New Immigrant & Green Card Insurance
New immigrants and Green Card holders may be eligible for short-term travel medical insurance while traveling to and settling in the United States.
Who Is Considered a New Immigrant or Green Card Holder?
The terms new immigrant, lawful permanent resident (LPR), and green card holder are often used interchangeably. They generally refer to a foreign national who has been granted lawful permanent resident status, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States. Depending on their immigration status, permanent residents can also travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. without obtaining a new visa, provided they continue to meet U.S. immigration requirements.
How Can Travel Medical Insurance Help New Immigrants and Green Card Holders?
While permanent residents are generally expected to obtain long-term U.S. health insurance, there are several situations where temporary travel medical insurance may provide valuable protection during a transition period.
Scenario 1: First-Time Entry to the United States
A person's green card may be approved while they are still outside the United States. They then travel to the U.S. for the first time as a permanent resident. In this situation, eligible travel medical insurance plans may provide temporary coverage for unexpected medical emergencies during the journey and for the initial period after arrival, until the individual becomes eligible for or enrolls in a U.S. major medical health insurance plan.
Scenario 2: Green Card Holders Who Frequently Travel Internationally
Some permanent residents spend significant time outside the United States and travel back and forth frequently. If they do not maintain a U.S. major medical health plan, certain travel medical insurance plans may help provide coverage for eligible medical emergencies while traveling or during temporary stays, subject to the policy's terms and eligibility requirements.
Scenario 3: Between Jobs or Waiting for New Health Coverage
A green card holder who is between jobs or waiting for employer-sponsored health insurance to begin may have a temporary gap in coverage. Depending on eligibility, certain travel medical insurance plans may help provide limited protection for unexpected medical emergencies during this transition period until permanent health insurance becomes effective.
Important: Travel medical insurance is not the same as major medical insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). These plans are designed to provide limited coverage for unexpected illnesses, injuries, and other eligible travel-related medical emergencies during a temporary period. Benefits, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and coverage limits vary by policy. Always review the policy documents carefully to understand what is and is not covered before purchasing a plan.
Why Do New Immigrants and Green Card Holders Need Health Insurance Protection in the USA?
New immigrants and green card holders should have health insurance coverage because medical care in the United States is among the most expensive in the world. Even a minor emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, while surgery or hospitalization may cost tens of thousands.
Many new immigrants also need temporary coverage while they:
- Wait for employer-sponsored health benefits to begin
- Enroll in an ACA Marketplace health plan
- Establish U.S. residency and settle into the healthcare system
Temporary new immigrant health insurance can help protect against unexpected medical expenses during this transition.
What Does Travel Medical Insurance Typically Cover for New Immigrants?
A qualified travel medical insurance plan may provide coverage for eligible medical expenses resulting from a covered illness or injury, subject to the policy's terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Depending on the plan, covered benefits may include:
Travel medical insurance may cover:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Hospitalization and inpatient care
- Surgery and physician services
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Urgent care visits
- Prescription medications for covered illnesses or injuries
- Access to nationwide PPO provider networks (when available)
Coverage, benefit limits, deductibles, eligibility requirements, and exclusions vary by plan. Before purchasing a policy, compare available travel medical insurance plans for new immigrants and green card holders, and review the policy documents carefully to select the coverage that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
What Is Typically Not Covered?
Travel medical insurance for new immigrants and green card holders is designed to provide temporary financial protection for unexpected illnesses, injuries, and eligible medical emergencies during the transition to long-term U.S. health insurance. These plans are not intended to replace comprehensive major medical health insurance.
While coverage varies by policy, travel medical insurance plans generally do not cover:
- Preventive and wellness care
- Routine annual physicals and health screenings
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Routine or non-emergency doctor visits
- Elective or planned medical procedures and surgeries
- Ongoing treatment for chronic or long-term medical conditions
- Routine maternity and pregnancy care (unless specifically included by the policy)
- Pre-existing medical conditions, except where limited coverage is expressly provided by the plan
Because benefits, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and coverage limits differ from one policy to another, always review the policy documents carefully before purchasing. The policy documents are the governing source for covered benefits, exclusions, limitations, and any available coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans for New Immigrants and Green Card Holders
The best travel medical insurance plan depends on your age, health, budget, length of stay, and coverage needs. Based on affordability, benefits, and overall value, the following plans are among the top options for eligible new immigrants and green card holders:
Best Budget-Friendly Plan: Patriot America Plus
An affordable option that offers solid medical coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries, making it a popular choice for healthy new immigrants seeking dependable temporary protection.
