Frequently Asked Questions
General
Preparation
Preparation
Your whole life has prepared you to serve the Lord and His children. Your love for the people and your desire to serve “qualify [you] for the work” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:5).
To prepare spiritually to serve the Lord, study the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. Doing so will help you understand your purpose as a missionary and increase your faith that the Lord will help you as you serve Him.
To prepare physically and temporally, review your financial responsibilities, and determine how much money you have available for a mission. Prepare your home and business for your absence. Get physical exercise on a daily basis.
Many assignments require computer skills. If necessary, you may want to develop or improve your skills with web browsers and the Microsoft Office suite of software (Word, Excel, and Outlook in particular).
Senior missionaries are not required to learn a foreign language, but if you would like to serve in a mission that speaks a different language, work on learning the language or refresh your ability to speak the language. However, language ability does not guarantee an assignment in that language.
To prepare spiritually to serve the Lord, study the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. Doing so will help you understand your purpose as a missionary and increase your faith that the Lord will help you as you serve Him.
To prepare physically and temporally, review your financial responsibilities, and determine how much money you have available for a mission. Prepare your home and business for your absence. Get physical exercise on a daily basis.
Many assignments require computer skills. If necessary, you may want to develop or improve your skills with web browsers and the Microsoft Office suite of software (Word, Excel, and Outlook in particular).
Senior missionaries are not required to learn a foreign language, but if you would like to serve in a mission that speaks a different language, work on learning the language or refresh your ability to speak the language. However, language ability does not guarantee an assignment in that language.
Expectations
Expectations
General
As a senior missionary, you are encouraged to devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord. Though assignments vary, it is important to remember to use your time effectively. For those working in an office or temple assignment, evenings and weekends are great times to visit new members, inactive members, or part-member families. In addition to your primary assignment, your mission leader (mission president, temple president, historical site president, or Area President) may ask you to assist in other capacities.
Sharing the Gospel
As a senior missionary, you are not expected to engage in all the same types of teaching activities as younger missionaries. Some assignments include opportunities to share the gospel, reactivate less-active members, help retain new converts, strengthen young single adults, and support local leaders in stakes, wards, branches, and districts.
Regardless of your assignment, however, you will have opportunities to interact with members and non-members. The Spirit will prompt you to know how best to share your testimony of Jesus Christ with others. Some of the most memorable recollections of your mission experience will be when you testify to others about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Schedule
You will not be expected to maintain the same rigorous schedule and pace as young missionaries. You will have more flexibility in your daily goals and schedule, which may include opportunities for rest.
Some assignments, such as mission offices, visitors’ centers, and temples, will require you to adhere to a daily schedule. In some other assignments, such as member and leader support, military relations, and Self-Reliance Services, you will establish your own schedule, which may vary from day to day.
You are encouraged to include in your daily routine time for personal and companionship study, as well as for exercise and rest if needed.
Your assignments will allow you to arrange your own preparation time according to your assignment and personal needs.
Skills
Your life, work, family, and Church experience have provided you with the skills you need. In addition, the MTC and in-field experience will provide you with additional training. You will also receive training specific to your assignment.
As a senior missionary, you are encouraged to devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord. Though assignments vary, it is important to remember to use your time effectively. For those working in an office or temple assignment, evenings and weekends are great times to visit new members, inactive members, or part-member families. In addition to your primary assignment, your mission leader (mission president, temple president, historical site president, or Area President) may ask you to assist in other capacities.
Sharing the Gospel
As a senior missionary, you are not expected to engage in all the same types of teaching activities as younger missionaries. Some assignments include opportunities to share the gospel, reactivate less-active members, help retain new converts, strengthen young single adults, and support local leaders in stakes, wards, branches, and districts.
Regardless of your assignment, however, you will have opportunities to interact with members and non-members. The Spirit will prompt you to know how best to share your testimony of Jesus Christ with others. Some of the most memorable recollections of your mission experience will be when you testify to others about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Schedule
You will not be expected to maintain the same rigorous schedule and pace as young missionaries. You will have more flexibility in your daily goals and schedule, which may include opportunities for rest.
Some assignments, such as mission offices, visitors’ centers, and temples, will require you to adhere to a daily schedule. In some other assignments, such as member and leader support, military relations, and Self-Reliance Services, you will establish your own schedule, which may vary from day to day.
You are encouraged to include in your daily routine time for personal and companionship study, as well as for exercise and rest if needed.
Your assignments will allow you to arrange your own preparation time according to your assignment and personal needs.
Skills
Your life, work, family, and Church experience have provided you with the skills you need. In addition, the MTC and in-field experience will provide you with additional training. You will also receive training specific to your assignment.
Requirements
Requirements
Age
You may be recommended to serve as a missionary beginning at the age of 40 if you have no dependent children under the age of 18 living in your home. There is no upper age limit for senior missionary service as long as you are physically able to meet the needs of the assignment.
Employment
Missionary service requires full dedication to the service of the Lord and His Church. If you still need to work during your service, you should consider a service missionary assignment.
Health
Sufficient physical, mental, and emotional health are required to serve a mission, and some assignments and locations have more stringent health requirements than others. See your local priesthood leader if you have questions about your specific circumstances. See “Medical Considerations” for information on certain conditions.
Worthiness
Full-time senior missionaries need to have received their temple endowment and hold a current temple recommend.
Availability
You should be available to work at least 32 hours per week. Most assignments require 40 or more hours per week.
You may be recommended to serve as a missionary beginning at the age of 40 if you have no dependent children under the age of 18 living in your home. There is no upper age limit for senior missionary service as long as you are physically able to meet the needs of the assignment.
Employment
Missionary service requires full dedication to the service of the Lord and His Church. If you still need to work during your service, you should consider a service missionary assignment.
Health
Sufficient physical, mental, and emotional health are required to serve a mission, and some assignments and locations have more stringent health requirements than others. See your local priesthood leader if you have questions about your specific circumstances. See “Medical Considerations” for information on certain conditions.
Worthiness
Full-time senior missionaries need to have received their temple endowment and hold a current temple recommend.
Availability
You should be available to work at least 32 hours per week. Most assignments require 40 or more hours per week.
Companions
Companions
Senior missionary couples are generally expected to be with their companion throughout the day. Some single senior sister assignments do not require a companion. Single senior elders will not serve in companionships.
Some mission tasks (depending on assignment) may separate companions for brief periods of the day. You should never be separated at night. Be aware that you have a responsibility to protect your companion from physical or spiritual danger.
Some mission tasks (depending on assignment) may separate companions for brief periods of the day. You should never be separated at night. Be aware that you have a responsibility to protect your companion from physical or spiritual danger.
Length of Service
Length of Service
- Couples: You may request to serve for 6, 12, 18, or 23 months.
- Single Seniors: You may serve for 12, 18, or 23 months.
If you choose to serve less than 18 months and are assigned to a foreign mission, you will be responsible for your own travel costs to and from the mission.
Extending Service
You may extend your mission to 23 months with the approval of your in-field ecclesiastical leader (mission president, temple president, historical site president, or Area President).
