Medical Insurance For New Immigrants to USA
Making the decision to immigrate to the U.S. can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is important to keep in mind there are several requirements for the immigrant who has or is trying to obtain a green card. One of the most important aspects to consider is what kind of health insurance will be right for you specific situation.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most residents of the U.S. are required to obtain a health insurance policy. An immigrant can find themselves in one of four unique situations which will impact what policy is right for them.
Situations that impact medical insurance for new immigrants to USA
1. Green card holders who frequently travel between the U.S. and their home country
Many green card holders don’t permanently reside in the U.S. Typically these immigrants travel to the U.S. every six months to a year. If this is your situation, you are required to obtain health insurance, but you have a few options to choose from. You would need to either purchase an immigrant or visitor’s plan which satisfies eligibility criteria.
2. Green card holders who permanently live in the U.S.
If you are a current green card holder and you have lived in the U.S for a long time or spend most of your time here, you may be required to obtain an insurance policy. If you are below 65 years of age, you can consider domestic insurance policies. If you are above 65 years of age you may be eligible for a U.S. state or federal supported health program such as Medicare.
3. New immigrant/ recent card holder
For those immigrants who have recently obtained their green card and will be going to the U.S. soon, you should consider short-term insurance plans. These are ideal because the provide temporary coverage while traveling and settling in. Temporary short term insurance plans are also the best option if you have your green card and have just arrived to the U.S.
4. In the process of getting green card
If you are visiting the U.S. on a visitor’s visa and your family has applied for a family sponsored card, you will be considered a visitor until your card is processed and issued. While you are waiting for processing, you are eligible for any number of visitor health insurance plans.
No matter what situation applies to you, it is important to make sure you are always covered. If you are interested in medical insurance for new immigrants to USA or want more information on international travel insurance, visit Overseas Health online or call one of our insurance experts at (800) 647-4589 or 01 (480) 821-9052 today.