The Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP) is an Aetna International plan available to full-time senior missionaries called by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve away from their homes. The plan helps senior missionaries:

  • Comply with the requirement to provide “for their own health care expenses” and have adequate health coverage for their mission assignments.”
  • Coverage is effective only during the mission. If you need post mission coverage to help transition to new insurance after your mission, you can request post-mission transitional coverage.
  • It is not intended to replace other medical insurance the individual should have and maintain.

SSMP is designed for generally healthy missionaries who may suffer short-term illness or injury while serving. It is not intended to provide long-term care or to replace government, retiree, or employer-sponsored health coverage. It is not designed to be a healthcare plan, but is structured to protect you against catastrophic medical costs.

Benefits

The SSMP provides medical and prescription drug benefits during your missionary service. It includes a medical deductible and a maximum out-of-pocket expense benefit (catastrophe protection). For more details review the Summary of Benefits on Aetna's website. As required by the Affordable Care Act of the United States, here is the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document.

Please note that for care outside the United States, if reimbursement needs to be requested from Aetna International, the preferred, fastest, and most secure method is through bank funds transfer. On the Aetna International claim form, please indicate that option and provide the necessary bank information. Check reimbursements are discouraged due to the mail handling in certain parts of the world.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the SSMP, you must:

  • Serve as a full-time missionary or volunteer for the Church
  • Be associated with and serving for a Sponsoring Organization of the Church
  • Live away from your home state or country
  • Not be eligible for other adequate health insurance coverage
Post-mission Transitional Coverage

If you have no insurance coverage as you return home and need to transition to new insurance coverage, you may be able to continue the SSMP for up to 60 days. However, you must elect to receive the post-mission transitional coverage when you enroll in the SSMP.

If you have questions about the SSMP, please contact the Missionary Medical Membership Team.