Why do green card holders need short term health insurance?
If you are a new green card holder or a recent permanent resident in the U.S., navigating health insurance options can be overwhelming. Many immigrants face a gap before they become eligible for ACA marketplace plans, Medicare, or employer-sponsored coverage. Short-term health insurance like the plans offered in American Visitor Insurance is an excellent solution for covering medical needs during this transition period.
These plans provide flexible, low-cost protection for unexpected illness or injury, hospitalization, emergency room treatment, and more.
Is short-term health insurance right for you?
- Green card holders who recently arrived in the U.S.
- Individuals waiting for ACA or employer-sponsored coverage to begin.
- Permanent residents who missed the ACA open enrolment period.
- Spouses or dependents of Green card holders with no other coverage.
Who needs short-term health insurance?
Short-term health insurance is particularly useful for Green card holders who suddenly become temporarily uninsured. A closer examination of the most important groups who can gain the most from it is described below:
New U.S. immigrants: Green card holders who have recently arrived in the U.S. may face unique challenges. They tend to enter the country during the off-season for ACA open enrollment, rendering marketplace plans out of reach. Without immediate work, they will also be without employer-sponsored insurance. Getting acclimated to the U.S. healthcare system for the first time can be overwhelming, so short-term medical insurance provides welcome peace of mind during this period of adjustment.
Returning Green card holders: Many permanent residents spend extended time abroad and return to the U.S. without active health coverage. When they re-establish residency and change their status, they might need temporary protection against unforeseen medical costs. Short-term plans effectively fill this gap in coverage.
Early Retirees (Under Age 65): Green card holders who retire earlier than when they become eligible for medicare tend to have a coverage gap. If they are not yet age 65. If they are not eligible for Medicare and do not have access to an employer plan through a spouse or COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), short-term insurance is an economical option until Medicare takes over.
Dependents of Green card holders: Spouses and children of Green card holders may encounter varying eligibility for ACA or employer-sponsored coverage. Newly arrived individuals might not be immediately eligible for Medicaid or for ACA subsidies. Short-term insurance provides flexible protection for dependents while traveling, studying, or waiting for information on immigration status.
Key benefits of short-term medical insurance
- Coverage from 30 days to 364 days (renewable in most states).
- Low monthly premiums.
- Instant coverage upon approval.
- Access to big PPO networks.
- Flexible deductibles and policy limits.
How much does health insurance for green card holders cost
Medical insurance cost for Green card holders varies based on several factors such as the age, medical maximum coverage, deductible for the plan, and the coverage for pre-existing conditions. There are cheap Green card holders health insurance plans starting at $38 per month.
Cost of Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 65
| Travel insurance USA | Coverage | Deductible | Provider Network | Cost # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Elite Trawick International | $50,000 | $0 | First HealthCare | $77 |
| INF Standard X INF | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $77 |
| Patriot America Lite IMG | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $155 |
| Safe Travels USA Trawick International | $50,000 | $250 | First HealthCare | $160 |
| Patriot America Plus IMG | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $173 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International | $50,000 | $250 | First HealthCare | $197 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $50,000 | $250 | No PPO | $298 |
#Approximate cost of Green Card Holders health insurance is for a 65-year-old visitor for a duration of 1 month
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Are Senior Green Card Holders Eligible for Medicare?
Green Card Holders (lawful permanent residents) in the U.S. can qualify for Medicare, if they meet certain requirements related to age, residency duration, and work history.
To be eligible for Medicare, Green Card Holders must meet the following conditions:
- Be 65 years or older, or
- Be under 65 with a qualifying disability (such as receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months, or having End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)).
- Must have lived in the United States for at least 5 consecutive years as a lawful permanent resident before applying for Medicare.
- Must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) in the U.S., or
- Be married to someone who meets this work history requirement.
Medicare Costs for Green Card Holders
If you don’t have enough work history to qualify for premium-free Part A, you can still enroll by paying premiums:
Part A (Hospital Insurance)- $518/month if you worked fewer than 30 quarters
- $285/month if you worked 30–39 quarters
Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts for 7 months which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, then includes the month of your 65th birthday and finally ends 3 months after your birthday month. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
You may face a late enrollment penalty for Part B (and sometimes Part A) if you delay enrollment without having other creditable coverage (such as employer insurance). You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you delayed enrolling in Medicare due to having other creditable coverage (e.g., through an employer or union).
