," Longton said during Federal News Network's 2026 Open Season Exchange. "We've structured our plans specifically to meet their needs."
That structure includes treating all overseas providers as in-network, offering more than 400 direct billing arrangements abroad and handling translations and currency conversions for claims. AFSPA also provides a 24-hour emergency translation line and a nurse advice line that help members focus on care rather than logistics.
AFSPA has leaned in on telemedicine. Their plan includes access to Teladoc Health for domestic members, and vHealth and Lyra Health for those overseas. Maven Clinic offers virtual care in more than 170 countries, covering everything from fertility and pediatrics to menopause. Physical therapy through Hinge Health is currently U.S.-only but will expand internationally in 2026.
Longton also highlighted AFSPA's "alternative benefits," which include coverage for 50 acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy visits per year, with no referral required.
"You want a massage, you feel like you need it, go get it," he said. "We pay up to $75 per visit."
For members navigating Medicare, AFSPA offers coordinated benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D coverage and a stand-alone prescription drug plan through Express Scripts. Longton noted that upcoming changes to prescription drug benefits may make the Part D option more attractive in 2026.
Prescription delivery for overseas members depends on location and medication type, but AFSPA's dedicated expat team helps members find workable solutions.
"Cholesterol medication can be sent most places," Longton said. "Temperature-controlled meds are trickier, but we'll help figure it out."
Beyond health insurance, AFSPA also offers life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and a senior term life program for those aged 60 to 70. Dental plans are available year-round, including one tailored for international coverage.
A critical illness plan is already in place, and a disability plan is expected to launch in the new year.
AFSPA's outreach efforts include webinars, podcasts and live Q&A sessions across social media. Longton and his team also offer one-on-one consulting to help federal employees understand their options even if they're not AFSPA members.
As Open Season approaches, Longton's message is simple: "Don't be fooled by our name. We're proud of our Foreign Service roots, but most federal employees are eligible for our plan and should consider it."
Discover more articles and videos now on our 2026 Open Season Exchange event page.