Healthcare

Medical Services

The American medical system can seem confusing and overwhelming at first, but you will have access to excellent medical care in the NYC area. Before going to any doctor, make sure that the doctor accepts the insurance plan you have. This will avoid you having to pay any out-of-network charges. Be aware that you will usually have a small “co-pay” at each visit.

To find a doctor covered by your plan, visit the on-line directories of your insurance provider. You can also visit:

A helpful list of links to all NYC-area hospitals, sorted by borough, is available on Wikipedia: click here to access.

Medical Insurance Plans

Please visit www.un.org/insurance for detailed information on a variety of health insurance plans.

Most non-US UN staff members stationed in New York and their accompanying family members have two medical insurance plans to choose from:

Both AETNA and Empire BlueCross BlueShield have comprehensive on-line in-house directories of the healthcare providers that accept their respective plans.

Dental insurance

The CIGNA Dental PPO plan is available. US citizens and retirees are also entitled to apply for Medicare. For detailed information consult the UN Health and Life Insurance Section located in the FF Building Room 300 (304 East 45th Street, 3rd floor) or consult their website at www.un.org/insurance

Care for the Elderly

The Visa Committee at the UN Secretariat/OHRM (tel: (212) 963 7092) can provide information as to the visa and legal requirements for bringing your extended family to your new duty station. All relevant forms to facilitate the process should be found on the Human Resources section of the Intranet of your particular UN agency.

For resources and information on caring for the elderly in NYC:

Household Help

Usually word of mouth is a good way to find reliable and trustworthy help – so do ask around and on the NYLESA WhatsApp group and/or Facebook page.

Outside of networking sources, the following may be helpful places to find household help:

  • Ads on local and community websites.
  • Community centers and local places of worship.
  • Employment agencies and local business directories.
  • In-house domestic services provided by some buildings.

However you have found your household help, you should ask for references and screening – particularly if any childcare is involved. You should ensure that a clear job description is provided and agreed to by all parties involved. You should keep cultural differences in mind – and discuss expectations openly and candidly to prevent future problems.

Detailed information regarding hiring, payment and tax obligations relating to the employment of household help while in NYC should be sought from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): https://www.irs.gov/publications/p926