The Staff Council created GPAFI

Interview of Odette Foudral, Administrator of GPAFI and Michel Berger of INTRAS in charge of complementary insurance schemes.

By Mr. Shuibao LIU, Executive Secretary of the Staff Coordinating Council.

The Coordinating Council has been involved in GPAFI’s operation since 1958 when it was created by the Staff Council at that time, since then the Council keeps an eye on GPAFI through its representative on GPAFI’s Committee.

S.L.: Ms. Foudral, could you explain the name GPAFI?
O.F.: GPAFI means «Groupement de Prévoyance et d’Assurance pour les Fonc- tionnaires Internationaux». The English version PROVIDENT AND INSURANCE GROUP OF INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS has never been used, even if it’s sometimes a bit difficult to pronounce GPAFI, so, just say J…PAFI and it will be alright.

What could you say about GPAFI’s history?
O.F.: It’s rather difficult to summarize 45 years. We should remember that GPAFI was created to provide health insurance for those who could not be covered through the MUTUELLE, that is, retirees and short-term staff members. In creating GPAFI, the staff council could therefore separate the technical approach from the political work. The technical work was outsourced (already) to the insurance company. In 1962, GPAFI had just one office and one staff member working on a half-time basis, located within the UN building. GPAFI filled a gap in the social coverage provide by the UN until 1967.

Was there only one insurance scheme?
O.F.: No, during those years GPAFI added other types of coverage, accident insurance, life and capital insurance, supplementary insurance for the MUTUELLES, daily indemnity in case of hospitalization, dental coverage, loss of wages in case of sickness or accident not linked to official duty, for permanent and fixed-termed staff members and then for short-term staff members. In fact, GPAFI has always filled the gaps existing in the social security.

It’s not clear for me why short-term staff members should take their health insurance through GPAFI?
O.F.: First, it’s important to review the coverage provided by the MUTUELLE which is $15’000 per case; family’ members are not covered, and invoices linked to pregnancy are not reimbursed. With GPAFI we take care of the complete coverage.

OK for the rules, but what about the premium?
M.B.: You should pay about CHF 450.– per month for access to a ward at the Hòpital Cantonal. The insurance is divided into two parts; one is the compulsory insurance named LAMal, the other deals with supplementary coverage. Thanks to GPAFI, the staff member has access to a more beneficial group contract, with a discount for the premium, and, last but not the least, he/she will be entitled to transform the “full” coverage to a supplementary one when he/she obtains a fixed-term contract, at any time during the year.

Does this mean that it’s not possible through another insurance!
M.B.: No. You have to wait until the end of the year. Thanks to the group contract, GPAFI’s members are not linked to that regulation.

But you must become a member of GPAFI in order to access any insurance scheme.
O.F.: Yes. GPAFI negotiates appropriate contracts with the insurances to take into account the specific situation of international civil servants. GPAFI looks for the best one; for example, INTRAS for the supplementary insurance that best corresponds to the rules of the different MUTUELLES. Once selected each insurance is bound to GPAFI.

But why do we have to pay membership fees?
O.F.: Because GPAFI is not subsidised and has to pay the salaries of its secretariat.
The annual fee for a staff member is CHF 50.–, CHF 30.– for the spouse, CHF 22.– for the children under 20 years and 40.– for children over 20. Members over 60 pay half of the staff member’s membership, that is, CHF 25.–

What about entry fees!
O.F.: The amount is CHF 20.–, paid only once, when subscribing.

Speaking about the organisation supplementary plan, what would be the premium for a family with one child and what is the advantage?
O.F.: CHF 208.– per month, including accident coverage. This coverage provides for 90% of the amount which is not reimbursed by the MUTUELLE, access to a private room in a clinic, orthodontics for the child, coverage in case of pregnancy for the spouse on condition that she is not pregnant when joining, CHF 2’000.– for alternative medicine, CHF 20’000.– for transportation (very useful during the ski season).

But I’m in good health, is it really worth it?
M.B.: You are a lucky person, but who can guarantee you will remain in a good health? Later on, the form that you have to complete may reveal something that prevents you from joining. You may forget and decide to take the insurance after the age limit of 55. The most important fact to remember is that once your child can no longer be insured at the MUTUELLE, it could be difficult to access a supplementary scheme as there is a health form to fill in.

And through GPAFI, there will be no more health form to fill in?
M.B.: No. He/she will be entitled directly to the new scheme. It’s one of the advantages of the group’s contract negotiated by GPAFI, as long as the child is already covered, even if the rest of the family is not. The situation is nevertheless a bit tricky for staff members’ daughters. After the age of 21, they are no longer covered for pregnancy through the MUTUELLE, but nowadays, children tend to remain dependant much longer. It would be wise to think in advance and move to the so- called “full” coverage before pregnancy, otherwise the ”libre-passage” will not be possible.

After affiliation, how do I receive reimbursement?
O.F.: When the claim of the MUTUELLE is sent back, you simply send it directly to INTRAS with copies of the invoices. INTRAS will reimburse within 48 hours if the file is complete and if the prescription is accepted.

But how will I be informed of restrictions in the coverage?
O.F.: You will receive a list of the special conditions of the insurance, what is and is not reimbursed. But prior to treatment that is not mentioned, it would be advisable to ask INTRAS for information.

Even in English?
O.F.: No problem, GPAFI chose INTRAS because they were in charge of several group contracts for international companies with more that 70’000 insured persons in Geneva.

And if I need help to fill in the form?
O.F.: GPAFI is there to help you and give you information about all other insurance schemes.