Best Health Insurance for Green Card Holders
Health insurance for Green Card holders in USA is essential to ensure financial protection against expensive medical costs in the United States. Whether you are a new permanent resident, a senior Green Card holder, or someone frequently traveling between the U.S. and your home country, having the right medical insurance plan is important.
Why Health Insurance Is Important for Green Card Holders?
The U.S. healthcare system is very expensive in the world, and even a short hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars without coverage.
Green Card Holders health insurance ensures:
- ✅ Protection against high medical costs in the U.S.
- ✅ Ensures access to quality healthcare providers and hospitals
- ✅ Helps meet U.S. residency and financial responsibility expectations
- ✅ Covers medical emergencies and unexpected illnesses
- ✅ Provides preventive care and regular check-ups (depending on plan type)
- ✅ Prevents financial hardship from sudden medical expenses
- ✅ Offers peace of mind for individuals and families living in the U.S.
What Does Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders Cover?
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Health care expenses
Covers hospital expenses for sickness or accidents.
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Doctor visit
Insures Doctor visits for sudden injury or sickness.
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vaccines
Pharmacy drugs
Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs expenses.
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Pre-existing conditions
Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
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ambulance
Medical evacuation
Medical evacuation expenses to nearest facility included.
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Repart of remains
Repatriation of remains to home country included.
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Travel Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders in the USA
Green card holders can be categorized as follows:
Green Card Holders who travel often between the US and their home country
If you are in this group and have not yet settled permanently in the U.S., it is strongly recommended to buy best US travel health insurance for coverage while in the U.S. These plans typically cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Urgent care and hospitalization
⚠️ Note: These plans don’t cover preventive care (like checkups or vaccinations) and have limited coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Green Card Holders Living Permanently in the US
If you live permanently in the US:
- Below 65 years: Eligible for domestic plans (like Blue Cross, Blue Shield) usually after 6 months of residence.
- Above 65 years: If not yet eligible for Medicare, consider INF insurance plans for seniors.
💡 Tip: Buy short-term travel health insurance to bridge the gap until domestic eligibility.
New Green Card Holders or New Immigrants
New immigrants (such as parents or family who recently arrived) can buy visitor health insurance based on their stay duration — until they qualify for domestic plans.
Applicants Waiting for Their Green Card
If your Green Card application is in process, purchase visitor insurance for coverage during the waiting period until you become eligible for US domestic health insurance.
Health Insurance Options for Green Card Holders in the USA
Purchasing Green Card Holder Medical Insurance depends on the specific situation of the Green Card Holder. The following are broadly the different health insurance options for Green Card Holders. The following are the main health insurance options for Green Card Holders
- Employer sponsored Insurance: Any Green Card Holder who has a regular job should try to get health insurance through their employer. Most US employers offer health insurance benefits to their employees and this includes Green Card holders. Employer offered health insurance is more affordable as it is part of a larger group insurance and is much cheaper than buying health insurance as an individual.
- Visitor medical insurance: US insurance providers offer visitors insurance for Green Card holders till they are eligible for insurance either through an employer or are eligible for domestic US health insurance and Medicare. These Green Card medical insurance options are available on American Visitor Insurance. Factors for the cost of Green Card Holder medical insurance are the medical coverage required, the deductibles and the network of healthcare providers.
- Medicaid: Green Card holders may be eligible for Medicaid which a state and federal program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. However, this is available only to low income individuals and is based on the global assets and income.
- US Medicare: Green Card holders who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years may be eligible for Medicare once they reach age 65 or meet certain disability criteria. However, parents who recently received their Green Cards and who have not lived in the US for five years are not eligible for Medicare.
It is important understand what your options are based on your specific situation. Compare Green Card health insurance on American Visitor Insurance to find a plan that best suits your needs and budget if you are not able to get insurance through an employer on through Medicare. Talk to licensed insurance agents on American Visitor Insurance to get guidance based on your specific situation as a Green Card holder.
Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 65
If you are a Green Card Holder over 65 years old, your eligibility for Medicare depends on your U.S. residency and work history. You may qualify if you have:
- Lived in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years, and
- Worked (or your spouse has worked) for 10 years (40 quarters) in the U.S.