Dress and Grooming
Dress and Grooming
Dress and grooming guidelines for seniors are similar but not identical to those for younger missionaries. For instance, senior sisters may color their hair with natural hair colors, and there is no minimum hair length for senior elders. Please visit the missionary dress and grooming page for more information.
Due to different cultures or climates, clothing guidelines vary by mission. In certain assignments, you will wear approved work clothing. An assignment-specific clothing list will be provided in your call packet.
Missionaries should be clean-shaven. Any medically related requests for an exception should be discussed with your stake president.
Due to different cultures or climates, clothing guidelines vary by mission. In certain assignments, you will wear approved work clothing. An assignment-specific clothing list will be provided in your call packet.
Missionaries should be clean-shaven. Any medically related requests for an exception should be discussed with your stake president.
Recommendation Process
General Questions
General Questions
Time to Complete Recommendation Forms
There are three ways to start the recommendation form: (1) you can do it yourself from this site, (2) you can ask your bishop to initiate it, or (3) you can meet with your bishop first and then either he or you can initiate the form. In all cases, your bishop will be notified so he can schedule an interview with you. Once you have completed filling out your portion of the recommendation, submit it to your bishop, including the medical and dental exams (not required for service while living at home), for his review. He will then submit the recommendation to your stake president.
Your stake will contact you to set up an interview. Following the bishop and stake president interviews, your stake president will submit your Missionary Online Recommendation electronically to Church headquarters for processing. Outside of the US and Canada, your stake president will submit the recommendation to the area office for review before it is sent to headquarters.
From the time headquarters receives your missionary recommendation, it usually takes about three weeks for your call to be issued.
Prospective missionaries who are bishops, stake presidents, and stake presidency counselors need to wait until after they are released to ask their bishop to open Missionary Portal and begin their mission application.
Availability Dates
You may submit your recommendation forms up to nine months before your availability date. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you are able to within the nine-month window. For those who receive a foreign missionary assignment, it can take more than five months to obtain a visa. Thus, applying early could help ensure you are able to travel closer to your availability date.
Assignment Preferences
While your preferences are carefully considered by Church leaders and assignments may be made accordingly, please be willing to serve wherever you are assigned. Your call to serve will come from the President of the Church, and your assignment will be made by inspiration by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Serving Multiple Missions
There is no required waiting period between missionary assignments. You may submit recommendation forms for your next missionary assignment within nine months of your availability date even if you are serving as a missionary at that time.
If you would like to serve multiple missionary assignments, you may want to consult with your tax advisor to determine the tax implications of being away from home for more than 23 months.
Factors Affecting Assignment
All missionary assignments are made by revelation by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, under the direction of the President of the Church. To help them determine the best assignment for you, they will take into account the following factors:
There are three ways to start the recommendation form: (1) you can do it yourself from this site, (2) you can ask your bishop to initiate it, or (3) you can meet with your bishop first and then either he or you can initiate the form. In all cases, your bishop will be notified so he can schedule an interview with you. Once you have completed filling out your portion of the recommendation, submit it to your bishop, including the medical and dental exams (not required for service while living at home), for his review. He will then submit the recommendation to your stake president.
Your stake will contact you to set up an interview. Following the bishop and stake president interviews, your stake president will submit your Missionary Online Recommendation electronically to Church headquarters for processing. Outside of the US and Canada, your stake president will submit the recommendation to the area office for review before it is sent to headquarters.
From the time headquarters receives your missionary recommendation, it usually takes about three weeks for your call to be issued.
Prospective missionaries who are bishops, stake presidents, and stake presidency counselors need to wait until after they are released to ask their bishop to open Missionary Portal and begin their mission application.
Availability Dates
You may submit your recommendation forms up to nine months before your availability date. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you are able to within the nine-month window. For those who receive a foreign missionary assignment, it can take more than five months to obtain a visa. Thus, applying early could help ensure you are able to travel closer to your availability date.
Assignment Preferences
While your preferences are carefully considered by Church leaders and assignments may be made accordingly, please be willing to serve wherever you are assigned. Your call to serve will come from the President of the Church, and your assignment will be made by inspiration by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Serving Multiple Missions
There is no required waiting period between missionary assignments. You may submit recommendation forms for your next missionary assignment within nine months of your availability date even if you are serving as a missionary at that time.
If you would like to serve multiple missionary assignments, you may want to consult with your tax advisor to determine the tax implications of being away from home for more than 23 months.
Factors Affecting Assignment
All missionary assignments are made by revelation by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, under the direction of the President of the Church. To help them determine the best assignment for you, they will take into account the following factors:
- Needs of the Church
- Your desires and preferences
- Length of time you are available
- Date of availability
- Personal health needs
- Finances available to support yourself while serving
- Background and experience (work and Church)
- Language skills
- Technical, computer, and office skills
Medical Considerations
Medical Considerations
Specific Medical Concerns
Here are restrictions and guidelines for common conditions:
Optional Tests
Depending on your insurance and the recommendations of your physician, you may consider having the following tests.
You are only required to be tested for tuberculosis if you have been exposed or are from a country where there is incidence of TB or if you lived in a country at some time when there was incidence of TB.
Immunizations
You are strongly encouraged to obtain immunizations to protect yourself and others from becoming infected by or becoming a carrier of disease. If you decline immunizations, you will be assigned to an assignment in your home country.
The following immunizations are normally required for service outside of your home country:
Planned Procedures
All major surgical procedures should be completed before your stake president submits your missionary recommendation form. For recent major surgical procedures, ask your physician to provide you a letter of clarification stating the medical concern, the treatment, and if there are any restrictions. This letter helps the missionary medical committee make recommendations to the Brethren regarding your health care needs.
Additional Information to Submit
Please give to your stake president any record, letter, or other document that explains a particular medical condition or treatment that is not listed in the Personal Health History section or Physician’s Evaluation section of your missionary recommendation forms. He will scan these documents and attach them to your Missionary Online Recommend before submitting them to Church headquarters. Typical examples include:
Senior missionaries are responsible to arrange and pay for their own medications and healthcare needs. Mission leaders and health advisers can provide support, as needed.
If you would like to receive medication by mail, please note that they can be mailed only by a certified pharmacy. Family and friends should not mail prescription medications.
Mental Health
Missionary service can be stressful and put you in situations you may not have experienced before. Please disclose any mental health concerns you may have, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Please list on your recommendation forms any medications you are taking for mental health.
Specific Questions
For conditions or concerns not covered here, please have your stake president contact the Senior Missionary Medical Coordinator at 1-801-240-0322 to discuss your specific medical needs.”
Here are restrictions and guidelines for common conditions:
- Diabetes: The accepted value for diabetes (A1C) is 10 or below.
- Prostate: A PSA value of 8.0 or greater may require additional medical review before an assignment can be made.
- Blood Pressure: Maximum blood pressure reading of 150 over 90 is acceptable if controlled with medication.
Optional Tests
Depending on your insurance and the recommendations of your physician, you may consider having the following tests.
