Conversion Privilege

Participants who cease employment with the United Nations and are not eligible for after-service benefits may arrange for medical coverage under an individual contract. This provision applies to all medical plans currently offered. The conversion privilege means that the insurer cannot refuse to insure an applicant and that no certification of medical eligibility is required. However, the conversion privilege does not mean that the same insurance premium rates or schedule of benefits in effect for the United Nations group policy will be offered in respect of individual insurance contracts. In general, unless the separating staff member has had a history of poor health, exercising the conversion privilege will be more costly than acquiring new insurance coverage. It should be noted, moreover, that the conversion privilege may be exercised only for separating staff who continue to reside in the United States, as the insurers cannot write individual policies for persons residing abroad. The conversion privilege must be exercised within 31 days of the date of separation. Details concerning conversion to individual policies under Aetna and Empire Blue Cross may be obtained from the Insurance and Disbursement Service, room FF-300. Details concerning conversion to individual policies under the HIP Health Plan of New York should be obtained from HIP directly. The CIGNA dental plan does not have a conversion option.