Benefits Overview

For U.S. Expats Outbound for Another Country

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to take on an international assignment. Here’s what you need to know about your benefits and the action you need to take as you prepare for your assignment.

Manage your health | Navigate your life

Enroll through the Dow U.S. Benefits Site

Single sign-on is recommended for quick and convenient access if you are on the Dow network, or you can log in directly. If you need assistance, call (833) 693-6947 (MYDOWHR).

Enroll within 31 days of your assignment start date to ensure you have continuous benefits coverage. If you enroll within 31 days of your assignment start date, your benefits coverage is effective on the day you begin your assignment. If you miss this 31-day deadline, you may still elect your benefits within 90 days of your assignment start date; however, your benefits coverage will not take effect until the date you complete your enrollment, which means you may be without benefits coverage for a period of time.

Your ID card will be sent to the address on file with Dow after you complete your enrollment. You can temporarily use your host location office address or the Expat Mailing Service until you have a mailing address. Note: Beginning January 1, 2025, physical ID cards will no longer be mailed. Instead, you will be able to access your ID card through the Cigna Envoy customer portal or mobile app.

Manage your health

Your current medical, dental and vision coverage will end on the day your international assignment begins. You have the option of enrolling in the Cigna International plan while you are on international assignment. The Cigna International Plan includes medical, dental and vision coverage.

Medical

You and your eligible dependents have access to the Cigna International Medical Plan. The Cigna International Medical Plan covers a broad range of medical services and prescription drugs. The plan provides comprehensive, cost-effective coverage, including coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, mental health services and 100% coverage for preventive care. Cigna's extensive network of providers will offer you and your eligible dependents the quality care and service you deserve when you need it.

Dental

You have access to dental coverage through the Cigna International Dental Plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Since prevention is essential, in-network preventive care is covered at 100%, which means you don't pay for regular exams or cleanings when you stay in-network. The plan also provides orthodontia coverage at 50% after deductible for children and adults.

Vision

You have access to vision coverage through the Cigna International Global Vision Plan. The vision plan offers a large network of providers, benefits to help cover frames and lenses, discounts and more.

Learn more about the Cigna International Medical, Dental and Vision Plan.

Benefits at a glance

Your tax-advantaged health accounts while on assignment

Health Savings Account (HSA): If you're currently participating in the HSA, you cannot contribute your HSA while you're on assignment. However, if you have funds available in your HSA, you can use them to pay for qualified medical and prescription drug expenses with tax-free dollars. Please note if you use your HSA debit card to pay for expenses, providers may charge a conversion fee; however, you can also pay out of pocket and be reimbursed from your HSA.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA): You’ll be able to continue to participate in the HCFSA, administered by Inspira Financial, while on assignment.

  • If you’re currently participating, you’ll need to re-elect the HCFSA when you enroll to continue to use this benefit. Your existing account will remain active, and you’ll continue to reimburse yourself for eligible medical, dental, prescription drug and vision expenses, as you do today.
  • If you’re currently not participating, you’ll have the opportunity to elect this benefit to help you pay for eligible health care expenses on a tax-free basis. If you’re currently enrolled in the High Deductible plan, you may only reimburse yourself for expenses incurred after your coverage under the Cigna International Plan begins.

Learn more about the HCFSA, eligible expenses and how to use it by visiting www.dowbenefitsguide.com.

Transitioning to your new medical plan

The Cigna International medical coverage includes the Guided Health Advisor program to help you have an easier transition while on assignment. The Global Health Solutions Health and Wellness team can assist you and your family in:

  • Understanding the Cigna International Medical Plan and answering any questions
  • Planning for medical needs and accessing care while on assignment so you can avoid medical emergencies
  • Finding local doctors and liaising between doctors in your home country and where you’re on assignment to facilitate medical records
  • Managing any chronic conditions and addressing health concerns or special needs

Get started

  • Visit public.cignaenvoy.com, scroll down and click on “Guided Health Advisor” to log in using the global ID number and password:
  • Global ID: 02002DOWC
  • Password: s7Ux0P
  • After you read the messages in the Message Center, click "continue," then "Guided Health Advisor."
  • When prompted, enter your own login and password.
  • Check the "yes" consent box at the end of the questionnaire so that you may receive outreach from a Cigna Healthcare nurse if needed.