- Colonoscopy: Senior missionaries are not required to receive a colonoscopy screening before missionary service. However, you should receive this screening if your doctor recommends it.
- Mammogram: Though recommended for sisters, mammograms are not mandatory.
- Cardiac Stress Test: You are not required to have a cardiac stress test. However, it is recommended if you have three or more of the following risk factors:
- 50 years of age or older
- hypertension
- high cholesterol
- diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome
- family history of heart disease
- history of chest pain
You are only required to be tested for tuberculosis if you have been exposed or are from a country where there is incidence of TB or if you lived in a country at some time when there was incidence of TB.
Immunizations
You are strongly encouraged to obtain immunizations to protect yourself and others from becoming infected by or becoming a carrier of disease. If you decline immunizations, you will be assigned to an assignment in your home country.
The following immunizations are normally required for service outside of your home country:
- Hepatitis A & B - There is an accelerated schedule available. That can be used instead of the standard one that takes 6 months to complete.
- Tetanus - within 5 years is recommended
- MMR - This immunization is required if you were born after 1956. Some countries require these immunizations before admittance to school.
Planned Procedures
All major surgical procedures should be completed before your stake president submits your missionary recommendation form. For recent major surgical procedures, ask your physician to provide you a letter of clarification stating the medical concern, the treatment, and if there are any restrictions. This letter helps the missionary medical committee make recommendations to the Brethren regarding your health care needs.
Additional Information to Submit
Please give to your stake president any record, letter, or other document that explains a particular medical condition or treatment that is not listed in the Personal Health History section or Physician’s Evaluation section of your missionary recommendation forms. He will scan these documents and attach them to your Missionary Online Recommend before submitting them to Church headquarters. Typical examples include:
- Physician’s clarification or a medical release after surgery or other major medical procedure.
- Explanation of abnormal findings that are being monitored/treated.
- Rare or unusual diagnoses or conditions needing specialized treatment.
Senior missionaries are responsible to arrange and pay for their own medications and healthcare needs. Mission leaders and health advisers can provide support, as needed.
If you would like to receive medication by mail, please note that they can be mailed only by a certified pharmacy. Family and friends should not mail prescription medications.
Mental Health
Missionary service can be stressful and put you in situations you may not have experienced before. Please disclose any mental health concerns you may have, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Please list on your recommendation forms any medications you are taking for mental health.
Specific Questions
For conditions or concerns not covered here, please have your stake president contact the Senior Missionary Medical Coordinator at 1-801-240-0322 to discuss your specific medical needs.”
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
Pending Legal Matters
You should resolve all pending legal matters before submitting your recommendation.
Past Legal Matters
If you have been involved in any serious legal matters in the past, the Church will review the history before determining whether a call can be issued.
Non-citizen Residents
If you are not a citizen of your resident country, you will need to show proof of citizenship for your home country and documentation of your status in your resident country. Please attach copies of your documents to your recommendation form. Your residence status may affect where you can be assigned.
You should resolve all pending legal matters before submitting your recommendation.
Past Legal Matters
If you have been involved in any serious legal matters in the past, the Church will review the history before determining whether a call can be issued.
Non-citizen Residents
If you are not a citizen of your resident country, you will need to show proof of citizenship for your home country and documentation of your status in your resident country. Please attach copies of your documents to your recommendation form. Your residence status may affect where you can be assigned.
Financial Concerns
General
General
Mission Costs
You are responsible for your own mission expenses. The Church pays for your transportation to and from your mission if you serve in your home country or serve outside your home country for 18 months or more. You will be asked to contribute a specified amount to your ward missionary fund account monthly for the entirety of your mission. All other expenses are your responsibility: food, personal care items, transportation within the mission, medical care, phone service, insurance premiums, etc.
Costs vary by the type of missionary assignment, location, and individual lifestyle. Please note that couples will not be asked to contribute more than $1,400 (USD) a month for housing, even if the actual rent exceeds that amount. Please see Mission Housing for more information.
The costs listed on this website are in US dollars.
Financial Assistance
If you need financial assistance, you should first seek additional support from family members. If your own finances plus family contributions are insufficient and are prohibiting you from serving a senior mission. Please discuss the matter with your priesthood leadership to see what options are available.
In some countries, the bishop, stake president, and missionary counsel together about the monthly contribution amount. Leaders encourage appropriate financial sacrifice based on the missionary’s circumstances. They agree on an amount and record it in the missionary recommendation. This amount must be at least the amount established for the senior missionaries by the Area Presidency (in consultation with the Mission Department). Others who live in the missionary’s home country may also contribute to this amount.General Handbook 23.3.4.2
You may discuss the matter with your bishop or branch president. If you cannot afford to serve away from home, your bishop or stake president may recommend you for a live-at-home mission.
Tax Deductions
Your missionary fund contributions and personal expenses may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for advice.
Debts
You are not required to be completely out of debt before you serve. If you do have debt, you should make arrangements to meet your obligations, contribute housing and transportation expenses (if applicable) to your ward missionary fund, and also pay for personal mission expenses while away.
If you have a reverse mortgage, check with your lender to determine how long you can be away from your home. You are encouraged to get a statement in writing from your lender before your stake president submits your missionary recommendation forms.
Tithes and Offerings
Tithes should be paid to your home ward or branch. Normally, fast offerings should be donated to the ward or branch where you are serving. If the circumstances of where you will be serving cause you to question the propriety of paying your fast offerings locally, please consult with your mission president/temple president/historical site president/Area President.
You are responsible for your own mission expenses. The Church pays for your transportation to and from your mission if you serve in your home country or serve outside your home country for 18 months or more. You will be asked to contribute a specified amount to your ward missionary fund account monthly for the entirety of your mission. All other expenses are your responsibility: food, personal care items, transportation within the mission, medical care, phone service, insurance premiums, etc.
Costs vary by the type of missionary assignment, location, and individual lifestyle. Please note that couples will not be asked to contribute more than $1,400 (USD) a month for housing, even if the actual rent exceeds that amount. Please see Mission Housing for more information.
The costs listed on this website are in US dollars.
Financial Assistance
If you need financial assistance, you should first seek additional support from family members. If your own finances plus family contributions are insufficient and are prohibiting you from serving a senior mission. Please discuss the matter with your priesthood leadership to see what options are available.
In some countries, the bishop, stake president, and missionary counsel together about the monthly contribution amount. Leaders encourage appropriate financial sacrifice based on the missionary’s circumstances. They agree on an amount and record it in the missionary recommendation. This amount must be at least the amount established for the senior missionaries by the Area Presidency (in consultation with the Mission Department). Others who live in the missionary’s home country may also contribute to this amount.
You may discuss the matter with your bishop or branch president. If you cannot afford to serve away from home, your bishop or stake president may recommend you for a live-at-home mission.
Tax Deductions
Your missionary fund contributions and personal expenses may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for advice.
Debts
You are not required to be completely out of debt before you serve. If you do have debt, you should make arrangements to meet your obligations, contribute housing and transportation expenses (if applicable) to your ward missionary fund, and also pay for personal mission expenses while away.
