Best US immigrant health insurance
In October 2019, the US government during the Trump Administration brought about a new rule. All new immigrants who seek an entry into the US effective November 3rd 2019 need to have a US health insurance within the 30 days of the entry or a demonstrate that any unforeseen medical expenses will be covered. when they become permanent residents of the US.
The proclamation is officially effective on November 3rd 2019 and has ordered consular officers be sure applicants will be covered by good US immigrant health insurance or show they have the financial resources to pay for future medical costs. Irrespective of the above mentioned US government proclamation, it is very important to have the best US health insurance. Given outbreak of the pandemic, it is very risky to be uninsured in the US even for a short while. Till a new immigrant is eligible for domestic US health insurance it is prudent to buy good travel medical insurance
For many people, this will mean they must have new immigrant health insurance for their stay in the United States. This can be a tricky situation since, as my clients inform me, the dates for interviews can be far into the uncertain future, and, technically, there are no official rules of coverage for the insurance as yet (as compared to insurance required for the Schengen visa). Fortunately, we have many affordable US immigrant health insurance options available to new immigrants into the US. I have had many calls and emails regarding this type of insurance, so this new rule is already impacting individuals applying for a Green Card from abroad for entry into the US.
A great option, if available and affordable, is to get a global or international health insurance. These policies are not guaranteed and must go through the underwriting process of the company, but once you are approved, you will have reliable health insurance year after year. In fact, after the first year, the coverage will be what we call "major medical coverage" which will even cover wellness doctor visits and can cover pre-existing conditions (if disclosed on the application and not specifically excluded by the policies). However, you cannot be older than 64 to start on one of these policies and, if you do have a medical condition, they may not accept you on a policy. Also, you must sign up for a whole year at a time. They may allow you to cancel your policy, but that will be at the company's discretion.
Additional benefits from the global plans is you can choose to start them at a future date (and move it, if your actual arrival date into the US changes or continues to be uncertain). You can sign up to pay for them monthly, quarterly, biannually, or annually. And, once you are on a plan, you are guaranteed coverage year after year even should you get some condition that requires continuous treatment. Furthermore, if you are still traveling, it will cover you anywhere in the world you go even if it is back to your home country.
If this long-term option is not a good one for you, there are, so-called, short term options also available. These are good for filling the gap between your coverage while you wait to get a job (or your job may make you wait to sign up onto their plan -- 3 months is fairly standard) or some other coverage after you get to the US. You can compare short term US visitor insurance.
The advantages to these is they are guaranteed regardless of your current health (no medical questions) and you can purchase them for less than a year if needed. You can buy a minimum of 5 days and have a policy up to a year (sometimes 364 days), but you can also extend a policy after a year. Also,you can push the dates of a policy back if you need to as long as the policy has not started yet.
The disadvantage of the plan is they do not cover pre-existing medical conditions (you can find some that cover only "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions) and exclude some conditions and diseases (maternity and HIV, as examples). Also, whatever dates you put on the policy, you must pay for immediately. You cannot make monthly payments on a plan. Payment are made with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover are most commonly accepted, some take American Express, Diner's Club, and echecks).
With any policy that you purchase, you will immediately get a confirmation email from the company with your receipt and documents for the policy. Included in the documents are ID cards for all persons on the policy and most policies will have a "visa letter" available to download as well as the long, certificate of insurance. Also, all policies are good at any doctor or hospital in any state of the US and coverage will move with you should you change your US address in the future.
We hope that we can help you get through this additional hurdle to your immigration into the US. Please call us or email us with any questions you may have. We are here to help! Hope to see you state-side soon!
How much does US immigrant insurance cost per month?
Healthcare in the U.S. is extremely expensive, and without good travel health insurance, even a simple doctor’s visit can become a financial burden. In 2025, the cost of travel health insurance for visitors to the US ranges between $19 to $172 per month, depending on the age, the insurance company, the type of visitors insurance, the coverage limits, and whether you want coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you are looking for a cheap option, some plans cost as little as $1 to $5 per day, making it an affordable way to stay covered.
Why is travel insurance USA is so important? A routine doctor’s visit can cost between $250 to $350, while a heart attack will leave you with a bill of at least $25,000. If you need to stay in the ICU after a stroke, the cost can exceed $150,000. Even something as routine as an echocardiogram ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on where you get it. Emergency treatments for conditions like diabetes complications cost anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000, and if you need treatment for kidney failure, expect to pay over $30,000.
How much does cheap visitor insurance in USA cost?
Cheap visitor health insurance for visitors to USA starts at $19 per month for fixed benefit plans.