You will find information related to local health care, required and recommended immunizations, crime rate, weather, currency, finding providers who bill Cigna Healthcare directly and accept guarantees of payment and more. Learn more.

Please note that if you are identified as having a medical condition, a Cigna Healthcare nurse may reach out to you to offer help on how best to be prepared before or during your international assignment and answer any medical questions you may have.

Navigate your life

Life and accident insurance

You’ll continue to be eligible for life and accident insurance benefits while on assignment.

  • Company-Paid Life Insurance ― You’ll continue to automatically receive a base level of protection at no additional cost to you while you’re on assignment – no action required.
  • Employee-Paid Life and Dependent Life Insurance ― Because you are experiencing a life event that allows you to change your elections, you may elect additional protection for yourself and your spouse/domestic partner. If you’re already enrolled, your current elections will carry over.
  • Business Travel Accident (BTA) and Occupational Accident Insurance (OAI) ― You’ll continue to maintain BTA and OAI coverage while on assignment – no action required.

Learn more about life and accident insurance by visiting www.dowbenefitsguide.com.

Legal

You’ll continue to remain eligible for the MetLife Legal Plan while on assignment. If you’re currently not participating, you’ll have the opportunity to elect this benefit. If you’re already enrolled, your current elections will carry over. You can learn more about the legal plan by visiting www.dowbenefitsguide.com.

Long Term Disability (LTD)

You will continue to be covered under the LTD program, which provides benefits in the event of an illness or injury that prevents you from working:

  • Company-Paid LTD Coverage ― You’ll continue to automatically receive a base level of protection at no cost to you – no action required.
  • Employee-Paid Additional LTD Coverage ― Because you are experiencing a life event that allows you to change your elections, you may elect additional employee-paid LTD coverage, regardless of your current elections. If you’re already enrolled, your current elections will carry over.

You can learn more about the LTD program by visiting www.dowbenefitsguide.com.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)

You’ll be able to continue to participate in the DCFSA, administered by Inspira Financial, while on assignment.

  • If you’re currently participating, you’ll need to elect the DCFSA when you enroll to continue to use this benefit. Your existing account will remain active, and you’ll continue to reimburse yourself for eligible dependent care expenses, as you do today.
  • If you’re currently not participating, you’ll have the opportunity to elect this benefit when you enroll.

Learn more about the DCFSA, eligible expenses and how to use it by visiting www.dowbenefitsguide.com.

International Employee Assistance Program (IEAP)

While on assignment, you have access to the International Employee Assistance Program (IEAP). The IEAP provides 24/7 access to confidential services for you and your family. Services include telephonic triage for emergent and urgent referrals, crisis intervention and referrals to community resources, as well as six sessions with licensed behavioral professionals per issue, per family member, per year.

Call for personal support:

  • Phone (toll-free): (888) 851-7032 or (877) 857-2952
  • Phone (reverse charge number): +44 208-987-6230

Learn more about IEAP.

Note: Some programs are not available while on an international assignment, including Cariloop and TOOTRiS.

Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs)

If you have a question about your benefit plans, you can find detailed information about your benefit plans in the SPDs. The SPDs are important documents that summarize your benefits, describe how they work, and provide you with their terms and conditions. To access the SPDs:

  • From a Dow Workstation: Visit https://dow.service-now.com/hr_knowledge?id=hr_knowledge. In the search bar, type in SPD and click search. This will provide you with a list of pages where an SPD is available.
  • From Home: Visit the  Dow Benefits & Wellbeing site.

"Dow” refers to the company and its subsidiaries that are authorized to participate in the benefit plans described in this guide. The brief summaries of benefits in this guide provide only general information. The benefits are governed by the Plan Document and Summary Plan Description for the applicable benefit. You should refer to the Plan Document and Summary Plan Description of the applicable benefit plan(s) for a more complete description of a benefit plan’s terms. If there is any inconsistency between (a) the information provided in this document and any oral or written representations made by anyone regarding a benefit plan, and (b) the legal documents of a benefit plan, including the Plan Document or Summary Plan Description for the applicable benefit plan, the legal documents will govern. Dow reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate the benefit plan(s) described at any time in its sole discretion. The descriptions in this document are subject to change based on the terms of the benefit plan(s) and applicable law.

Content Steward: Dow North America Benefits | (833) 693-6947 (MYDOWHR)

LIT #318-70410 | October 2024