If you do not meet these conditions, you can still buy health insurance for Green Card holders over 65 through American Visitor Insurance, which provides coverage until you become eligible for Medicare.
Green Card Medical Insurance for Seniors
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Health insurance for Green Card holders over 65 years
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Medical insurance for Green Card holders over 70 years
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Travel medical insurance for Green Card holders over 80
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Travel Insurance for Green Card Holders Reviews
Charlotte
"I am always appreciating good business conduct and when I am coming back here for the longer time span. I will get back to your firm for insurance."
Shelie
"Thank you for your prompt response. Your prompt response will be highly appreciated."
Simon
"Thanks so much for your help American Visitor Insurance Customer Support, your service was fantastic."
Which Is the Cheapest Travel Health Insurance for Green Card Holders in the USA?
$76 Per month
Age: 60 years | Plan: $50,000 |
Deductible: $0
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $175,000.
- Deductible option $0.
- Coverage from 5 days - 364 days.
- Direct billing through First health international.
- Covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years.
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$77 Per month
Age: 60 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $50,000 to $150,000.
- Deductible options $0 to $5,000.
- Coverage from 30 days - 364 days.
- Great savings with United Healthcare PPO network
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
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$147 Per month
Age: 60 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000.
- Deductible options $0 to $5,000.
- Coverage from 5 days - 364 days.
- Direct billing through First health international.
- Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition up to 70 years.
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Which Is the Best Travel Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders in the USA?
The best long term health insurance for Green Card holders is Safe Travels USA Comprehensive. Other top plans include Patriot America Plus and SafeVista Protect.
Patriot America Plus Insurance IMG
- Best suited for Green Card holders visiting the USA who want strong comprehensive coverage for unexpected medical needs.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions under age 70.
- Covers emergency evacuation up to $1,000,000.
- Urgent care is available with a copay of up to $25.
- Direct billing through the UnitedHealthcare PPO and First Health PPO networks within the U.S.
- Offers optional coverage for adventure sports and recreational activities.
Policy Maximum?
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Period of Coverage?
5 days to 364 days
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Insurance Trawick International
- A good option for Green Card holders needing coverage for new illnesses and acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years.
- Covers emergency evacuation up to $1,000,000.
- Urgent care is available with a copay of up to $30 per incident.
- Direct billing through First Health International PPO network.
- Provides cardiac and stroke coverage of up to $25,000 for ages 69 and below, and $15,000 for ages 70 and above.
Policy Maximum?
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Period of Coverage?
5 days to 364 days
SafeVista Protect Insurance INF
- Best for Green Card holders wanting all-round comprehensive coverage in the USA.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 85 years.
- Covers emergency evacuation up to $25,000.
- Urgent care is available with a copay of up to $25.
- Direct billing through UnitedHealthcare PPO Network.
- Includes free worldwide telehealth access through doctor please for remote medical consultations.
Policy Maximum?
$100,000 - $1,000,000
Period of Coverage?
10 days to 364 days
What Are the Best Visitor Insurance for Green Card Holders Staying Longer in the USA?
$393 3 months
Age: 60 years | Plan: $100,000 |
Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $100,000 - $1,000,000.
- Deductible options $75 - $5,000.
- Coverage from 90 days - 364 days.
- Direct billing through United Healthcare network.
- Covers full pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
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$1,369 3 months
Age: 60 years | Plan: $150,000 |
Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $150,000 - $1,000,000.
- Deductible options $100 to $5,000.
- Coverage from 90 days - 364 days.
- Direct billing through United Healthcare network.
- Covers full pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
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$1863 3 months
Age: 60 years | Plan: $150,000 |
Deductible: $500
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $150,000 - $250,000.
- Deductible options $500 to $5,000.
- Coverage from 90 days - 364 days.
- Direct billing through First health international.
- Covers full pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
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Best Green Card Holders health insurance reviews
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for Green Card Holders?
The cost of health insurance for Green Card holders in the U.S. varies depending on several key factors — such as age, coverage amount, deductible, and whether the plan includes pre-existing condition coverage. Typically, health insurance premiums for Green Card holders range from $44 to $353 per month.
