If you’re visiting the United States or have recently moved here, you might be wondering how healthcare works for non-citizens and whether you can get Medicare. It’s a common question and a fair one. The U.S. healthcare system can be complex, and it’s not always clear what options are available, especially if you’re not a U.S. citizen.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through whether foreigners can get Medicare, who qualifies for it, and what the best health insurance options are for those who don’t.
What Is Medicare Health Insurance and Who Is Eligible?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and for certain younger individuals with disabilities. It’s primarily intended for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet specific criteria.
To qualify, individuals must:
- Be 65 years or older, or have a qualifying disability.
- Have lived in the U.S. legally for at least five continuous years.
- Have paid Medicare taxes for a minimum of 10 years, or be married to someone who has.
This means that visitors to the U.S. who are here temporarily, such as tourists, business travelers, or family visitors, are not eligible for Medicare. Similarly, new immigrants or green card holders may not qualify until they meet residency and tax contribution requirements.
Can Green Card Holders Get Medicare?
Yes, green card holders over 65 may become eligible for Medicare, but only if they have legally lived in the U.S. for at least five years and meet the work credit or tax payment requirements. If they don’t meet these criteria, they can still purchase Medicare Part A by paying a premium, though it can be expensive.
If you’re a green card holder who is not yet eligible or needs coverage in the meantime, travel medical insurance or visitors insurance can provide the protection you need.
Can Immigrants Get Medicare?
Some immigrants can qualify for Medicare once they become permanent residents and meet the residency and work history criteria. In contrast, Medicaid, a separate program offering free or low-cost care to those with limited income, has different rules that vary by state. In most cases, new immigrants or non-citizens must wait several years before they’re eligible for Medicaid.
So, if you’re a recent arrival, these public healthcare programs likely won’t apply to you just yet.
Can Non-U.S. Citizens Qualify for Medicaid or Other Health Programs?
Are non-U.S. citizens eligible for Medicaid? In most cases, no. Medicaid is a need-based health insurance program primarily for U.S. citizens and qualifying green card holders with low income. Temporary visitors and undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Can You Get Health Insurance in the U.S. if You Are Not a Citizen?
You may be wondering: if you are not eligible for Medicare and can’t purchase a domestic health insurance policy, then what healthcare options do new immigrants and visitors to the US have?
Don’t worry, there is a very easy solution for health care in the US: visitors insurance.
Visitors insurance, also called travel medical insurance, is specifically designed for temporary stays in the U.S. It helps cover medical expenses in case of unexpected illness or injury during your visit.
Depending on the visitors insurance plan, it may also cover the following:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Urgent care
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medication (for new medical conditions)
For new immigrants who have not yet met the eligibility requirements for Medicare, visitors insurance is the go-to option until they qualify for a more permanent solution.
Best Budget-Friendly Travel Medical Insurance Plan for New Immigrants: CoverAmerica-Gold
Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan with Great Medical Coverage: Atlas America Premium
Best Pre-Existing Conditions Plan for New Immigrants and Elderly Visitors: INF Elite X
What Happens If I Travel Without Health Insurance?
Traveling without health insurance can expose you to many risks while you are in the U.S.
Healthcare in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world. Even a quick trip to the emergency room can cost thousands of dollars. Without travel medical insurance, you’re responsible for every penny. And most U.S. hospitals require payment up front if you’re uninsured and not a U.S. citizen.
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind. If something goes wrong, whether it’s a sudden illness, an accident, or a travel delay, you have support in place. And in an unfamiliar healthcare system, that support can make all the difference.
Where Can I Find the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan for Visitors to the USA?
So, can you get Medicare if you’re visiting the U.S.? In short, no. Medicare is designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet specific criteria. But that doesn’t mean you’re left unprotected. Visitors insurance offers an affordable safety net that helps you avoid the financial burden of medical emergencies while traveling in the U.S.
