US Immigrant Visa Medical Insurance
Compare US immigrant visa medical insurance plans starts at less than $1 per day, with policy maximums ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000. These plans help protect new immigrants against unexpected medical expenses, including eligible doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency care, and other covered healthcare services after arriving in the United States.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for a U.S. Immigrant Visa?
Yes. Having the right health insurance is an important consideration for immigrants before moving to the United States. While it is new requirement for obtaining a U.S. immigrant visa, having coverage in place when you arrive helps protect you from unexpected medical expenses and ensures access to healthcare.
An immigrant visa allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to the United States and become lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) after admission. While the United States offers some of the world's highest-quality medical care, it also has one of the most expensive healthcare systems. Without adequate health insurance, even a minor illness or emergency can result in significant out-of-pocket medical expenses.
New immigrants are often not immediately eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare, or other U.S. health coverage. Purchasing immigrant visa medical insurance before arriving in the United States helps protect against unexpected medical costs while meeting immigration-related health insurance expectations.
What Is Immigrant Visa Medical Insurance?
Immigrant visa medical insurance is temporary health insurance designed for people moving to the United States on an immigrant visa. It helps cover eligible medical expenses after you arrive in the U.S. and before you become eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance or other long-term health coverage. Since health insurance is a requirement for new immigrants applying for a U.S. immigrant visa, having coverage in place before or upon arrival helps protect you from unexpected medical expenses and ensures access to quality healthcare as you begin your new life in the United States.
How Much Does New Immigrant Health Insurance Cost?
Cheapest US Immigrant Health Insurance for New Immigrants and Green Card Holders
The most affordable visitor health insurance for the USA starts from $20 per month with options up to $191 per month.
The average cost of fixed benefit visitor travel insurance for the USA is calculated based on one-month quotes.
| Plan Name | Max Coverage | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage Trawick International |
$25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $20 - $58 | $39 - $102 | $60 - $166 |
| Visitors Care IMG |
$25,000 - $100,000 | $100 | $25 - $47 | $40 - $75 | $66 - $152 |
| Safe Travels Elite Trawick International |
$25,000 - $175,000 | $0 | $26 - $76 | $50 - $134 | $109 - $155 |
| Visit USA Budget Travel Insurance Services |
$50,000 - $150,000 | $250 | $32 - $56 | $49 - $86 | $84 |
| VisitorSecure WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $130,000 | $100 | $34 - $62 | $55 - $76 | $96 - $139 |
| Travel Medical USA Visitor Basic Seven Corners |
$50,000 - $150,000 | $100 | $42 - $52 | $79 - $94 | $173 - $191 |
Cost of Comprehensive Immigrant Insurance for New Immigrants to USA
The best travel insurance cost for the USA ranges from $58 to $470 per month.
The average cost of comprehensive travel insurance for the USA is based on one-month quotes with a $250 deductible.
| Plan name | Max Coverage | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Essential WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $58 - $109 | $131 - $266 | $263 - $328 |
| Safe Travels USA Cost Saver Trawick International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $71 - $117 | $139 - $250 | $237 - $299 |
| Patriot America Lite IMG |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $72 - $130 | $153 - $289 | $252 - $337 |
| Atlas America WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $2,000,000 | $78 - $154 | $177 - $378 | $355 - $444 |
| Patriot America Plus IMG |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $139 | $164 - $311 | $287 - $434 |
| Travel Medical Basic Seven Corners |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $80 - $138 | $167 - $314 | $252 - $337 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $90 - $168 | $172 - $351 | $294 - $470 |
| SafeVista Protect INF Insurance |
$100,000 - $1,000,000 | $93 - $127 | $215 - $248 | $320 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $125 - $214 | $229 - $301 | $353 |
Prices verified for the 2026 travel season · Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Six-Month Medical Insurance Cost for Visitors to the USA
For a 60 year old traveler, the cost of USA visitor insurance for 6 months typically ranges around $122 to $1,050, based on different coverage options, medical needs, and traveler’s budget on American Visitor Insurance.
The best 6 month USA travel insurance is the one which is affordable, reliable and allows the traveler to stay stress free.
From ER visits to urgent care, stay covered for 6 months in the U.S. starting from just $1.50/day!
Which Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for New Immigrants?
The cheapest health insurance for new immigrants is Safe Travels Advantage, with premiums starting at around $20 per month for a 40 year old applicant, depending on the coverage options selected. Other affordable health insurance options for new immigrants include Visitors Care and Visit USA Budget, offering different levels of coverage and benefits to suit a variety of healthcare needs and budgets.