If you have a reverse mortgage, check with your lender to determine how long you can be away from your home. You are encouraged to get a statement in writing from your lender before your stake president submits your missionary recommendation forms.
Tithes and Offerings
Tithes should be paid to your home ward or branch. Normally, fast offerings should be donated to the ward or branch where you are serving. If the circumstances of where you will be serving cause you to question the propriety of paying your fast offerings locally, please consult with your mission president/temple president/historical site president/Area President.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance
Requirements
You are required to have adequate medical insurance. Those who do not obtain and maintain adequate coverage are not eligible for away-from-home missionary service.
Most insurance policies provide adequate coverage within your home country but do not offer sufficient coverage outside of your home country. If you are not sure whether your insurance is adequate, please call Missionary Medical at 801-578-5650. Missionary Medical will review your insurance to be sure it meets the Church’s requirements.
In countries with a national health care system (including Medicare within the U.S.), this will be considered adequate coverage for those serving within their home or permanent-resident country.
Those assigned to serve in a foreign country must have adequate coverage. This coverage can be provided through an insurance provider of your choice, or you may enroll in the Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP). Termination of health insurance coverage while serving is in violation of Church policy. Those who do not maintain adequate coverage will be reassigned to their permanent residence country or released from their missionary service.
Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP)
The Church has arranged with Deseret Mutual to offer a medical insurance policy with benefits for senior missionaries through Aetna International. It is known as the Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP).
The SSMP is designed to provide Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and meet the individual mandate for U.S. citizens. The benefits are designed to meet all other countries’ insurance requirements as well.
There are no coverage restrictions based on your health history or pre-existing conditions. Coverage generally begins the day you begin your mission and ends the last day of the month of your release. Your mission beginning date is defined in your call letter.
The SSMP can provide up to 60 days post-mission transitional coverage after you are released. However, if you need this coverage extension, you must request it at the time of enrollment.
For questions about SSMP prior to enrolling in the plan, please contact Missionary Medical at 1-801-578-5650. Following enrollment, please contact Aetna International at 1-877-248-3608 or 1-813-775-0381. SSMP information is also available atwww.dmba.com/ssmp .
Be sure to select the link listed as Prospective Senior Service Medical Plan Members.
Medicare Considerations
Your Medicare Advantage policy (Medicare Part C) will likely be affected by your missionary service. Medicare Advantage policies are valid for residents of a specific geographic service area (usually a county or group of adjacent counties). If your missionary assignment requires you to be outside of your policy’s service area for a period of more than six months, the policy may be cancelled.
You are required to have adequate medical insurance. Those who do not obtain and maintain adequate coverage are not eligible for away-from-home missionary service.
Most insurance policies provide adequate coverage within your home country but do not offer sufficient coverage outside of your home country. If you are not sure whether your insurance is adequate, please call Missionary Medical at 801-578-5650. Missionary Medical will review your insurance to be sure it meets the Church’s requirements.
In countries with a national health care system (including Medicare within the U.S.), this will be considered adequate coverage for those serving within their home or permanent-resident country.
Those assigned to serve in a foreign country must have adequate coverage. This coverage can be provided through an insurance provider of your choice, or you may enroll in the Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP). Termination of health insurance coverage while serving is in violation of Church policy. Those who do not maintain adequate coverage will be reassigned to their permanent residence country or released from their missionary service.
Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP)
The Church has arranged with Deseret Mutual to offer a medical insurance policy with benefits for senior missionaries through Aetna International. It is known as the Senior Service Medical Plan (SSMP).
The SSMP is designed to provide Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and meet the individual mandate for U.S. citizens. The benefits are designed to meet all other countries’ insurance requirements as well.
There are no coverage restrictions based on your health history or pre-existing conditions. Coverage generally begins the day you begin your mission and ends the last day of the month of your release. Your mission beginning date is defined in your call letter.
The SSMP can provide up to 60 days post-mission transitional coverage after you are released. However, if you need this coverage extension, you must request it at the time of enrollment.
For questions about SSMP prior to enrolling in the plan, please contact Missionary Medical at 1-801-578-5650. Following enrollment, please contact Aetna International at 1-877-248-3608 or 1-813-775-0381. SSMP information is also available at
Be sure to select the link listed as Prospective Senior Service Medical Plan Members.
Medicare Considerations
Your Medicare Advantage policy (Medicare Part C) will likely be affected by your missionary service. Medicare Advantage policies are valid for residents of a specific geographic service area (usually a county or group of adjacent counties). If your missionary assignment requires you to be outside of your policy’s service area for a period of more than six months, the policy may be cancelled.
Mission Housing
Mission Housing
The Church will provide a furnished apartment for you and arrange for utilities, including basic internet services. You will provide your own personal linens, but all the other basic furnishing needs (including those for the kitchen) will be provided. You will be responsible for setting up your own cable TV, and telephone.
Housing and Vehicle Costs
You will donate to your named account in your home ward missionary fund to help defray the Church’s costs in providing housing and vehicles for senior missionary use.
Contributions can be made online atchurchofjesuschrist.org , through your bank’s bill pay service or by a trusted family member in your home area.
Housing and Vehicle Costs
- Couples: Your home ward missionary fund will be charged a monthly amount, for your housing (rent, utilities, and furnishings), depending in your service location. For couples, this housing amount will not exceed $1400 USD, even if the actual costs to the Church are greater.
- Single Seniors: Your home ward missionary fund will be charged a monthly amount for your housing (rent, utilities, and furnishings), depending on your service location. For single sisters and single elders, this housing amount will not exceed $1,200 USD if living alone, or $850 USD if living with a companion, even if the actual costs to the Church are greater.
- Housing and Vehicle amounts are included in your call packet.
- Church-provided vehicle: If you are assigned a Church vehicle, your home ward missionary fund will be charged an additional $150 USD a month. Single sister companions who share a mission vehicle will be changed $75 USD a month each.
You will donate to your named account in your home ward missionary fund to help defray the Church’s costs in providing housing and vehicles for senior missionary use.
Contributions can be made online at
Travel and Transportation
Travel and Transportation
Travel and Expenses
The Church will pay for your travel to and from your mission if you
If you will be flying to and from your mission, the Church will book you on one of our contracted airlines. Economy seats will be purchased, as per Missionary Department guidelines. If you desire anything different, you would be responsible for researching, purchasing, and managing the seat upgrades on your own. Additional stopovers are not allowed on the way to your mission. Should you wish to have additional stopovers on your way home, you should make those arrangements with your mission president/temple president/historical site president/Area President several months prior to your release. Any additional travel expenses incurred on your way home are your responsibility.
If you drive your own vehicle to and from your mission, you will receive a per diem allowance based on travel distance. The allowance provides for vehicle operating costs, lodging, and meals. The Travel Office at the Provo MTC will provide a check for your travel expenses during orientation.
Travel Companion for Single Sisters and Single Elders
If you are single and will drive more than 500 miles to your missionary assignment, the Church will pay for a driving companion to accompany you. The Church will pay for your companion’s travel expenses to the mission and their flight back home.
