Best Health Insurance for Green Card Holders
Green Card holders who are waiting for employer-sponsored coverage, ACA Marketplace enrollment, or Medicare may need temporary health insurance. Diplomat America and Diplomat Long Term provide flexible medical coverage with policy maximums up to $1 million, deductible options from $0 to $5,000, emergency medical benefits, and renewable coverage designed for eligible Green Card holders and long-term residents in the USA, just starts at $2 per day.
Why Green Card Holders Need Temporary Health Insurance?
Getting a Green Card is a major milestone, but health coverage doesn't always start right away. New permanent residents often face a gap before they're covered - whether they're:
- Waiting for an employer's group health plan to kick in (many require a 30-90 day waiting period).
- Between ACA Marketplace open enrollment periods and need coverage now.
- Not yet eligible for Medicare (usually available at 65, or earlier with qualifying work history).
- Recently arrived and still establishing a US address, SSN, or credit history needed for other coverage.
- Sponsoring family members (spouse, parents, children) who also need interim coverage.
During this coverage gap, a single emergency room visit or hospital stay in the U.S. can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Diplomat America and Diplomat Long Term are designed to provide temporary medical coverage with same-day coverage available and no medical exam required.
What Are the Best Health Insurance Plans for Green Card Holders?
Diplomat America
Diplomat America is a comprehensive, non-renewable temporary health insurance plan designed for Green Card holders who need short-term medical coverage while waiting for employer-sponsored or ACA health insurance to begin.
Diplomat Long Term
Diplomat Long Term is a renewable temporary health insurance plan designed for Green Card holders who need extended medical coverage while waiting for employer-sponsored insurance, ACA Marketplace coverage, or Medicare eligibility.
Quick Comparison: Diplomat America vs. Diplomat Long Term
| Feature | Diplomat America | Diplomat Long Term |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short interim coverage gaps | Extended coverage while settling in long-term |
| Policy maximum | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Coverage period | 15 days - 365 days | 90 days - 364 days |
| Renewable | No (must purchase a new policy) | Yes, renewable up to 3 years |
| Deductible options | $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 | $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 |
| Co-insurance (in-network) | 100% after deductible | 100% after deductible |
| Co-insurance (out-of-network) | 80% up to $5,000, then 100% to plan maximum | 80% up to $5,000, then 100% to plan maximum |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Up to $100,000 | Included |
| Adventure sports rider | Available (Low/Middle/High options) | Available (Low/Middle/High options) |
| Underwritten by | Crum & Forster SPC, A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) | Crum & Forster SPC, A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) |