What should green card holders know before buying short term health insurance?
- Pre-Existing conditions: Most short-term plans do not pay for chronic or ongoing medical issues diagnosed before coverage starts.
- Prescription drugs and medications: Many plans offer little to no reimbursement for regular medications—check if a discount card or partial coverage is included.
- ACA-Compliance: These policies do not meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards and may exclude essential health benefits like maternity care or mental health services.
- Refund and cancellation policies: You may be eligible for a full refund if you cancel before the coverage begins—always review the cancellation terms.
How can green card holders choose he best short term health insurance plan?
All short-term health insurance plans are not the same, and selecting the best one is based on your individual circumstances. Green Card holders need to look at the following important factors when considering coverage options:
Age-Based Pricing
- Short-term insurance premiums typically increase with age.
- Older individuals, especially those nearing medicare eligibility, should:
- Compare multiple plans, as pricing can vary widely between insurers.
- Consider plans with higher maximum coverage amounts, which may be more cost-effective for older applicants with higher health risks.
Special Medical Needs
Before choosing a plan, review your medical history and any chronic health conditions:
- Prescription medications: Most short-term plans have limited or no prescription coverage for routine medications. If you require regular prescriptions, search for plans that provide a prescription drug discount card or partial coverage.
- Maternity care: Short-term plans do not include maternity in the majority of situations. Green Card holders who are expecting a family might have to look elsewhere or wait until ACA enrollment.
- Mental health services: Counselling, therapy, or psychiatric care coverage is usually limited. Review the policy language for any mental health benefits that may be available.
Stay in the U.S.
The duration of your planned stay will influence the type of plan you will require:
- Less than 3 months: Select lower-premium and basic-coverage plans.
- 3–12 months: Seek renewals or extensions, or buy multi-trip if you're going to travel.
- More than 1 year: A short-term plan might be a temporary solution, but you should also consider ACA plans, Medicare (if you qualify), or employer-sponsored coverage.
Budget considerations
Consider the trade-off between premium and out-of-pocket costs
- Deductibles: Greater deductibles equal lower premiums, but more of your out-of-pocket expense when you consume services.
- Coinsurance: Plans sometimes pay just a percentage (e.g., 80%) after the deductible has been paid.
- Maximum out-of-pocket: Know your financial exposure in the event of a serious illness or accident.
Short-term health insurance for green card holders - frequently asked questions
1. Can green card holders purchase short-term health insurance?
Yes. Green card holders can buy short-term health insurance, particularly if they are briefly without ACA-compliant or employer-sponsored coverage. It's a temporary solution while awaiting more lasting coverage.
2. Can I use short-term insurance while I am traveling outside the United States?
Certain plans do have limited worldwide coverage, most often for emergencies. However, if you're going abroad quite often, consider a travel medical plan instead. Always verify geographic coverage under your plan.
3. How can I change to ACA or medicare coverage later when switching from short-term coverage?
You can sign up for an ACA plan during open enrolment or following a qualifying life event (e.g., job change, permanent relocation). For Medicare, you have to sign up at age 65 or qualify. Short-term plans will not keep you from applying later but won't be applied toward previous coverage requirements.
4. Where do I find and compare short-term health insurance plans for Green card holders?
You can easily compare multiple short-term health insurance options for Green card holders on American Visitor Insurance. These allows the users to evaluate multiple insurance plans side by side, filtering options based on deductible levels, coverage benefits, insurance providers, and overall cost. For further assistance or to speak with a licensed representative, you may contact their customer support at 877-340-7910.
5. Can I get health insurance while Green card is pending?
Yes, you can obtain health coverage while your Green card application is pending. Based on your immigration status and where you live, you can get some health plans through the ACA Marketplace, an employer, or private insurance—even short-term or visitor insurance. But eligibility for government-assisted plans can be restricted until your status is granted. Short-term insurance is a good idea to remain covered in this waiting period
6. Can I get health insurance while Green card is pending?
Many Green Card holders assume they cannot purchase visitor or short-term travel insurance while in the U.S., but certain plans allow it under specific conditions. For example, Patriot America Plus permits Green Card holders to apply as long as they list a foreign residence address. This makes it an excellent choice for those visiting the U.S. temporarily or waiting for employer or domestic coverage to begin
