GPAFI is a non-profit-making association, formed in 1958 by the Coordinating Council of the United Nations Office at Geneva (formerly Staff Council).

Initially, its object was to provide health insurance coverage for short-term and retired international civil servants.

Year after year, GPAFI negotiated collective insurance schemes with insurance companies, offering its members highly favourable conditions.

Today, GPAFI provides wide insurance schemes for international civil servants working in the international organizations based in Geneva and employees of permanent missions to the UN, as well as family members of all these staffs.