Following is the cost of visitor insurance per month.
| Plan Name | Plan max range | Deductible | Age 35 | Age 55 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage | $25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $19 - $54 | $29 - $82 | $59 -$160 |
| Visitors care | $25,000 - $100,000 | $100 | $19 - $41 | $29 - $62 | $64 - $144 |
| Safe Travels Elite | $25,000 - $175,000 | $0 | $25 - $71 | $36 - $110 | $105 - $150 |
| Venbrook Essential | $25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $25 - $74 | $36 - $105 | $66 - $142 |
| Visit USA Budget | $50,000 - $150,000 | $250 | $30 - $49 | $42 -$74 | $81 |
| VisitorSecure | $50,000 - $130,000 | $100 | $31 - $55 | $46 - $84 | $93 - $135 |
| Travel Medical USA visitor basic | $50,000 - $150,000 | $100 | $39 - $47 | $56 - $68 | $178 - $196 |
How much does the best comprehensive visitor insurance cost per month?
The cost of comprehensive visitor insurance starts around $53 month, depending on factors such as age, coverage limits, deductible, and optional add-ons. Higher-tier plans with extensive coverage, including pre-existing condition benefits and lower deductibles, tend to be more expensive. On average, a good comprehensive health insurance plan costs $58 to $108 per month for a 35 year old traveler.
Following are the cost of best health insurance for visitors to USA per month for a $250 deductible.
| Plan name | Plan maximum | Age 35 | Age 55 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Essential America | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $53 - $98 | $117 - $200 | $244 - $326 |
| Visitors Preferred | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $53 - $99 | $123 -$231 | $244 |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $57 - $106 | $124 - $235 | $279 - $420 |
| Safe Travels USA | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $57 - $103 | $123 - $227 | $244 - $321 |
| Venbrook Premier | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $58 - $104 | $129 - $240 | $352 - $437 |
| Atlas America | $50,000 - $2,000,000 | $58 - $114 | $127 - $253 | $344 - $429 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $66 - $122 | $143 - $269 | $285 - $455 |
| Atlas Premium America | $50,000 - $2,000,000 | $72 - $142 | $158 - $316 | $430 - $537 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $81 - $142 | $176 - $303 | $342 |
| Travel Medical Choice | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $98 - $173 | $186 - $333 | $736 - $1,000 |
| Patriot America Platinum | $1,000,000 - $8,000,000 | $108 - $226 | $240 - $494 | $604 |
| Visit USA Superior | $250,000 | $112 | $233 | $404 |
Why is health insurance required for new immigrants to the USA?
Moving to the US means starting fresh in a country known for excellent healthcare but also having one of the world’s highest medical costs. Even a short hospital stay or a minor emergency can lead to bills that will surprise even long-time residents. For new immigrants these costs can be overwhelming especially before they are eligible for employer provided health plans.
To help protect both newcomers and the US healthcare system the government now asks most new immigrants to have health insurance soon after arriving usually within 30 days or prove they have enough money to pay for unexpected medical bills. This rule ensures that new immigrants in the US will not face financial hardship if they get sick or injured and that hospitals are not left with unpaid bills.
Health insurance acts as a safety net, covering doctor visits, emergencies and medicines, so new immigrants can focus on settling into a new life without worrying about how to pay for care. It also helps keep the US healthcare system running smoothly since fewer unpaid medical bills means less strain on hospitals and taxpayers. In short, having health insurance for as a new immigrant isn’t just a rule it’s a smart way to protect one’s health and finances as new immigrants begin their journey in the US.
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, INF Elite |
| 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 |
- Use the American Visitor Insurance comparison tool to compare benefits and prices easily.
- Buy online on American Visitor Insurance for instant coverage and proof of insurance.
- Contact licensed agents for personalized help selecting the best plan.
Why not wait for domestic insurance or medicare?
New immigrants usually face a five-year wait before qualifying for Medicare or Medicaid. Without employer coverage, going uninsured can lead to high medical bills and financial stress. Medicare also requires age and work history criteria that many new immigrants do not meet right away.Waiting means risking delayed care and costly emergencies. Getting health insurance as soon as you arrive protects your health and wallet while you transition to long-term coverage.
Comparison of new immigrant insurance vs visitor insurance
| Feature / Plan Example | 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 |
Glossary to help understand visitors health insurance policy?
Understanding health insurance can be confusing, especially with unfamiliar terms. This glossary to help you understand your health insurance requirements for immigrants.
- Premium: The amount you pay (usually monthly) to keep your insurance policy active.
- Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered medical services before your insurance starts to pay.