At the completion of your mission, the Church will pay to fly a driving companion to your mission to accompany you home, as well as their travel expenses.
Your driving companion should be at least 18 years old. If you have more than one companion traveling with you, the Church will reimburse you for only one companion.
Vehicle
If you are assigned to serve in your resident country, you will need to provide your own vehicle while serving.
In some cases, couples serving in a foreign assignment that requires a vehicle may be assigned a Church-owned vehicle and will be expected to pay for fuel charges and a monthly vehicle lease fee (currently $150). In such situations, guidelines will be sent to you from your mission office.
The Church will pay for your travel to and from your mission if you
- serve within your resident country, regardless of your length of service; or
- serve 18 or 23 months in a foreign country.
If you will be flying to and from your mission, the Church will book you on one of our contracted airlines. Economy seats will be purchased, as per Missionary Department guidelines. If you desire anything different, you would be responsible for researching, purchasing, and managing the seat upgrades on your own. Additional stopovers are not allowed on the way to your mission. Should you wish to have additional stopovers on your way home, you should make those arrangements with your mission president/temple president/historical site president/Area President several months prior to your release. Any additional travel expenses incurred on your way home are your responsibility.
If you drive your own vehicle to and from your mission, you will receive a per diem allowance based on travel distance. The allowance provides for vehicle operating costs, lodging, and meals. The Travel Office at the Provo MTC will provide a check for your travel expenses during orientation.
Travel Companion for Single Sisters and Single Elders
If you are single and will drive more than 500 miles to your missionary assignment, the Church will pay for a driving companion to accompany you. The Church will pay for your companion’s travel expenses to the mission and their flight back home.
At the completion of your mission, the Church will pay to fly a driving companion to your mission to accompany you home, as well as their travel expenses.
Your driving companion should be at least 18 years old. If you have more than one companion traveling with you, the Church will reimburse you for only one companion.
Vehicle
If you are assigned to serve in your resident country, you will need to provide your own vehicle while serving.
In some cases, couples serving in a foreign assignment that requires a vehicle may be assigned a Church-owned vehicle and will be expected to pay for fuel charges and a monthly vehicle lease fee (currently $150). In such situations, guidelines will be sent to you from your mission office.
Devices
Devices
Devices
You may bring computers, cell phones, and other “smart” devices to the mission field at your own expense.
In many cases, if you are assigned outside of your home country, purchasing a cell phone in the mission is more cost-effective than using a cell phone and service from your home country. If your cell phone is a “smartphone,” you may wish to bring it and use it for various apps and/or use within a Wi-Fi broadcast range. If your phone can be “unlocked,” you may want to replace your current SIM card with one purchased within the mission.
Internet
Nearly all missions will have some form of internet service available. You are responsible for the internet costs in your apartment or housing.
You may bring computers, cell phones, and other “smart” devices to the mission field at your own expense.
In many cases, if you are assigned outside of your home country, purchasing a cell phone in the mission is more cost-effective than using a cell phone and service from your home country. If your cell phone is a “smartphone,” you may wish to bring it and use it for various apps and/or use within a Wi-Fi broadcast range. If your phone can be “unlocked,” you may want to replace your current SIM card with one purchased within the mission.
Internet
Nearly all missions will have some form of internet service available. You are responsible for the internet costs in your apartment or housing.
Missionary Training Center
MTC
MTC
Training
Most assignments will include attending the MTC for a period of 5–7 days for Preach My Gospel training. If you have an additional assignment (e.g. welfare, CES, or Family History), you typically will have an additional 2–5 days of training. Your specific training needs will be communicated to you after your call is received.
Some assignments (e.g. temple) do not require training at the MTC. If you have one of these assignments, you will be trained at other venues.
If you have had Preach My Gospel training at an MTC for a previous missionary assignment within the last three years, you may have your stake president request an exception that will allow you to report directly to your mission.
Parking and Housing – Provo MTC
If you will attend the Provo MTC, parking for vehicles and RVs is available. Please contact the Provo MTC security office at 801-422-4568 to make arrangements.
If you live within commuting distance of the Provo MTC, you may live at home during your training. Otherwise, information on housing and meal costs at the MTC will be provided after your call.
Parking and Housing – Other MTCs
Instructions for parking and housing will be made available after you receive your call.
Name Tags
Name tags will be provided for you at the MTC. If you will not attend an MTC, you will receive your name tag from the mission office when you arrive.
Language Training
The need to speak a second language during your mission will vary depending on your specific assignment and country. Senior missionaries are not required to learn another language; however, the vast majority of missionaries serving outside their home country find learning the basics of the mission language invaluable to fulfilling their missionary purpose and connecting with their new community. The Provo Missionary Training Center offers personalized language training via video conferencing. This service can be adapted to your needs, ability, and schedule. In addition, upon arriving in the mission field, you can request up to six more months of tutoring.
Please call 1-385-384-2946 or emailmtconlinetutoring@churchofjesuschrist.org to request language training.
Most assignments will include attending the MTC for a period of 5–7 days for Preach My Gospel training. If you have an additional assignment (e.g. welfare, CES, or Family History), you typically will have an additional 2–5 days of training. Your specific training needs will be communicated to you after your call is received.
Some assignments (e.g. temple) do not require training at the MTC. If you have one of these assignments, you will be trained at other venues.
If you have had Preach My Gospel training at an MTC for a previous missionary assignment within the last three years, you may have your stake president request an exception that will allow you to report directly to your mission.
Parking and Housing – Provo MTC
If you will attend the Provo MTC, parking for vehicles and RVs is available. Please contact the Provo MTC security office at 801-422-4568 to make arrangements.
If you live within commuting distance of the Provo MTC, you may live at home during your training. Otherwise, information on housing and meal costs at the MTC will be provided after your call.
Parking and Housing – Other MTCs
Instructions for parking and housing will be made available after you receive your call.
Name Tags
Name tags will be provided for you at the MTC. If you will not attend an MTC, you will receive your name tag from the mission office when you arrive.
Language Training
The need to speak a second language during your mission will vary depending on your specific assignment and country. Senior missionaries are not required to learn another language; however, the vast majority of missionaries serving outside their home country find learning the basics of the mission language invaluable to fulfilling their missionary purpose and connecting with their new community. The Provo Missionary Training Center offers personalized language training via video conferencing. This service can be adapted to your needs, ability, and schedule. In addition, upon arriving in the mission field, you can request up to six more months of tutoring.
Please call 1-385-384-2946 or email
Home and Family
Home Matters
Home Matters
What to Do with Your Home
You may consider the following options for your home:
You should consider setting up a will, with legal and medical power of attorney, in order to record your expectations during unforeseen emergencies. You may also want to set up a living trust.
Home Expenses
Home utilities, insurance, and property taxes can usually be set up on an automatic payment system, such as a bank or credit union’s online bill pay service. Many companies offer online statements and online banking, which make it easier to manage your finances. You should advise your insurance carrier if you plan to leave your home vacant.
