VisitorsCoverage logo
Travel Insurance

New Immigrants to the US Can Stay Protected with Short-Term Health Insurance

New Immigrants to the US Can Stay Protected with Short-Term Health Insurance

Upon receiving their green card, many new immigrants make the risky mistake of moving to the U.S. without buying health insurance. New immigrants in the process of getting a green card are not covered once they arrive in the U.S., and U.S. healthcare is not free. Therefore, new immigrants should have a temporary health insurance plan during their transition to protect themselves against any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Short-term health insurance provides medical coverage for residents and new immigrants for temporary purposes. It’s available for any U.S. resident below the age of 65, including but not limited to those who recently got their green cards and people with H-1, L-1, F-1, and J-1 visa status.

New immigrants may not be able to get health insurance upon arriving in the U.S. for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Waiting on employment
  • Waiting on Medicare
  • Waiting to receive social security number
  • Arrived in U.S. after open enrollment period for healthcare  ends

All of these situations are usually limited to a brief period of time, which is why many new immigrants choose to go uninsured. What they don’t realize is how much of a financial risk it is to not have health insurance in the U.S.

Many new immigrants are not aware of the cost of medical care in the U.S. until they experience it firsthand. Without health insurance, a simple visit to the doctor can cost a few hundred dollars, and a more serious medical emergency can cost up to thousands of dollars.

How Does Short-Term Medical Insurance Help New Immigrants?

Short Term medical insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen illnesses, injuries, medical emergencies, and other incidents. These medical insurance plans for new immigrants may typically offer the following healthcare benefits:

  • Surgery treatment
  • Ambulance and hospital room expenses
  • Urgent care visits
  • Dental coverage
  • AD&D insurance
  • Emergency medical evacuation coverage
  • Acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage up to a limit
  • Return of mortal remains

Pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and preventative care such as annual medical exams, immunizations, and checkups may not be covered by short-term health insurance. Such treatments should be completed before leaving your home country.

Can I Purchase Short-Term Health Insurance after Arriving in the US?

Yes, you can purchase short-term health insurance after you arrive. However, you may want to purchase temporary health insurance applicable for immigrants to cover you during the time between arriving in the U.S. and purchasing short-term medical insurance.

If anything happens to you during that small window in which you don’t have insurance, you risk paying huge medical bills out of pocket. Aircraft complications, car accidents, or simple injuries and illnesses could occur immediately after arriving in the U.S., putting you in need of medical attention.

Even though you can buy short-term medical insurance after arriving in the U.S., the coverage may not start immediately. There’s usually a time period between the purchase date and coverage effective date.

To explore your insurance options, read about short term health insurance plans. 

Those who aren’t eligible for short term health insurance may consider purchasing health insurance for immigrants.


Related Articles

Trip Insurance vs Travel Medical Insurance

Travel insurance is a broad term used for insurance that provides travel coverage. Typically, travel…

Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Travel Medical Insurance Policyholder

As a traveler to a foreign land – whether on holiday, a study tour, or…

Medicare: Limitations for International Travelers

A majority of the population in the U.S. are elderly and retired people who do…

Bungee Jumping

Adventure seekers all over the world flock to bridges, cranes, buildings, and other high ledges…

Infographics: Most Common Mistakes Made by Travelers

Every traveler has probably made his or her share of travel mistakes, from booking too…

Mandatory Travel Insurance a Growing Trend for Foreign Tourists

Many countries around the world have begun to implement changes to prevent foreign tourists from…

Travel Insurance for Summer Olympics 2016

The 2016 Summer Olympic games will be taking place in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on…

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Enter the United States?

When it comes to visiting the U.S., there are many things to keep in mind….

What is Hazardous Sports or Adventure Sports Coverage and Who Needs It?

Adventure sports are activities that are considered risky by the travel insurance industry because these…

Travel Insurance and Tainted Alcohol: Are You Covered?

A number of tourist deaths reported in the Dominican Republic and Mexico have been linked…

Top COVID-19 & Travel Insurance FAQs

*Updated September 24, 2021 What Kind of Travel Insurance Covers COVID-19? Travel medical insurance and…

VisitorsCoverage Wins Magellan Award 2020 for Innovation

VisitorsCoverage is honored to receive the prestigious 2020 Silver Magellan Award from Travel Weekly, a…

VisitorsCoverage Wins Award for Best Travel Insurance Website

VisitorsCoverage is honored to receive the 2021 Elliott Advocacy Readers’ Choice Award for Best Travel…

Which Cruise Lines Require Mandatory Travel Insurance?

Please Note: The information that follows is accurate as of February 7, 2023. For the…

US Reopens to Foreign Travelers. What It Means for International Travelers

Please note: This information reflects the travel situation in the fall of 2021. The information…

Disclaimer

Plan features listed here are high level, provided for your convenience and information purpose only. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Plan Contract (Policy) for a detailed description of Coverage Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions. Must read the Policy Brochure and Plan Details for complete and accurate details. Only the Terms and Conditions of Coverage Benefits listed in the policy are binding.