Whether you’re coming for a few weeks or several months, the best visitors insurance plan can provide the protection you need. At VisitorsCoverage, you can compare and secure the best travel insurance plan in under 5 minutes! Get an insurance travel comparison using our quote tool to find the best plan for you.
And if you’re unsure about which plan to pick, there is no need to worry. We understand that this process can be hard to digest. That is why our team of licensed travel insurance specialists is here to guide you from start to finish, no pressure, just real answers.
Because peace of mind shouldn’t be complicated.
- Medicare is primarily for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 65+ or have qualifying disabilities, with requirements including 5 years of legal U.S. residency and 10 years of Medicare tax contributions
- Visitors insurance is the recommended option for temporary visitors and new immigrants who don’t yet qualify for Medicare or other U.S. healthcare programs
- Unlike Medicare and Medicaid, visitors insurance is available to purchase regardless of your citizenship or immigration status
- Travel insurance provides not just financial protection but also support in navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system while visiting the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions About US Travel Insurance for New Immigrants
Is insurance mandatory for visitors to the USA?
The U.S. government doesn’t require temporary visitors to the U.S. to have insurance for entry. While it may not be mandatory for visitors, having a travel health insurance plan can demonstrate financial responsibility during your visa application and protects you from the extremely high cost of uninsured medical care in the U.S.
What’s the minimum recommended coverage for short-term USA visitors?
When traveling to the United States, many travel insurance experts recommend securing at least $100,000 in maximum coverage as a starting point. It is also important to keep in mind that major medical emergencies can exceed that amount in the United States, so many travelers should opt for $250,000 to $500,000 in maximum coverage, especially for elderly visitors or longer stays.
Can I purchase visitors insurance if I’ve already arrived in the USA?
Yes. While it is recommended to get your insurance before you arrive, you can still get travel medical insurance even if your trip has already started or you are already in the US. Coverage will start 24 hours after you have purchased the plan.
What’s the difference between comprehensive and limited visitors insurance plans?
Limited coverage plans are cheaper but pay fixed, low amounts (e.g., $75 for a doctor visit and $500 for the ER) that rarely cover actual U.S. medical costs, often leaving you with large out-of-pocket expenses. Most limited insurance plans also require you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
Meanwhile, comprehensive plans function like real insurance. After the deductible is met, a comprehensive plan will typically cover 100% of actual costs. Unlike limited plans, comprehensive plans use a PPO network, allowing the hospital to bill the insurance company directly, preventing high out-of-pocket costs. Given the high cost of U.S. healthcare, comprehensive coverage is usually worth the extra expense, as limited plans lack protection for many travelers.
Does visitors insurance cover pre-existing conditions for new immigrants?
Yes, you can buy visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage. While standard plans exclude pre-existing conditions, some specialized plans for visitors to the US, like INF Elite X and VisitorsProtect, offer great protection, especially for elderly travelers.
You may also see that some visitors insurance plans offer limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. It is important to learn the difference between the acute onset of pre-existing conditions and general coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Can green card holders use visitors insurance when first arriving in the USA?
Yes. Green card holders can use visitors insurance when they first arrive in the U.S. It is generally recommended to purchase a visitors insurance plan first for new green card holders, since they may not be eligible for Medicare or a more permanent health care insurance plan yet when they first arrive.
Can I extend my visitors insurance if I extend my stay in the USA?
Typically yes, as long as you request the extension before your current coverage expires and you haven’t filed any claims or aren’t currently being treated for something. Many plans allow you to extend your insurance online or by calling customer service. It is important not to wait until the last minute, and request it a few days before your coverage ends to avoid any gaps.
What documentation should visitors to the US keep for insurance claims?
Visitors to the US should always keep detailed records, including:
- Original itemized bills showing specific services provided
- Payment receipts
- Medical reports explaining diagnosis and treatment
- Prescription information
- Any correspondence with healthcare providers.
Take photos of all documents you have as backup. Request documents in English when possible, or be prepared to provide certified translations, as most U.S. insurance companies require English documentation for processing claims. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of insurance experts to help you understand how the claims process works.