Home Mail
Those serving a mission in their home country usually have mail forwarded to their mission residence. Most senior missionaries serving abroad have the post office forward their mail to a responsible family member or to the person handling their finances. Please consult with your financial advisor and local tax laws, because forwarding your mail to an address that is outside your home state for an extended period of time could change your tax status in that state.
You may consider the following options for your home:
- Have family members live in your home.
- Lease/rent your home.
- Sell your home.
- Leave your home vacant.
- Make sure you know your official mission report date to prevent from being asked to leave your home before you are prepared to leave.
- Insurance companies may require a different type of coverage if you are not living in your home.
- Visa delays are possible. If you are called to serve a foreign mission, a visa may be required. The processing time for a visa can vary, which sometimes results in a travel delay. Do not leave your home before your visa has been obtained by the travel office. If you are selling or renting your home, you may need to delay the move or arrange for a place to stay temporarily if your visa is not obtained on time.
You should consider setting up a will, with legal and medical power of attorney, in order to record your expectations during unforeseen emergencies. You may also want to set up a living trust.
Home Expenses
Home utilities, insurance, and property taxes can usually be set up on an automatic payment system, such as a bank or credit union’s online bill pay service. Many companies offer online statements and online banking, which make it easier to manage your finances. You should advise your insurance carrier if you plan to leave your home vacant.
Home Mail
Those serving a mission in their home country usually have mail forwarded to their mission residence. Most senior missionaries serving abroad have the post office forward their mail to a responsible family member or to the person handling their finances. Please consult with your financial advisor and local tax laws, because forwarding your mail to an address that is outside your home state for an extended period of time could change your tax status in that state.
Family Matters
Family Matters
Communicating with Family
Senior missionaries may communicate with family members through email, phone calls, VoIP telephone, web video, etc., and are encouraged to do so frequently. Such communication should not interfere with your missionary responsibilities.
Visits to/from Family
You may request a leave of absence for an important family event. These requests are often approved but require authorization from your mission president/temple president/historical site president/Area President. Travel and other costs are at your own expense, and your leave should not exceed 10 days.
With the permission of your mission president or in-field ecclesiastical leader, you may receive visits from your immediate family members. Disruption of missionary responsibilities should be kept to a minimum.
Dependent Adult Children
In some circumstances, it is possible to bring a dependent adult child on a mission if he or she is capable of serving as a service missionary. Your stake president would be required to submit a request for an exception to policy to the Missionary Department before your missionary recommendation form is submitted. The stake president should call the Missionary Department for instructions. If an exception is approved, the dependent adult child would be given a call to serve as a service missionary, and the senior couple would receive their missionary calls.
Pets
Pets are not allowed for those serving an away-from-home mission. Those who desire to serve as a missionary but require the assistance of a service animal should consider a service missionary opportunity.
Senior missionaries may communicate with family members through email, phone calls, VoIP telephone, web video, etc., and are encouraged to do so frequently. Such communication should not interfere with your missionary responsibilities.
Visits to/from Family
You may request a leave of absence for an important family event. These requests are often approved but require authorization from your mission president/temple president/historical site president/Area President. Travel and other costs are at your own expense, and your leave should not exceed 10 days.
With the permission of your mission president or in-field ecclesiastical leader, you may receive visits from your immediate family members. Disruption of missionary responsibilities should be kept to a minimum.
Dependent Adult Children
In some circumstances, it is possible to bring a dependent adult child on a mission if he or she is capable of serving as a service missionary. Your stake president would be required to submit a request for an exception to policy to the Missionary Department before your missionary recommendation form is submitted. The stake president should call the Missionary Department for instructions. If an exception is approved, the dependent adult child would be given a call to serve as a service missionary, and the senior couple would receive their missionary calls.
Pets
Pets are not allowed for those serving an away-from-home mission. Those who desire to serve as a missionary but require the assistance of a service animal should consider a service missionary opportunity.
Serving as a Senior Service Missionary
Preparation
Preparation
You can prepare for your assignment physically and spiritually by getting regular physical exercise and studying the scriptures, general conference talks, and other Church materials, such as Preach My Gospel .
If you have a desire to serve in an office assignment, you can develop or improve your skills with the Microsoft Office suite of software (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer in particular).
If you have a desire to serve in an office assignment, you can develop or improve your skills with the Microsoft Office suite of software (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer in particular).
Expectations
Expectations
General
As a service missionary, you can provide service to the Lord and His Church. You will receive a call from your stake president to be a service missionary and will be assigned to serve in specific operations of the Church.
However, you do not have to wait for a call; you can also volunteer to be considered for a service missionary position that interests you (see “Recommendation Process” below).
As a service missionary, you will serve under the direction of your stake president.
Only certain callings are considered for service missionary opportunities. Callings within your own stake to assist with activation efforts or to help strengthen or minister to members in wards are made by local leaders. These callings are not processed as service missionary calls, even if you are called to serve outside your home ward.
Worthiness and Callings
To be a service missionary, you must be a member of the Church who is worthy to hold a temple recommend. You do not have to be temple-endowed in order to serve.
Service missionaries may also serve in a ward, stake, or temple calling if the calling does not interfere with their service missionary assignment.
Location
Service missionaries typically live at home while serving. Any exception to living at home must be approved by the service missionary office.
Long-Term Volunteers
Some kinds of assignments may be filled by long-term volunteers (LTVs). Long-term volunteers differ from service missionaries in the following ways:
If you have dependent children living at home, you may be considered for service as a service missionary if the mission responsibilities would not keep you from fulfilling your responsibilities to care for your children.
Schedule
Service missionaries serve a minimum of eight hours per week. An assignment that requires less than eight hours a week is generally classified as a long-term volunteer assignment. Your schedule will depend on your specific assignment. If you need to change your schedule, please work with your assignment supervisor.
Skills
For many assignments, the only skills required are a desire to serve God and His children. Other assignments require specific skills. Please review the assignment listing carefully to determine whether you are able to fill the needs of the assignment. Also, after you request an assignment, department representatives may contact you to determine whether that assignment is a good fit for you.
As a service missionary, you can provide service to the Lord and His Church. You will receive a call from your stake president to be a service missionary and will be assigned to serve in specific operations of the Church.
However, you do not have to wait for a call; you can also volunteer to be considered for a service missionary position that interests you (see “Recommendation Process” below).
As a service missionary, you will serve under the direction of your stake president.
Only certain callings are considered for service missionary opportunities. Callings within your own stake to assist with activation efforts or to help strengthen or minister to members in wards are made by local leaders. These callings are not processed as service missionary calls, even if you are called to serve outside your home ward.
Worthiness and Callings
To be a service missionary, you must be a member of the Church who is worthy to hold a temple recommend. You do not have to be temple-endowed in order to serve.
Service missionaries may also serve in a ward, stake, or temple calling if the calling does not interfere with their service missionary assignment.
Location
Service missionaries typically live at home while serving. Any exception to living at home must be approved by the service missionary office.
