Affiliation

We strongly urge you to read this page, as well as your responsibilities, obligations and the benefits and limitations of the insurance coverage, prior to enrolling yourself and eligible family members.

The procedures for Affiliation are governed by Rule IV of the Internal Rules. The page provides a brief overview and we strongly recommend potential new members or any member who has had a change in family status to carefully read Rule IV.

Participation in UNSMIS is voluntary. It is the Staff Member's responsibility to advise of their willingness to join the Society and subsequently of any change in family status. Failure to promptly advise of changes in family status can result in retroactive premium being collected in a single instalment. To avoid unwelcome surprises we once again stress the importance of advising us of any change in family situation.

Staff Members must apply for participation within 31 days of the Entry on Duty date, or within 31 days of becoming eligible for membership, or during the Society's Annual Enrolment Campaign. If your organization uses UMOJA, the enrolment is done using UMOJA ESS. Please refer to the job aid ; it explains how to proceed to select health insurance plans and enroll eligible family members. If your organization does not use UMOJA please ensure you send the affiliation form to your HR focal point within the 31 day limit.

A member of the Society may also obtain coverage for the following family members as Dependents subject to the relative premium contribution:

  • A Dependent Spouse. Dependent is defined in the Staff Rules as a spouse not working or if working whose gross annual earnings are below those of a G-1 Step 1 Staff Member in Geneva.
  • Unmarried children under the age of 21 years dependent on the staff member within the meaning of the Staff Rules
  • Children aged 18 or over in continuing dependency on account of permanent invalidity within the meaning of the Staff Rules or the Regulations of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund

The Society also allows coverage to be extended to individuals that are referred to as Specially Protected Persons (SPP's). Unlike with dependents, SPP's pay a flat monthly premium rather than a percentage of salary. The Society defines these individuals as:

  • A spouse and unmarried children under age 21 who are not recognized as dependents by the United Nations;
  • Unmarried children over 21 and under 30 years of age in full-time attendance at a school or university or not in regular employment or not having a regular income;
  • A father, mother, brother or sister who is a secondary dependent within the meaning of the Staff Rules, subject to the benefit limitations listed in Annex IV of the Internal Rules

To find out more about the monthly premium contributions for participants, dependents and SPP's click here please.