Best Overall Temporary Coverage: Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
A well-rounded plan offering comprehensive medical benefits, flexible coverage options, and excellent value for new immigrants and green card holders during their transition to permanent U.S. health insurance.
Best for High Coverage Limits: Patriot Platinum
Designed for travelers who want premium protection, this plan offers high policy maximums and enhanced benefits, making it a strong option for older travelers, parents, or anyone seeking greater financial protection.
Important: The "best" plan varies based on your individual circumstances. Always compare plan benefits, coverage limits, deductibles, eligibility requirements, and costs before purchasing. Review the policy documents carefully for complete details, including covered benefits, exclusions, limitations, and terms and conditions.
What Happens After My Temporary Coverage Expires?
Travel health insurance for green card holders is designed for short-term protection and is not intended to be a permanent health insurance solution. As you settle in the United States, you should plan to transition to a more comprehensive domestic health insurance option.
Common long-term health insurance options (subject to your eligibility) may include:
- Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If your employer offers health benefits, this is often one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective options.
- ACA Marketplace Insurance: The Affordable Care Act Marketplace offers a range of health plans, and you may qualify for subsidies based on income and household size.
- Medicare: Green card holders may become eligible for Medicare after meeting applicable age, work history, residency, and other eligibility requirements.
- Medicaid: Depending on your state, income, immigration status, and other factors, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Planning ahead can help you avoid a gap in coverage and maintain continuous health insurance protection while living in the United States.
Related Resources
More resources related to green card holders health insurance: Social Security Benefits Eligibility for Green Card Holders and Medicare for Green Card Holders.
Government resource: Coverage for Lawfully Present Immigrants.
Please note that travel medical insurance policies do not provide the same broad coverage as major medical health insurance plans. These policies may be suitable for green card holders or new immigrants who do not currently have major medical coverage or are not covered by any other health insurance, including Medi-Cal or Medicare.
If you plan to stay or reside in the United States long term, you should consider long-term major medical health insurance options, subject to your eligibility. For guidance, consult a licensed health insurance agent in your state of residence or contact your state Department of Health or the appropriate federal health insurance resources.
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New Immigrant & Green Card Insurance FAQs
US permanent residents are not eligible for visitors insurance. Visitors insurance is designed to cover those traveling outside of their home country. For green card holders living outside of the U.S and here in the states for a short visit, they can purchase a visitor's insurance plan for their stay. Depending on your age and other factors, we want to ensure you choose the most suitable option that will fit your individual needs. You can view more information about green card insurance eligibility here: Health Insurance for Green Card Holders.
As a green card holder traveling to the US for a few months out of the year, you may consider the Patriot America Plus policy. This plan will provide coverage for green card holders living outside of the US who are planning on making a short trip back.
For new immigrants to the US, it is a good idea to get visitors insurance for your initial time settling in. For people age 60 years and over, the Patriot America Plus plan is a good option, as it can provide coverage for acute onset of a pre-existing condition up to the policy maximum for people up to age 69. Once you receive your ID, Social Security number, etc., you may apply for a regular long-term US domestic health insurance, as visitors insurance does not meet Obamacare requirements.
For new immigrants and green card holders, the Patriot America Plus plan is suitable for short-term medical coverage while you are awaiting eligibility for domestic insurance. Like all travel insurance policies, this plan does not fulfill the Affordable Care Act requirements, so you should only use it for a short period of time while traveling abroad. You can see the plan coverage details in the Plan Brochure and Description of Coverage document.
If a green card holder has worked for at least 40 quarters in the US, he or she may qualify for Social Security and Medicare. Visit medicare.gov for more information on domestic healthcare insurance.
The plans that we offer are short-term travel medical insurance plans. You can view and compare all applicable policies available for green card holders here: plans for green card holders. It is important to note that as short-term travel plans, these do NOT fulfill the ACA/PPCA (Obamacare) insurance requirements for people living in the US on a long-term, permanent basis. Green card holders can use one of the aforementioned plans as a short-term solution and look for more appropriate long-term plans after living in the U.S. permanently for 6 months or more. You can search for a domestic healthcare plan at healthcare.gov. You can also inquire about domestic healthcare plans from your local Social Security Administration office.
You may consider a travel medical insurance plan to cover you during your adjustment of status. Travel insurance is designed to cover an insured person for unexpected and unforeseen illnesses and injuries that may occur when traveling outside of their home country.
We’ve got you covered.
At VisitorsCoverage, you can easily compare New Immigrant Insurance plans and buy them online, quickly and without excessive paperwork. New Immigrant Insurance plans can help protect you from unforeseen circumstances and let you travel with peace of mind.
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.
