ABOUT THIS EDITION
Dear Insured Member,
We are delighted to present the August edition of the bimonthly UNSMIS newsletter!
In this issue we will discuss the following:
- The new UNSMIS website
- Claim submission after separation
- Feedback about our digital platforms: Thank you!
The newsletter will be sent to insured members via email, will be published on the website and will appear as a pop-up window on the eClaims Portal.
We hope you find this newsletter helpful.
Kind regards,
The UNSMIS Team
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As part of our ongoing commitment to better support you, we have redesigned the UNSMIS website to make it more user-friendly, intuitive, and informative.
The website is designed to be your central information hub, where you can find:
- Clear explanations of your benefits and their limitations, and your obligations as an insured member
- Step by step procedures and guidance
- Information on administrative matters such as the coverage eligibility of family members and securing health insurance coverage after retirement
- Other practical resources—such as our bimonthly newsletter—to help you make the most of your coverage
We aim to make your experience simple, transparent, and supportive—no matter where you are.
The website is accessible at unsmis.org, however, our previous web address will continue to function, and visitors will be automatically redirected to the new platform.
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Tips and Tricks for Using the New Website
To help you navigate the site more easily, we have highlighted some of its most useful sections and features below.
- Emergency Helpline: Access a direct link to the most up-to-date emergency assistance telephone number to be used.
- Benefits: On the ‘Benefits’ page, you will find a clear, up-to-date overview of your benefits and their limitations. This section includes the most frequently used benefit categories. To learn about the coverage of a specific treatment, medication, or medical appliance, simply select the relevant benefit category and then choose a more specific subcategory. You will find the applicable reimbursement rates, along with a direct link to the relevant section of the Rules for additional details.
- Useful features:
- Search bar – Search for any keyword (for example, "dental") to view all related articles and benefit categories.
- Category filters – Narrow your search by filtering results by major benefit categories.
- Multiple viewing options – Choose between grid view and list view according to your preference.
- Membership: On the ‘Membership’ page, you will find information about the rules governing your affiliation and that of your dependents, including coverage details and options for extending your membership. Simply select the category that best reflects your current situation (for example, “Soon to Retire” or “Active Staff”, etc.).
- Claims: On the ‘Claims’ page, you will find practical guidance to help you navigate the reimbursement process, from understanding the documentation and information required for your claim to identifying the steps applicable to your circumstances. You will also find information on contracted providers within the global network.
- Frequently Asked Questions: On the ‘FAQ’ page, you will find answers to frequently asked questions on a wide range of topics. You can browse by category or use the search function to quickly find information related to a specific keyword or topic.
- Rules and further resources: On the ‘Resources’ page, you will find essential documents and information related to your health insurance coverage, including the scheme’s governing rules, a repository of our newsletters, and policy updates. You will also find practical forms and guidance for reporting personal changes, requesting certificates and attestations.
These are just a few of the many resources available on the website. We encourage you to explore the platform and its features and discover the information and tools available to support you.
We hope you find the new website useful and that it helps you access the information you need more quickly and easily.
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CLAIM SUBMISSION AFTER SEPARATION
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Claim Submission After Separation from UNSMIS Coverage
If you separate from service or cease to be insured under the United Nations Staff Mutual Insurance Society (UNSMIS), you may have questions about submitting outstanding medical claims. The following guidance summarizes the key rules and procedures that apply after separation.
Eligibility to Submit Claims After Separation
Separation from service does not automatically prevent the reimbursement of eligible medical expenses incurred during the period of valid insurance coverage. Claims may still be submitted after separation provided that:
- The medical treatment or purchase occured while the individual was covered by UNSMIS.
- The claim is submitted within the applicable filing deadline.
- All supporting documentation is provided.
Claim Submission Deadline
Under UNSMIS rules, claims must be submitted within 24 months from the date of the invoice. Any claim submitted after this deadline may be rejected, regardless of your employment status.
Submitting Claims Through the eClaims Portal and the Mobile App
You will retain access to your eClaims account for 24 months from the date your coverage ends, and you may submit any outstanding eligible claims electronically through the UNSMIS Mobile App or the eClaims Portal.
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We would like to kindly remind you to retain all original documents as UNSMIS may request them during verification or spot-check procedures.
UNSMIS strongly encourages you to submit claims through the UNSMIS Mobile App or eClaims Portal.
Medical Expenses Incurred After Separation
Except where coverage has been extended or converted to another eligible insurance arrangement, medical expenses incurred after the effective date of separation from UNSMIS coverage are not eligible for reimbursement.
Options for Continuing Coverage
UNSMIS provides certain possibilities for continued coverage:
1. After-Service Health Insurance (ASHI)
If you are eligible, you may apply for After-Service Health Insurance (ASHI) upon retirement. Enrollment is not automatic and the application must be submitted within 31 days following your separation from service. Failure to apply within this period will result in loss of eligibility.
2. Temporary Extension of Coverage
In specific circumstances, you may request an extension of coverage for up to three months after contract termination, subject to eligibility criteria and payment of the full required contributions. Requests must be made before separation, as there cannot be a break in coverage.
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FEEDBACK ABOUT OUR DIGITAL PLATFORMS - THANK YOU!
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We are continuously working to improve our technical platforms to better support insured members. To help us in this effort, we invited you to share your feedback on our key tools—the eClaims Portal and the UNSMIS mobile app—in the May edition of the newsletter.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate. Your feedback is highly valued and greatly appreciated.
We were pleased to see that most insured members are actively using our online services to submit claims. We would like to reiterate the importance of online submissions, as they are easier to track, help streamline the reimbursement process, and contribute to reducing our environmental footprint.
The survey also included questions about the ease of use and overall satisfaction with the eClaims Portal and the UNSMIS mobile app. We were encouraged to learn that approximately 90% of respondents are satisfied with the eClaims Portal, and a similar proportion indicated that they find it easy to use. Feedback on the mobile app was equally positive, with nearly 90% of respondents expressing satisfaction and around 80% finding it easy to use.
In addition to these encouraging results, many respondents shared valuable suggestions for further improvements. We have carefully reviewed your feedback and are working to incorporate your recommendations into future technical enhancements.
Thank you once again for sharing your feedback. We remain committed to continuously improving these platforms to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for insured members.
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