New Immigrant & Green Card Insurance

Green card health insurance can provide temporary medical coverage for new green card holders in the United States who aren’t yet eligible for Medicare, private domestic health insurance, or employee-sponsored insurance.

Considering the high costs of medical care in the United States, having temporary health insurance can keep you protected until you settle in.

A temporary health insurance plan for new immigrants or green card holders in the U.S. can offer valuable healthcare coverage for various emergency situations.

Coverage and benefits will vary from plan to plan, so it’s important to compare green card insurance options to choose a plan that best fits your needs.

Best Affordable Insurance Plan for New Immigrants to the US: Patriot America Plus

Best Overall Temporary Insurance for New Immigrants to the US: Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

Best Temporary Insurance for the US with High Coverage Limits (Great for Parents or Elderly Immigrants): Patriot Platinum

Medical expenses in the United States can be quite high. Even if you’re waiting for a domestic health insurance plan to take effect, immigrant travel medical insurance can offer you temporary coverage. Immigrant travel medical plans may also cover green card holders living outside the U.S. visiting the country for a short time.

These plans are designed to offer temporary coverage for new immigrants and green card holders who still list their home country as outside of the U.S. They can give you coverage for up to two years and aren't a complete replacement of your domestic health insurance plan.

Temporary health insurance for green card holders isn't meant to be a permanent solution. As you establish yourself in the United States, you should transition to more comprehensive domestic health insurance options:

• Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If your employment offers health benefits, this often provides the most comprehensive and affordable coverage.
• Marketplace Insurance: The Affordable Care Act marketplace offers various plans with potential subsidies based on income.
• Medicare: After meeting residency requirements (typically 5 years), green card holders aged 65+ become eligible for Medicare.
• Medicaid: Depending on your state and circumstances, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Planning this transition is important to ensure you maintain continuous health coverage throughout your time in the United States.

VisitorsCoverage can help you get quotes and compare health insurance policies for new immigrants, green card holders and U.S. permanent residents who don't qualify for U.S. domestic insurance or Medicare.

Compare green card insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team for assistance.

Best Budget-Friendly Option for New Immigrants: Patriot America Plus

Best Premium Option for New Immigrants: Patriot Platinum

Best Value Coverage for Green Card Holders: Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

Best Plan with Pre-Existing Coverage for Parents and Elderly Immigrants to the US: INF Elite X

The cost of health insurance for new immigrants varies based on several factors including:

• Your age
• Coverage maximum and deductible selections
• Length of coverage needed
• Additional benefits selected

Premiums typically range from $50 to $300+ depending on these factors. While this represents an additional expense during your transition, the financial protection against potential medical costs makes it a worthwhile investment.

The U.S. healthcare system is extremely costly without insurance, with emergencies or hospital stays potentially resulting in thousands of dollars in bills, which someone without insurance would have to pay out of pocket.

Furthermore, new immigrants face several healthcare challenges: lack of immediate domestic insurance, waiting for government programs like Medicare, unfamiliarity with U.S. billing, and limited credit history.

Temporary health insurance offers crucial coverage for emergencies during this vulnerable period until long-term health solutions are available.

Even for healthy individuals, health insurance is essential in the United States. Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and without insurance, costs can be financially devastating. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, while hospital stays for accidents or sudden illnesses can quickly exceed tens of thousands. Insurance provides financial protection against these unpredictable events.

Some temporary insurance plans for green card holders provide coverage during international travel (namely for Canada or Mexico). This can be especially valuable if you plan to visit family or travel between your home country and the United States during your transition period. Look specifically for plans that mention international coverage if this feature is important to you.

Without insurance, you'll be personally responsible for all medical costs incurred in the United States. Healthcare providers will typically require immediate payment or payment arrangements. Additionally, substantial medical debt can potentially impact your credit history as you're establishing yourself in the country. Given the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., most immigration experts strongly recommend maintaining continuous health coverage.

Most new immigrant health insurance plans provide coverage for as much as just shy of a year, though specific durations vary by policy. This timeframe is designed to cover your transition period while you establish eligibility for permanent health insurance options in the United States.

You can get domestic health insurance through government programs, securing employment with benefits, or establishing eligibility for marketplace plans. If needed, some plans offer renewal or extension options, though there may be limitations on how long you can maintain temporary coverage before transitioning to a domestic insurance solution.

Yes, new immigrants can purchase temporary health insurance even before they arrive in the United States. While there are waiting periods for certain government programs like Medicare (typically 5 years), private temporary insurance plans designed for immigrants provide immediate coverage options to protect you during this transition period.