Thailand resident instructions
Manage FEHB as a civilian retiree
Practical guide
At a glance
FERS/CSRS annuities and FEHB coverage are separate from military retired pay and TRICARE. Having both careers does not merge their rules or administrative records.
Who this is for
Federal civilian annuitants, survivor annuitants and dual military/civilian retirees living in Thailand.
Eligibility and coverage rules
- For an eligible annuitant, formally suspending FEHB to use qualifying TRICARE or CHAMPVA is different from cancelling it. OPM provides a suspension procedure and documentation requirements. Do not simply stop premiums.
- OPM says eligible annuitants who suspend for these programs can return during Open Season or immediately after involuntary loss of the qualifying coverage. Do not assume voluntary cancellation preserves that route.
- Overseas claims handling is plan-specific. A plan's name or a US provider directory does not establish Thai hospital direct billing, emergency evacuation coverage or local reimbursement.
Important limits
FEHB suspension guidance for annuitants is not permission for an actively working federal employee to suspend coverage, nor a general right to suspend for any Thai insurance policy.
Request FEHB suspension using the correct form
- If an eligible civilian annuitant is replacing FEHB with TRICARE, TRICARE for Life or CHAMPVA, download current RI 79-9. Select the applicable suspension section, not ordinary cancellation block B.
- For these programs, Section D asks for the requested effective date and eligibility evidence. It identifies a Uniformed Services ID card and, for TRICARE for Life over age 65, a Medicare card showing Parts A and B; CHAMPVA evidence is its authorization card.
- Sign and date the form and send it with the evidence through the instructions on the current form. The November 2025 form lists fax +1 202 606 1640 and OPM Retirement Eligibility and Services, 1900 E Street NW, Room 2416, Washington, DC 20415-0001.
- Keep confirmation of OPM's approved effective date. For involuntary loss of the replacement coverage, RI 79-9 says the reenrollment request must arrive from 31 days before through 60 days after coverage ends; provide evidence of the loss.
Check before acting
The current PDF has an apparent mismatched Medicaid reference within Section D's timing paragraph. Use OPM's dedicated TRICARE/CHAMPVA FAQ to confirm the requested suspension timing before submitting. Thai private insurance alone is not a listed suspension reason.
Official forms and instructions
Documents checklist
Official sources for this guide
Reviewed 25 October 2026. Follow the linked agency's current instructions; rules and forms may change.
Confirm your circumstances
Agency determinations and current instructions control. This independent guide provides educational information and cannot decide eligibility or individual legal, medical or tax questions.