- Co-pay (Copayment): A fixed fee you pay for a specific medical service or prescription, such as $20 for a doctor visit.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay for covered services after meeting your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you pay 20% of the bill, and insurance pays 80%.
- Pre-existing Condition: A medical condition that existed before your insurance coverage started. Some plans limit or exclude coverage for these conditions.
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition: A sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing condition that requires immediate medical attention. Some visitor and immigrant plans cover this limited situation.
- Network: A group of doctors, hospitals, and other providers that have agreed to provide services at negotiated rates for your insurance plan.
- Out-of-Network: Providers or facilities that are not part of your insurance plan’s network. Visiting out-of-network providers usually costs more or may not be covered.
- Policy Limit: The maximum amount your insurance will pay for covered services during the policy period.
- Exclusion:Specific conditions or treatments that your insurance plan does not cover.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Coverage that pays to transport you to a medical facility or back to your home country in case of a serious medical emergency.
- Repatriation of Remains: Coverage that pays for the return of your remains to your home country in the event of death.
- Waiting Period: The time you must wait after purchasing insurance before certain benefits or coverage begin.
- Claim: A request you or your healthcare provider submits to the insurance company for payment of services.
Note: Keep this glossary handy when reviewing your insurance plan or speaking with your insurance agent. It will help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
To get more information about glossary refer this page Glossary.
How to use health insurance in the US?
Using your health insurance in the US is pretty straightforward once you know the basics. First always keep your insurance card with you it’s your proof of coverage and you’ll need to show it at the doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy. When you need medical care try to choose a doctor or clinic that’s “in-network” for your insurance plan. This usually means you’ll pay less. You can check your insurance policy document or review the insurance company’s website or call their customer service to find in-network providers near you. Before your appointment it’s smart to call the doctor’s office and confirm they accept your insurance.
At your visit hand over your insurance card at the front desk. The staff will take care of billing your insurance company directly but you may need to pay a small fee on the spot called a co-pay. If you get a prescription bring it to a pharmacy that accepts your insurance show your card and pay your share if there’s a cost. After your appointment you’ll get a statement from your insurance company (called an Explanation of Benefits or EOB). This isn’t a bill it just shows what was charged what the insurance paid and if you owe anything. If you do owe money the doctor or hospital will send you a separate bill.
If something urgent happens go to the nearest emergency room. Your insurance will usually help with the costs, even if the hospital isn’t in your network. Remember, medical emergencies have to be addressed first, you can worry about the insurance paperwork later. If you are confused or unsure about what’s covered, what you owe or where to go, you should call your insurance company. They should help you understand your benefits and make things easier.
What are the mistakes that you need to avoid while buying your next travel insurance?
- Waiting too long to buy it: Grab your travel insurance as soon as you make that first big payment you can't get back (like flights or a hotel booking). If you wait too long, you might not be covered if something unexpected happens before your insurance even starts.
- Not knowing what your policy actually covers: Don't just skim the details! Every insurance policy has fine print about what it covers, what it doesn't cover, and any rules you need to follow. Taking a few minutes to understand this upfront will save you a lot of hassle if you end up needing to make a claim.
- Ignoring health stuff you already have (Pre-Existing Conditions): Got a health condition you've been seeing a doctor for? You need to tell the insurance company about it and choose a plan that specifically covers pre-existing conditions. Quick tip: you usually need to buy your plan within a week or two of booking your trip to get this type of coverage included.
- Not insuring enough for your trip's cost: Add up everything you've paid for your trip that you wouldn't get back if you canceled – flights, hotels, tours, event tickets, the whole lot. Make sure your insurance covers that total amount. If you insure for less and have to cancel, you might only get back the smaller amount you insured for, not what you actually lost.
- Forgetting about your planned activities: Planning on hiking, skiing, hitting the water, or other adventures? Double-check that your insurance policy covers those specific activities. Some things considered more "risky" might need extra coverage or a special add-on.
- Not keeping your paperwork handy: If you do need to make a claim, having all your documents ready makes things way easier and faster. Keep copies of your receipts, booking confirmations, any doctor's notes or medical bills, police reports (if something was stolen), and emails about delays or cancellations.
Avoiding these simple mistakes helps you get the best travel insurance for US citizens visiting USA . That way, you can relax and actually enjoy your travels across the USA with less worry!
Why choose American Visitor Insurance for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage?
When it comes to protecting your cruise or travel investment with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, American Visitor Insurance stands out as a trusted and flexible option. Here’s why
- Early purchase window for maximum protection: To qualify for CFAR benefits you must buy coverage within 7 days of your initial trip deposit. American Visitor Insurance clearly supports this early purchase requirement and helping you to secure your CFAR coverage when it matters most.