Long-Term Volunteers
Some kinds of assignments may be filled by long-term volunteers (LTVs). Long-term volunteers differ from service missionaries in the following ways:
- They serve less than 8 hours a week for a specified 6–24 month service period.
- They do not require a temple recommend unless it is necessary for the specific assignment.
- They need not be members of the Church.
- They must receive a bishop’s recommendation and are typically invited by the bishop to serve.
- They do not wear name badges.
- They are not set apart.
If you have dependent children living at home, you may be considered for service as a service missionary if the mission responsibilities would not keep you from fulfilling your responsibilities to care for your children.
Schedule
Service missionaries serve a minimum of eight hours per week. An assignment that requires less than eight hours a week is generally classified as a long-term volunteer assignment. Your schedule will depend on your specific assignment. If you need to change your schedule, please work with your assignment supervisor.
Skills
For many assignments, the only skills required are a desire to serve God and His children. Other assignments require specific skills. Please review the assignment listing carefully to determine whether you are able to fill the needs of the assignment. Also, after you request an assignment, department representatives may contact you to determine whether that assignment is a good fit for you.
Requirements
Requirements
Age
Men and women must be at least 18 years of age to serve as a service missionary; however, most men and women who serve are age 40 and over. There is no maximum age as long as you are able to meet the physical requirements of the assignment. In other cases, if you are under the age of 26, you may also be called as a service missionary. For opportunities, please see theService Missionary page .
Marital Status
Service missionary opportunities are available for couples, single sisters, and single brothers. If you are married, you do not have to serve with your spouse. Service missionary opportunities are ideal for married people whose spouses are still working or are otherwise unable to serve.
Employment
You do not have to be retired to serve as a service missionary. Many service missionaries are also employed.
Health
You must be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to fulfill the specific assignment and its related duties. Assignments are available for a wide variety of physical capabilities.
Men and women must be at least 18 years of age to serve as a service missionary; however, most men and women who serve are age 40 and over. There is no maximum age as long as you are able to meet the physical requirements of the assignment. In other cases, if you are under the age of 26, you may also be called as a service missionary. For opportunities, please see the
Marital Status
Service missionary opportunities are available for couples, single sisters, and single brothers. If you are married, you do not have to serve with your spouse. Service missionary opportunities are ideal for married people whose spouses are still working or are otherwise unable to serve.
Employment
You do not have to be retired to serve as a service missionary. Many service missionaries are also employed.
Health
You must be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to fulfill the specific assignment and its related duties. Assignments are available for a wide variety of physical capabilities.
Length of Service
Length of Service
Your length of service may be determined by your availability and the needs of the assignment. Service missionaries are generally called to serve for 6–24 months.
Extending Service
Near the end of your assignment, you may request to extend your mission. Extensions may be approved for up to 24 months at a time as long as the following criteria apply:
Extending Service
Near the end of your assignment, you may request to extend your mission. Extensions may be approved for up to 24 months at a time as long as the following criteria apply:
- Your stake president approves the extension and verifies your temple worthiness.
- You want to continue serving and are able to continue meeting the job requirements.
- The operation still has the need, and the manager wants you to continue in the assignment.
Recommendation Process
Recommendation Process
Process Overview
When you apply for a service missionary position on the website, your bishop and stake president are notified. They may meet with you to review the assignment. Department representatives for that assignment may also contact you to determine if this assignment is a good fit for you. If no changes are recommended, your stake president will formally extend to you the call and set you apart. You will receive instructions from the assignment supervisor.
Availability Dates
Unless otherwise noted, most service missionary assignments are available for you to begin serving immediately.
You must be formally called and set apart prior to beginning your service.
Serving Multiple Missions
If you would like to serve again as a missionary or service missionary at the conclusion of your current mission, there is no required waiting period between missionary assignments. You may begin the process at any time, even while you are serving as a service missionary.
Serving in Multiple Assignments
If you would like to serve in more than one service missionary assignment at a time, you may do so as long as the requirements of the assignments do not conflict with each other.
When you apply for a service missionary position on the website, your bishop and stake president are notified. They may meet with you to review the assignment. Department representatives for that assignment may also contact you to determine if this assignment is a good fit for you. If no changes are recommended, your stake president will formally extend to you the call and set you apart. You will receive instructions from the assignment supervisor.
Availability Dates
Unless otherwise noted, most service missionary assignments are available for you to begin serving immediately.
You must be formally called and set apart prior to beginning your service.
Serving Multiple Missions
If you would like to serve again as a missionary or service missionary at the conclusion of your current mission, there is no required waiting period between missionary assignments. You may begin the process at any time, even while you are serving as a service missionary.
Serving in Multiple Assignments
If you would like to serve in more than one service missionary assignment at a time, you may do so as long as the requirements of the assignments do not conflict with each other.
Finances
Finances
You are responsible for your own living expenses, transportation, insurance, and medical and dental expenses. If you live in the United States or Canada and are injured during your service, you may be eligible for some secondary accident cost coverage under the Church Activity Medical Assistance program.
Dress and Grooming
Dress and Grooming
Clothing
You should wear clothing appropriate for the assignment in which you serve, as determined by the operations manager. Clothing should be clean, neat, modest, and in good taste. Ask your operations manager about specific questions regarding dress and grooming.
There are no clothing policies for service missionaries and long-term volunteers while they are away from their assignment.
You are not required to wear your name badge while you are away from your assignment. However, you are encouraged to wear your name badge while attending Church meetings.
Beards and Mustaches
You are expected to abide by personal hygiene and grooming standards of the department in which you serve. Ask your operations manager for specifics.
You should wear clothing appropriate for the assignment in which you serve, as determined by the operations manager. Clothing should be clean, neat, modest, and in good taste. Ask your operations manager about specific questions regarding dress and grooming.
There are no clothing policies for service missionaries and long-term volunteers while they are away from their assignment.
You are not required to wear your name badge while you are away from your assignment. However, you are encouraged to wear your name badge while attending Church meetings.
Beards and Mustaches
You are expected to abide by personal hygiene and grooming standards of the department in which you serve. Ask your operations manager for specifics.
Serving in a Foreign Country
Passports and Visas
Passports and Visas
Passports
All missionaries who are called to serve outside of their resident country will require a passport. If you are assigned to a foreign mission, you will need to: (1) apply for a passport if you do not already have one or (2) renew your passport if you anticipate it will expire within six months of your mission completion date.
You may start this process before your mission call is issued; however, having a passport does not influence where you are assigned.
Visas
You will likely require a visa if you are assigned to serve in a foreign country. You should receive visa information within two weeks after you receive your mission call. Missionary Travel Services (or Area Travel Services) will provide your travel agent’s contact information at the bottom of the visa instruction sheet.
You will be asked to provide required documents, including your passport. Your passport may be unavailable to you for the duration of your visa application process. If you have international travel plans between the time of your call and your mission start date, please consult with Missionary or Area Travel Services.
All missionaries who are called to serve outside of their resident country will require a passport. If you are assigned to a foreign mission, you will need to: (1) apply for a passport if you do not already have one or (2) renew your passport if you anticipate it will expire within six months of your mission completion date.