Whether you are a new permanent resident or a long-term Green Card holder, it’s important to compare different health insurance plans to find one that offers:
- Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies and preventive care
- Affordable premiums that fit your budget
- Access to quality healthcare providers across the U.S.
For example, here we are showing the average health insurance cost for Green Card holders per month.
Have Questions?
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What Factors Affect the Cost of Health Insurance for Green Card Holders?
1
Age of the Green Card Holder
The cost of US health insurance is directly proportional to the age of the Green Card Holder. The older the Green Card Holder and greater will be the cost of the US health insurance.
2
Type of US medical insurance for Green Card Holders
Comprehensive health insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit medical insurance.
3
Medical Maximum Coverage
The price of medical insurance is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.
4
Duration of US health insurance for Green Card Holder
The longer the duration of medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.
How Can I Buy Insurance for Green Card Holders Online?
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Find Green Card Holders health insurance plans
Complete the Green Card Holder health insurance quote form with relevant details.
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Compare Green Card medical insurance cost
Compare price and benefits of the Green Card Holder insurance options to find what fits your needs best.
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Buy the best US Green Card health insurance for your needs
Buy the plan that best fits your needs and budget using a credit card and completing the online application.
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Review insurance plan documents received by email
Review the international travel health insurance policy for coverage details and relevant contact numbers
Health Insurance for Permanent Residents
New Green Card holders are no longer mandated to have health insurance as earlier mandated by Obamacare. However, being uninsured in the US is very risky given the high cost of healthcare, and till Green Card Holders become eligible for Medicare or other domestic US health insurance, they can buy travel health insurance that is offered on American Visitor Insurance.
In this interim period till they get domestic health insurance coverage, it is important to buy proper Greencard holders medical insurance, in particular, medical insurance for Green Card Holders over 65.
Many Green Card holders spend long periods outside the U.S. For these individuals, our short-term visitor insurance or global medical insurance plans work well.
- Global medical plans provide comprehensive worldwide coverage.
- Short-term visitor insurance works as temporary health insurance for permanent residents while they are in the U.S.
Individuals who have applied for a Green Card but are still waiting for final approval are not yet eligible for domestic U.S. health insurance. It is therefore essential to have temporary health insurance coverage during this waiting period. Our visitor health insurance plans are ideal for applicants who need medical protection while awaiting Green Card approval.
Travel Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders – FAQs
Yes. INF insurances provides coverage for many Green Card Holders, especially those who are above age 65. INF insurance plans also offer ancillary benefits such as dental and telemedicine which are usually separate policies under domestic US health insurance.
Following are the list of US travel insurance plans:
Patriot America Plus and Patriot Platinum America plans are based on the primary residence country that the member lists on the application. The Green Card holders can buy Patriot America Plus insurance for coverage in the US, as long as their primary residence is outside the US. There is no set amount of time they have to purchase.
However, if they establish a permanent residence in the US, they are not eligible. So if they have a home (purchased or renting) here in the US, they can’t get our coverage. Provided they are eligible, if/when they submit a claim for treatment in the US, we will ask for their proof of residency in another country (renters agreement, bills to that address, etc) Just something showing that they live anywhere else.
Green Card holders can enroll in INF plans initially for up to 1 year at a time. They can then renew their policy. There is no "term limit" for INF plans.
To qualify for Medicare, you must have worked in the US for 40 quarters (10 years) or have a Green Card for at least 5 years.
They must go through special membership approval for INF Elite / Premier / Standard / Traveler USA for Greencard holders.Green Card holders can buy INF plans as long as they have a residence outside the US.
Yes, they can buy INF travel insurance.
Yes, Green Card Holders can get the medical insurance that we offer if they have a permanent address outside the US. Green Card Holders can get medical insurance quotes and buy the insurance on our website. The short term medical insurance will cover unanticipated medical conditions, but will not cover preventive care and regular treatment for pre-existing conditions. Getting a medical insurance quote is easy by providing the age of the Green Card Holder and the dates that they need the insurance coverage. We display the different medical insurance for Green Card Holders and you can compare the different plans based on price as well as the coverage benefits. After choosing the best Green Card Holder insurance for your needs, you can complete the application online and buy it using a credit card. The policy will be emailed immediately after completing the transaction.
