Understanding Your Benefits During OB Medevac

You’ve received OB Medevac authorization to return to the United States for labor and delivery. Now what? If you’re like most State Department families, you’ve probably heard a dozen versions of what you can and cannot do once you return Stateside. Some renditions are outdated. Some are simply inaccurate. All can turn a challenging season into an overwhelming experience. This guide is here to clear a few things up.

Many people still think OB Medevac means staying in a hotel for 90 days. This is simply untrue. TDY housing rules allow for compliant commercial lodging, and that includes furnished, short-term rentals. Rental homes are typically more comfortable, offer better privacy, and allow for basic necessities like cooking, cleaning laundry, and resting in a quiet space to recover during postpartum. You do not have to be stuck in a hotel—unless you want to be.

One of the lesser-known benefits of securing OB Medevac housing via TDY Rentals is the ability to customize your environment. A portion of your lodging per diem can be used toward brand-new furnishings that you select—delivered, assembled, and then liquidated for you. This means you’re not limited to crash pads or used furnishings. Need a glider? Bassinet? Standing desk? As long as it’s within per diem—it’s covered!

This is a rule often overlooked: you can stay in your permanent residence—even if you own or rent it in the same city—but only if you allocate your per diem toward furnishings and not lodging. Simply put: you cannot rent your own home…but you can certainly furnish it!

Incorrect documentation is the #1 reason OB Medevac reimbursements get denied. Families often submit itemized invoices, vague contracts, or non-compliant receipts. Unfortunately, this could mean your entire reimbursement ends up delayed or worse, rejected. TDY Rentals provides fully compliant documentation that meets federal and agency-specific standards. You should not have to guess, resubmit, or fight to get what you’ve rightfully been authorized.

Welcoming a new baby is a profound transition on its own—doing so while on TDY adds an additional layer of complexity. Yet with the right support, your temporary stay doesn’t have to feel like an outlier. It can become a safe, stable, and well-supported chapter in your growing family’s story. We’ve assisted dozens of families through the OB Medevac process. We understand the regulations, stay up to date on policy changes, and are committed to guiding you through every step with clarity and care.

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