You may start this process before your mission call is issued; however, having a passport does not influence where you are assigned.
Visas
You will likely require a visa if you are assigned to serve in a foreign country. You should receive visa information within two weeks after you receive your mission call. Missionary Travel Services (or Area Travel Services) will provide your travel agent’s contact information at the bottom of the visa instruction sheet.
You will be asked to provide required documents, including your passport. Your passport may be unavailable to you for the duration of your visa application process. If you have international travel plans between the time of your call and your mission start date, please consult with Missionary or Area Travel Services.
Language
Language
The need to speak a second language during your mission will vary depending on your specific assignment and country. Senior missionaries are not required to learn another language; however, the vast majority of missionaries serving outside their home country find learning the basics of the mission language invaluable to fulfilling their missionary purpose and connecting with their new community. The Provo Missionary Training Center offers personalized language training via video conferencing. This service can be adapted to your needs, ability, and schedule. In addition, upon arriving in the mission field, you can request up to six more months of tutoring.
Please call 385-384-2946 or emailMTCOnlineTutoring@ChurchofJesusChrist.org to request language training.
Please call 385-384-2946 or email
Finances
Finances
Conducting secure financial transactions abroad requires some knowledge and preparation before your departure. Consider the following differences and advantages in using credit cards, debit cards, and cash abroad:
Credit Cards
Cash is not as safe as electronic exchanges and transactions. Consider the following:
Credit Cards
- Frequently have low exchange fees.
- Are safer to use because they are monitored, they allow you to dispute fraudulent charges, and they are not tied to your bank account.
- May have no foreign transaction fees, depending on your card.
- Frequently have low exchange fees.
- Allow you to withdraw cash from an ATM, which is most cost-effective if cash is needed.
- Are relatively safe because they are monitored and allow you to dispute fraudulent charges.
- Have funds tied to your bank account, so it could take the bank several days to reimburse misused funds.
- May charge fees for international transactions. Check with your bank to see what fees they charge.
Cash is not as safe as electronic exchanges and transactions. Consider the following:
- ATM withdrawals can be the least expensive way to obtain cash or local currency, depending on the debit card and ATM fees.
- If it is not safe to withdraw money at an ATM upon your arrival, convert some travel money to local currency at a bank or the airport before you leave home. Take only what you need for the trip. Exchange rates will be higher at the airport. However, most airports have an ATM where you can obtain cash once you arrive in the country.
- Ask your mission president where you can access cash securely.
Transportation
Transportation
Driving
Driving is allowed in some foreign missions. Depending on the country, you may or may not need to acquire additional permits or licenses. Contact your mission president to find out if you will need to drive and what type of license you will need.
International driving permits and licenses are available from several sources but must be obtained before mission departure. Usually they are valid for 12 months and thus require renewal for the balance of your mission. International driving permits are not accepted in every country, so you will need to consult with your mission president before obtaining one.
When possible, ensure that your driver’s license will not expire during the course of your mission.
Driving is allowed in some foreign missions. Depending on the country, you may or may not need to acquire additional permits or licenses. Contact your mission president to find out if you will need to drive and what type of license you will need.
International driving permits and licenses are available from several sources but must be obtained before mission departure. Usually they are valid for 12 months and thus require renewal for the balance of your mission. International driving permits are not accepted in every country, so you will need to consult with your mission president before obtaining one.
When possible, ensure that your driver’s license will not expire during the course of your mission.
Medical
Medical
Obtaining Medication
If you need to take prescription medication on your mission, work with your doctor and your insurance provider to bring a 90-day supply to get you started. Please contact Missionary Medical at 801-578-5650 to arrange for your care in the field.
If you would like to receive medication by mail, please note that they can be mailed only by a certified pharmacy. Family and friends should not mail prescription medications.
National Health Care
Many countries have a national health care system. Except in Japan and England, where you are required to join, you are not permitted to use the national health care system in the country where you serve unless you are a permanent resident of that country. The use of national health care systems by missionaries who are not permanent residents of the country in which they serve does not satisfy the Church’s requirement that senior missionaries have health insurance.
Medicare (US Citizens and Permanent Residents)
Medicare (or Medicare Advantage) will not provide adequate medical insurance coverage if you serve outside of the United States. You are required to have adequate coverage through an insurance provider of your choice, or you may enroll in theSenior Service Medical Plan (SSMP) .
The SSMP is designed to provide Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and meet the individual mandate for US citizens. The benefits are designed to meet all other countries’ insurance requirements as well.
Medicare Part B
You may suspend Medicare Part B coverage without penalty while serving outside of the United States. The regulation states that Medicare Part B recipients who are “international volunteers” (including missionaries) can disenroll from Medicare Part B while they serve outside the US and reenroll once they return to the US, if they meet these qualifications:
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
Your Medicare Advantage policy will likely be affected by your missionary service. Medicare Advantage policies are valid for residents of a specific geographic service area (usually a county or group of adjacent counties). If your missionary service requires you to be outside of your policy’s service area for a period of more than six months, the policy may be cancelled.
If you need to take prescription medication on your mission, work with your doctor and your insurance provider to bring a 90-day supply to get you started. Please contact Missionary Medical at 801-578-5650 to arrange for your care in the field.
If you would like to receive medication by mail, please note that they can be mailed only by a certified pharmacy. Family and friends should not mail prescription medications.
National Health Care
Many countries have a national health care system. Except in Japan and England, where you are required to join, you are not permitted to use the national health care system in the country where you serve unless you are a permanent resident of that country. The use of national health care systems by missionaries who are not permanent residents of the country in which they serve does not satisfy the Church’s requirement that senior missionaries have health insurance.
Medicare (US Citizens and Permanent Residents)
Medicare (or Medicare Advantage) will not provide adequate medical insurance coverage if you serve outside of the United States. You are required to have adequate coverage through an insurance provider of your choice, or you may enroll in the
The SSMP is designed to provide Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and meet the individual mandate for US citizens. The benefits are designed to meet all other countries’ insurance requirements as well.
Medicare Part B
You may suspend Medicare Part B coverage without penalty while serving outside of the United States. The regulation states that Medicare Part B recipients who are “international volunteers” (including missionaries) can disenroll from Medicare Part B while they serve outside the US and reenroll once they return to the US, if they meet these qualifications:
- They have to be serving for a 501(c)(3) corporation (which the Church is).
- Their original assignment outside the US must be for at least 12 months.
- They must maintain US insurance coverage (such as the SSMP). The US government will not accept the national health care of another country to meet this regulation. Disenrolling from or delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B while using only the national insurance coverage of the country in which the missionary serves could result in lifetime Medicare premium penalties. If you disenroll, you will also have to wait for the open enrollment period in the fall to enroll again, and you may find yourself without coverage for a time.
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
Your Medicare Advantage policy will likely be affected by your missionary service. Medicare Advantage policies are valid for residents of a specific geographic service area (usually a county or group of adjacent counties). If your missionary service requires you to be outside of your policy’s service area for a period of more than six months, the policy may be cancelled.