The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) had made it mandatory for all US residents to have health insurance, however the compulsory insurance requirement has been waived and it is now no longer mandatory to have health insurance. However, given the very high cost of US healthcare, where a regular Doctor’s consultation can take hundreds of Dollars, and Hospitalization overnight can involve thousands, or even tens of thousands of Dollars, it is very risky to be living in the US without any health insurance.
Green Card Holders can buy the health insurance on American Visitor Insurance if they do not have group health insurance from any employer, or if they are not yet eligible for US Medicare or for other domestic health insurance. The medical insurance for Green Card Holders that we offer will however not cover preventive care and has limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Green Card Holders may be eligible for Medicaid after meeting certain criteria, such as income and residency requirements, set by each state. Medicare eligibility typically requires being a Green Card Holder for at least five years and meeting other qualifications (age 65 or older, or having certain disabilities). If there are new Green Card Holders who are not eligible for domestic health insurance or Medicare, they can buy the Visitors Insurance that we offer during this interim period.
Green Card Holders who are employed in the United States are generally eligible to participate in employer-sponsored health insurance plans, similar to U.S. citizens. It's advisable to check with the employer to understand the available options and any eligibility requirements.
There is no specific requirement for Green Card Holders to have medical insurance under U.S. immigration law. However, it is highly recommended to have health insurance coverage to protect against unexpected medical expenses given the very expensive cost of US healthcare.
New immigrants or recent Green Card Holders may have a waiting period before becoming eligible for government programs or employer-sponsored health insurance. It is important to explore alternative options during this waiting period, such as short-term health insurance plans like those offered on American Visitor Insurance.
38 VISA-FREE countries for US Green Card holders
Health insurance for permanent residents
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How to qualify for Green Card?
Learn how to get a Green Card
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To qualify for Green Card in the USA there are different eligibility criteria. Some of the important categories of immigration process that can grant Green Card for foreigners are listed here.
- Immigrant Category Eligibility:On a preference system a foreigner who want to become a permanent resident through his/her qualified family member with a job or employment or a special category will be classified. However, the immediate relatives of US Citizens are given highest immigration priority for permanent residence and there could only a few exceptions.
- Family Based Immigration:The immediate relatives of American citizens who need not have to wait for visa to become available. Relatives who can get permanent residence quickly are:
- Parents of a U.S. citizen.
- Spouses of a U.S. citizen.
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen.
Please note: Only 21 years old US citizens can applying for their parents.Other family members have to wait for a visa to become available to apply for permanent residency.
- First Preference: Unmarried, adult (21 years or older) sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Second Preference A: Spouses of permanent residents and the unmarried children (under 21 years)) of permanent residents.
- Second Preference B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of permanent residents.
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.
- Job or Employment Based:In this category, the immigration based on a job may help to apply for permanent residence when immigration number becomes available. Following is the order of preferences.
- First Preference: Priority Workers, including aliens with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
- Second Preference: Members of professions holding an advanced degree or persons of exceptional ability (including individuals seeking a National Interest Waiver).
- Third Preference: Skilled Workers, professionals and other qualified workers.
- Fourth Preference: Certain special immigrants including those in religious vocations.
- Fifth Preference: Employment creation immigrants (investors or entrepreneurs).
- Refugee or Asylum Based Status:Refugees in the USA or qualifying spouse or a child of a refugee have to apply for Green Card 1 year after the entry. In case of an asylum and a qualifying spouse or a child of asylee you may apply after 1 year of the grant of asylum status. As per the US law, the refugees have to apply for Green Card 1 year after being admitted to the USA in refugee status.
- Other Ways to Qualify:Some of the other ways to get Green Card will be if you are a Amerasian Child of a U.S. Citizen, American Indian born in Canada, Armed Forces Member, Cuban Native or Citizen, Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, Haitian Refugee, Help HAITI Act of 2010, Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act.
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Benefits for Green Card Holders
Know the benefits of having a Green Card status
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Several benefits and few restrictions for Green Card Holders in America. Some of them are:
- Green Card Holders in the USA can enter or leave America according to their wish without denial by the immigration officials at the port of entry. You have to keep track of entry and exit dates and should carry Green Card with you while traveling.