Which Is the Best Health Insurance for New Immigrants?
The best health insurance for new immigrants is Patriot America Plus. Other popular short term health insurance for new immigrants include Atlas America, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Travel Medical Choice.
Which Is the Best Health Insurance for New Immigrants with Pre-Existing Conditions?
The best health insurance plans for new immigrants with pre-existing conditions include INF Elite X, INF Premier X and Visitors Protect. These plans offer coverage for eligible pre-existing medical conditions, making them excellent options for new immigrants who need more than acute onset coverage. They are available for applicants up to age 99 and require a minimum purchase of 90 days.
Why Is Health Insurance Important for New Immigrants?
Health insurance provides essential financial protection and access to quality healthcare while new immigrants settle in the United States. Key benefits include:
Medical treatment in the United States is among the most expensive in the world. Even a simple doctor visit or emergency room treatment can be costly without insurance.
Helps pay for eligible expenses related to illnesses, accidents, hospitalization, emergency room visits, surgery, and other medical needs.
Reduces the risk of large out-of-pocket medical bills, allowing new immigrants to focus on starting their new life in the U.S.
Makes it easier to receive timely medical care from doctors, specialists, hospitals, and healthcare providers when needed.
Choose from a variety of plans with different coverage limits, deductibles, and policy durations to match your healthcare needs and budget.
Having health insurance ensures you and your family are protected from unexpected medical expenses as you adjust to life in the United States.
Many new immigrants are not immediately eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance or other long-term U.S. health plans. Temporary immigrant health insurance helps bridge this coverage gap.
Some plans provide benefits for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, while select plans offer broader coverage for eligible stable pre-existing conditions.
Having the right health insurance for new immigrants from the start of your journey provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home while being protected against unexpected medical costs.
What Does New Immigrant Health Insurance Cover?
Most new immigrant health insurance plans cover eligible medical expenses for unexpected illnesses and injuries while you settle into life in the United States. Although benefits vary by plan, coverage typically includes:
Visit a primary care physician or specialist for the diagnosis and treatment of covered illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions without paying the full cost out of pocket.
Receive immediate medical care for serious illnesses or injuries that require emergency attention, such as severe pain, fractures, or sudden medical emergencies.
Covers eligible expenses for inpatient hospital stays, including room charges, nursing care, and medically necessary treatment following an illness or accident.
Provides coverage for treatment at urgent care centers for non-life-threatening conditions, often at a lower cost than an emergency room visit.
If adequate medical treatment is unavailable locally, some plans cover transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility or, when medically necessary, to your home country.
Many plans provide benefits for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, while select plans offer broader coverage for eligible stable pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan, age, and policy terms.
Covers medically necessary ground or air ambulance transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility during a covered emergency.
Who Needs Health Insurance for an Immigrant Visa?
Health insurance is recommended for anyone immigrating to the United States who needs medical coverage during the transition to permanent residency or long-term U.S. health insurance. This includes:
- New Green Card Holders: Individuals entering the U.S. as lawful permanent residents can benefit from temporary health insurance until they become eligible for employer-sponsored or other long-term health coverage.
- Family-Sponsored Immigrants: Spouses, children, parents, and other eligible relatives immigrating through a family-based visa can purchase health insurance to protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses after arriving in the U.S.
- Employment-Based Immigrants: Individuals moving to the U.S. for permanent employment may need temporary health insurance if there is a waiting period before their employer-sponsored health plan becomes effective.
- Parents Immigrating to the United States: Parents joining their children in the U.S. should consider health insurance to help cover eligible medical expenses, especially since healthcare costs can be very high.
- Senior New Immigrants: Older immigrants who are not yet eligible for Medicare can benefit from temporary health insurance to help cover unexpected illnesses, injuries, and emergency medical care.
- New Immigrants Waiting for Long-Term Coverage: Many new immigrants experience a gap before they can enroll in employer-sponsored insurance, Medicare, or another U.S. health plan. Temporary immigrant health insurance provides valuable protection during this period.
- Families Moving to the United States: Families relocating together can choose health insurance plans that provide coverage for eligible medical expenses, helping protect every family member from unexpected healthcare costs.
Choosing the right health insurance before arriving in the United States helps ensure that new immigrants have access to quality healthcare and financial protection from the day they begin their new life in America.
What Are the Health Insurance Options as a New Immigrant?