- Works with multiple reputed US travel insurance providers: American Visitor Insurance works with multiple US travel insurance providers, giving the customers a wide choice of plans to choose from.
- Useful comparison tool and relevant information to make an informed decision: American Visitor Insurance has a very helpful comparison tool based on coverage benefits and costs to helps travelers find the best plans for their needs. The FAQ section and reviews help travelers understand the products and coverages well.
- Generous Reimbursement Up to 75%: Their CFAR plans reimburse you up to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for any reason not covered by standard insurance. This partial refund can save you thousands in unexpected cancellations.
- True Flexibility to Cancel for Any Reason: Unlike standard trip cancellation insurance that covers only specific reasons, American Visitor Insurance’s CFAR lets you cancel your trip for any reason at all whether it’s a change of plans, health concerns or travel fears it offering unmatched peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Travel Protection: CFAR coverage is part of a broader travel insurance plan that also includes emergency medical coverage, trip interruption, travel delay and baggage protection. This means you’re covered for a wide range of travel risks not just cancellations.
- Transparent Terms and reliable Support: They provide clear policy details and require cancellation at least 48 hours before departure to claim CFAR benefits. Plus, their licensed customer support team is available to guide you through purchasing and claims, ensuring a smooth experience.
- Competitive pricing and easy online access: American Visitor Insurance offers the best rates for CFAR coverage available with instant online quotes and fast policy purchase. This convenience makes it simple to protect your trip soon after booking.
In short, American Visitor Insurance combines flexibility, strong financial protection, and excellent customer service, making it a smart choice for travelers who want the freedom to cancel their trip for any reason and still recover most of their costs.
What does visitor travel insurance cover?
- Doctor visit: Insures Doctor visits for sudden injury or sickness.
- Pharmacy drugs: Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs expenses.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.
- Medical evacuation: Medical evacuation expenses to nearest facility included.
- Repat of remains: Repatriation of remains to home country included.
Health insurance for new immigrants USA, Immigrant health insurance USA - FAQ's
1. Why do immigrants need US immigrant insurance?
- It is very risky for anyone to be uninsured in the US, especially new immigrants who soon after arriving in the USA are particularly vulnerable given the new environment that they are in.
- There is a waiting period till new US immigrants are eligible for Medicare or to purchase domestic health insurance. Immigrants can however buy new US immigrant insurance plans as an interim coverage.
2. Can a US immigrant get health insurance?
Yes, there is immigrant health insurance, or health insurance for permanent residents available. However it must be noted that domestic US medical insurance for Green card holders including Medicare and Medicaid have a waiting period of five years. US immigrants are eligible for Medicaid coverage only if they satisfy the resident state’s income or residency rules.
It is important to buy temporary US immigrant health insurance till Green card holders become eligible for domestic insurance plans. The visitor health insurance plans that we offer also work very well as health insurance while waiting for Green card. Given the high cost of US health care, it is very important to have health insurance for elderly immigrant parents and medical insurance for Green card holders even before they become eligible for domestic US plans
3. Can a green card holder already in the USA buy INF plan?
They must go through special membership approval for INF Elite / Premier / Standard / Traveler USA for Greencard holders.
4. Can a new immigrant in the US buy INF plans?
Yes, they can buy INF travel insurance.
5. Can a green card holders buy INF insurance?
Yes, they can buy INF travel insurance.
Which category of Green card holder are you?
Immigrant Plans - Long term Plans
Perfect for people planning on immigrating to US but not yet left their home countries.
Click here to read more »Green Card Holders Frequently traveling overseas
Green card holders who travel frequently to their home country.
Click here to read more »Recent US Immigrants
New US immigrants who can be parents or family members or Fiancee (K visa) visitors.
Click here to read more »Green Card Holders permanently living in US
Compare Green card holder insurance plans who may not immediately qualify for US domestic health insurance.
Click here to read more »Applied for Green Card and waiting
Parents who have applied for Green Card and are waiting for approval can buy these insurance plans.
Click here to read more »Resourceful New US Immigrants health insurance information
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New Immigrants insurance resources
International travel insurance resources for New US Immigrants.
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Factors for New Immigrants medical insurance
Important factors while deciding on the best US New Immigrants health insurance plans.
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Types of US New Immigrants insurance online
Understanding different types of US New Immigrants travel insurance options.
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New Immigrants insurance claims procedure
New Immigrants medical insurance claims process for hospitalization.