- The Green Card has a lifetime validity, but a given Green Card will need renewal usually every 10 years.
- There will be no worry for Green Card Holders regarding the employment sponsorship in America. Many jobs in the US has security clearance and only US citizens and Green Card holders can clear it easily.
- If you are a Green Card holder and want to start a business then you will be allowed to start your own business, company or corporation.
- You can apply for financial aid for education which will be sponsored by the government.
- Those who have worked for a minimum of 10 years (40 quarters) in the USA have social security guaranteed for Green Card holders.
- Except for the right of voting, Green Card holders can enjoy all legal rights as US citizens.
- You can buy life or health insurance in America if you are a Green Card holder.
- You can buy or sell property, cars, weapons... as any other American citizens can do so in the USA.
Impact of Obamacare for US Green Card Holders (US resident aliens)
Green Card Holders qualify for insurance under the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care program) through the insurance market place.
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Best Health Insurance for Parents on Green Card
Health insurance for permanent residents
The US Green Card, also known as Permanent Resident Card is one of the most important document for immigrants in America. This document was formerly known as the Alien Registration Card. As a Green Card Holder, the immigrant is authorized to live and work in America on a permanent basis with a Green Card permit.
The Green Permit is a process of becoming a permanent resident of United States and a proof of lawful permanent resident (LPR). The Green Card Holders will be officially granted rights to utilize immigration benefits in America.
Green Card Holders and new immigrants cannot immediately buy domestic US insurance. Older parents who are recent immigrants and Green Card Holders more than 65 years are also not immediately eligible for Medicare. Medicare benefits are available for US residents on reaching 65 years if they have paid US taxes for 40 quarters.
New senior citizen Green Card Holders are not eligible for Medicare for at least five years of continuous living in the US. At American Visitor insurance, we have several options of health insurance for seniors with Green Card and for new immigrants till they are eligible for Medicare or other domestic US health insurance.
However given the very high cost of US healthcare, it is very important for new immigrants to have good medical insurance for Green Card Holders in USA.
New Green Card Holders cannot buy domestic US healthcare plans, the temporary health insurance that we offer is ideal during this period. We often also have Green Card Holders who spend a lot of time overseas and want medical insurance for Green Card Holders in USA only for the limited time that they are in the United States. Again in this situation too, our short term health insurance work well as Greencard Holders Medical Insurance.
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Pre-Existing Conditions Health Insurance for Older Green Card Holders
A pre-existing condition is any medical ailment that existed before the start date of your U.S. health insurance coverage.
An acute onset of a pre-existing condition refers to a sudden and unexpected relapse of the pre-existing condition that requires immediate medical attention (within 24 hours) of the first symptom.
Green Card holders with pre-existing conditions always find it hard to find US health insurance. There are various conditions that are considered as pre- existing diseases but some of common ailments in this category are Asthma, heart related issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes etc. Typically all insurance providers have their terms and conditions for the pre-existing condition coverage provided.
US permanent residents can buy a short term health insurance policy without a medical check, however most insurance providers only provide coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. With the pre-existing condition there is a look back period of 60-180 days to determine the claim. If any of the applicants has one of these conditions it's very important for them to buy a policy that includes the illnesses in the coverage and to be aware of the terms of pre-existing condition coverage.
Some plans that cover pre-existing conditions for Green Card holders include Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Safe Travels Elite, Safe Travels USA, INF Elite and INf Premier.
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Travel Health Insurance for Elderly Immigrants in the USA
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer affordable travel health insurance for senior immigrants in the USA. Protect immigrant parents and elderly Green Card seniors over 60 years with coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and pre-existing conditions. Find the best senior immigrant travel medical insurance for pre-existing conditions, offer flexible policy durations that fits your budget and health care needs.
Travel Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants
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Senior citizen travel insurance
Travel medial insurance for a senior citizen Green Card holders.
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Pre-existing conditions travel insurance
Compare best pre-existing condition coverage for Green Card holders.
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Annual travel insurance
Annual travel insurance for individuals who take multiple trips within a year.
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