Health Insurance for Foreigners in, and Immigrants to, the USA
Living in the US is a whole different level of adventure. It is a new world for foreigners and immigrants who have to face new challenges that come with living outside their home countries.
One of the challenges is securing health insurance in the USA and it should be comprehensive. You must find health insurance for foreigners in the USA that will also be valid in your home country and the majority of countries in the world.
This guide will help you find the best health insurance in the USA for non-US citizens. From basic coverage to comprehensive support, you will have a good idea of which insurance policy will best work for its purpose.
Recommended Health Insurance for Immigrants to the USA
If you are an expat moving to the USA, we are recommending three insurance providers that will best fit your needs:
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is an insurance provider with worldwide coverage. It offers excellent service and benefits to clients, with ground people in major countries to give you immediate response when needed.
Cigna also offers a flexible plan that lets you choose which modules and benefits to include in the policy. Being able to tailor-fit health insurance plans in the USA is an incredible advantage that will help you in budgeting expenses.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is a very popular health insurance provider in the USA. It offers somewhat similar benefits to Cigna Global.
GeoBlue Xplorer is a partner of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America (BCBS). This has given GeoBlue a wider network of doctors and hospitals that it can include in its policies.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
International Medical Group (IMG)
IMG offers several affordable health insurance coverages in the United States. It is the favorite provider by foreigners who are on a tight budget but do not want to sacrifice basic coverage.
IMG’s Bronze and Silver plans provide basic level coverage for emergency care. Although they have limited benefits, they are good enough for a short-term stay in the USA. The Gold and Platinum plans are the recommended options if you plan to stay for more than a year in the country because these policies provide comprehensive benefits.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
Health Insurance Coverage for Expatriates in the USA
If you are moving to the US, you must know that the government does not require expatriates and even US citizens to obtain a health insurance plan in America. However, the cost of medical services in the US is very high that you may end up spending all your savings to pay for the bills. So, while it is generally not required to get medical coverage, it is highly recommended that you get health insurance in the USA to save on hospital bills and gain access to appropriate medical care for your needs.
Also, the requirement for getting medical coverage in the USA varies depending on your country of origin and visa type. Some visa types will require you to obtain at least basic coverage.
As discussed, medical costs in the US is higher than the average of most countries. The US has a relatively higher rate of medical inflation and doctors tend to provide more tests and scans before treating a patient. Additionally, medical facilities in the US often use the latest equipment and they provide above-average service to clients.
If you want to learn more about health insurance in the US, read the related articles links below:
- Top International Health Insurance Companies
- Compare Global Medical Plans
- Health Insurance for Americans Abroad
See Also: Life Insurance for Foreigners in the US
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Health Insurance for Non-US Citizens, Foreigners, and Immigrants
The standard of medical care in the United States is high compared to its neighbors, thus the higher cost associated with it. Aside from this, public healthcare is provided only to a portion of the population. This is why most people, including the locals, have private health insurance coverage in America.
The federal Medicare program is available only to retirees. The Medicaid program, on the other hand, is reserved for the poorest citizens in the country. If you are an expatriate in the US, you will not qualify for either of these programs.
Your employer will usually give insurance that extends coverage to immediate family members. However, this is often not enough to shoulder the cost of the expensive healthcare service in the country. As with most immigrants, it is highly recommended that you purchase international health insurance to make sure you are protected in emergencies.
Immigrants in the USA: According to US Customs, to obtain an immigration visa, you must show proof that you are covered by an approved health insurance provider. Family or employment-based policies are usually the types of plans accepted. The policy should be valid within 30 days of entering the US territory unless you have proven that you have enough money to cover any foreseeable medical cost.
Health Insurance for Foreigners in the USA and the ACA Penalty
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, details the shared responsibility provision. Its goal is to make sure all US citizens and permanent residents have access to quality and affordable health insurance in America.
Non-residents, including international students on the F, J, M, and Q visa categories, are not subjected to the individual mandate during the first 5 years of their stay in the country.
For individuals in the J category, including teachers, trainees, au pairs, students, and travelers, the ACA states that they are not subject to the individual mandate for 2 years.
Beginning with the 2019 plan year (for taxes filed in April 2020), the ACA or Shared Responsibility Payment will no longer apply.
Details: Foreign nationals who live in the US for a short period, that they do not become resident aliens for federal income tax purposes, are exempted from the individual shared responsibility payment even though they may have to file for a US income tax return. The IRS discusses in detail when a foreigner becomes a resident alien in the US for federal income tax purposes.
Individuals who are exempt under this rule are:
- Non-resident aliens;
- Dual-status aliens who are in their first year of residency in the US;
- Non-resident aliens or dual-status aliens who chose to file a joint return with a US spouse;
- Individuals who file a Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ, including a dual-status tax return for their last year of stay in the US as a resident; and
- Individuals who are valid for personal exemption on Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ.
All US citizens living in the country are subject to individual shared responsibility provisions. All permanent residents and foreign nationals, who have been in the United States long enough during a calendar year to qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes, are also covered by the provision. The category includes non-resident aliens who meet certain presence requirements and elect to be treated as resident aliens.
For more information see Pub. 519. More: Shared Responsibility from the IRS (See Question 11)
Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to the US
If you are an expatriate living in the United States, it is highly recommended that you purchase additional medical coverage throughout your stay in the country. You want to ensure you are covered in case of an accident, a medical emergency, or sudden repatriation.
Make time to research if you will need travel insurance before entering the country. You must also research if the insurance needs to come from your home country, the US, or both.
If you plan to stay in the US for less than a year, a travel medical insurance plan may be enough to cover your needs. This is also an excellent option for younger travelers who need basic medical coverage for emergencies.
Most travel medical insurance plans provide coverage for accidents and illnesses, saving you from large medical expenses associated with doctor check-ups and hospital visits in the US. At the same time, this type of insurance will give you access to pharmaceutical care and translation services, should they be required.
For more information on travel insurance plans, see:
If you are a non-citizen, immigrant, or international citizen living in the US, getting a global medical plan is recommended. We have guides to help you choose the best international health insurance plan for your needs.
Cost of Short Term Health Insurance in the USA
The cost of an international health insurance plan varies greatly.
Short-term travel medical plans start at about $1.50 per day and can cost more than $10 per day for older clients or more comprehensive coverage.
Global medical plans widely vary in available options. The more affordable catastrophic coverage that only covers worst-case scenarios is good for travelers on a budget. On the other end of the spectrum, comprehensive medical plans may include physician visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, lab services, and chronic disease management.
The most affordable global medical plan we offer ranges from $400 to $500 a year, while the most expensive but comprehensive ones can reach as high as $30,000 to $40,000 a year.