Arriving in the US as a new immigrant means you'll need affordable health insurance for non-US citizens right away, since medical care here is expensive and unexpected bills can be a big burden. American Visitor Insurance makes it easy to compare and choose the right plan for your needs. Here are the main options available for new immigrants:
| Type of Plan | Who Is Eligible | Key Features | Best Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Immigrant Health Insurance | New immigrants waiting for job or government insurance | Quick start, no medical exam, covers emergencies and doctor visits | Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive |
| Comprehensive Visitor Insurance | Those wanting broad, high-limit coverage | Covers emergencies, urgent care, some pre-existing conditions | Atlas America, Visitors Protect |
| Fixed Benefit Plans | Budget-conscious travelers needing basic coverage | Low cost, fixed payouts for doctor visits and minor emergencies | Visitors Care, Safe Travels Elite |
| Plans for Pre-Existing Conditions | Immigrants with ongoing health issues | Coverage for pre-existing conditions and acute complications | INF Premier X, INF Elite X |
| Green Card Holder Medical Insurance | New green card holders not yet eligible for Medicare or employer plans | Flexible short-term coverage until domestic insurance starts | Patriot America Plus, Diplomat America |
Comparison of New Immigrant Insurance vs Visitor Insurance
| Feature / Plan | Immigrant Insurance (New Immigrants, Green Card Holders) |
Visitor Insurance (Tourists, Short-term Visitors) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Buy | New immigrants, green card holders, long-term visa holders | Tourists, business travelers, parents visiting USA |
| Purpose | Coverage until eligible for domestic insurance | Short-term medical coverage during U.S. visits |
| Eligibility | Legally in the U.S.; various visa categories | Anyone visiting the U.S. temporarily |
| Coverage Duration | Up to 2 years (renewable) | 5 days to 2 years (usually up to 1 year, renewable) |
| Coverage Type | Comprehensive (some overlap with visitor plans) | Fixed benefit (budget) or comprehensive (broad) |
| Pre-existing Coverage | Limited/acute onset only | Limited/acute onset only |
| Cost | Moderate, less than domestic | $20-$353/month (varies by plan, age, coverage) |
| Network Restrictions | Flexible, some preferred providers | Flexible, often any U.S. doctor/hospital |
| When to Buy | Before/after arrival, during eligibility wait | Before/after arrival, for duration of visit |
| Example Plans | Diplomat Long Term, Patriot America Plus | Atlas America, Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Visitors Care |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Travel Insurance
- Buying too late: Purchase insurance soon after booking your trip to maximize your coverage.
- Not reading the policy: Understand what's covered, what's excluded, and any claim requirements.
- Ignoring pre-existing conditions: Choose a plan that covers existing medical conditions if needed.
- Underinsuring your trip: Insure the full non-refundable cost of your trip.
- Overlooking planned activities: Make sure adventure sports or special activities are covered.
- Not saving documents: Keep receipts, booking confirmations, and medical records for claims.
Avoiding these common mistakes helps you choose the right travel insurance for US citizens and travel with greater peace of mind.
New Immigrant Health Insurance FAQs
The best health insurance for immigrant parents over 65 include INF Elite X, INF Premier X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Patriot America Plus. These plans offer comprehensive medical coverage, while INF Elite X, INF Premier X and Visitors Protect also provide coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions.
Yes. Health insurance is an important requirement for many individuals applying for a U.S. immigrant visa. Immigrant visa applicants may be required to have approved health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or demonstrate that they have the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable medical expenses. Since healthcare in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world, having health insurance helps protect new immigrants from unexpected medical costs and provides access to quality healthcare as they begin their new life in America.
INF Elite X, INF Premier X and Visitors Protect are excellent choices for elderly immigrant parents with pre-existing conditions. INF Elite X and INF Premier X offer coverage for full pre-exisiting conditions up to 99 years. Visitors Protect offers pre-existing conditions up to 99 years. All these plans require minimum purchase of 90 days.
The best time to buy health insurance is before you travel to the United States. Since health insurance is a requirement for new immigrants coming to the U.S., it is important to have your coverage ready before you arrive. This helps you meet the requirement and protects you from unexpected medical expenses from your first day in the United States. Buying insurance early also gives you enough time to compare plans and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
You can buy health insurance for a U.S. immigrant visa through American Visitor Insurance. We make it easy to compare plans from top-rated insurance companies, get instant quotes, and purchase coverage online in just a few minutes. Whether you're looking for affordable coverage, comprehensive benefits, or plans that cover eligible pre-existing conditions, American Visitor Insurance offers a wide range of options to help new immigrants find the right plan for their needs and budget.
Which Are the Best Travel Insurance Companies in USA for Green Card Holders?
You can find reliable best health insurance companies for Green Card holders such as International Medical Group (IMG), Global Underwriters, and Trawick International.