Best Health Insurance Companies for Green Card Holders 2026
The best health insurance companies for green card holders offer affordable medical coverage, doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription benefits, and preventive care in the U.S. Health insurance costs for green card holders typically start at around $5 to $15 per day. Comparing top U.S. health insurance plans helps new permanent residents find suitable and budget-friendly coverage.
Best Health Insurance Companies for Green Card Holders
Each provider below offers plans designed for Green Card holders who maintain a residence outside the US, with options for pre-existing condition coverage, PPO network access, and long-term bridge coverage until Medicare or ACA eligibility. Click any provider to see eligible plans.
IMG — International Medical Group
- monitor_heartAcute onset of pre-existing conditions up to policy max (under 70)
- local_hospitalDirect billing via UHC PPO & First Health PPO networks
- flight_takeoffEmergency evacuation for pre-existing conditions up to $25,000
- tune$50K–$1M coverage; 5 days–12 months, renewable 24 months
- ✓ Green Card holders under 70 needing acute pre-existing coverage
- ✓ Travelers wanting a large PPO network (UHC + First Health)
- ✓ Those seeking renewable bridge coverage up to 24 months
- ✓ Families who want up to $1M medical maximum
Why IMG for Green Card Holders?
- verifiedPatriot America Plus & Patriot Platinum eligible for Green Card holders maintaining a residence outside the US
- monitor_heartCovers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to policy maximum (under age 70)
- local_hospitalDirect billing through UnitedHealthcare PPO and First Health PPO networks
- flight_takeoffEmergency medical evacuation for pre-existing conditions up to $25,000
- tuneChoose coverage from $50,000 up to $1,000,000
- calendar_monthCoverage from 5 days up to 12 months, renewable for up to 24 months
- Purchase your eligible plan (Patriot America Plus recommended) at americanvisitorinsurance.com - policy is issued instantly.
- Check your email for your policy certificate PDF - this serves as your primary proof of coverage.
- Log in to My IMG portal at imglobal.com (credentials in your welcome email) to access your digital insurance ID card.
- Download the insurance ID card PDF from the My Documents section - it shows policy number, coverage dates, and medical limits.
- Keep your certificate handy as proof of residency outside the US and continuous coverage while awaiting Medicare/ACA eligibility.
Global Underwriters
- monitor_heartSudden recurrence of pre-existing up to $20,000 ($2,500 for 65+)
- family_restroomParents and dependent children coverable under the same plan
- sports_soccerOptional adventure sports rider available
- calendar_month15–365 day coverage; 50+ years of international experience
- ✓ Families — parents & dependent children insured together
- ✓ 15–365 day bridge coverage before Medicare/ACA eligibility
- ✓ Adventure travelers wanting optional sports coverage
- ✓ Seniors 65+ needing sudden recurrence coverage
Why Global Underwriters for Green Card Holders?
- verifiedDiplomat America plan is open to Green Card holders residing outside the US
- monitor_heartDiplomat Long Term covers sudden recurrence of pre-existing conditions up to $20,000 ($2,500 for age 65+)
- family_restroomParents and dependent children eligible to be insured under the same plan
- calendar_monthCoverage available from 15 days up to 365 days - ideal for bridge coverage before Medicare/ACA eligibility
- sports_soccerOptional adventure sports coverage available
- support_agentOver 50 years of experience providing International Accident & Sickness Medical coverage
- Purchase your eligible plan (Diplomat America recommended) at americanvisitorinsurance.com - your policy is issued instantly.
- Check your email for your policy certificate PDF - this is your official proof of coverage for healthcare providers and immigration purposes.
- The certificate clearly shows your policy number, coverage period, medical maximum, and pre-existing condition benefits (if applicable).
- For claims, download the Diplomat America claims form from your welcome email or the Global Underwriters portal.
- Keep a printed and digital copy handy - this document confirms your eligibility as a Green Card holder residing outside the US.
INF Insurance
- monitor_heartFull pre-existing condition coverage up to age 99
- local_hospitalUnitedHealthcare PPO network for quality direct billing
- calendar_month90–364 day plans; $100,000–$1,000,000 policy maximums
- medicationFree dental, vision, hearing & Rx discount card with membership
- ✓ Green Card holders over 65 with ongoing pre-existing conditions
- ✓ Full pre-existing condition coverage needed up to age 99
- ✓ Long stays of 90–364 days awaiting Medicare/ACA eligibility
- ✓ Members wanting dental, vision & Rx discount benefits
Why INF for Green Card Holders?
- verifiedINF plans are open to Green Card holders as long as they maintain a residence outside the US
- monitor_heartINF Elite X and Elite Plus X cover full pre-existing medical conditions up to age 99
- elderlyEspecially popular among Green Card holders over 65 needing pre-existing condition coverage
- local_hospitalAccess to the UnitedHealthcare PPO network for quality care across the US
- calendar_monthCoverage available from 90 days up to 364 days - ideal for long-term bridge coverage
- medicationNon-insurance Dental, Vision, Hearing & Prescription Discount Card included for INF members
- Purchase your eligible plan (INF Elite X or INF Premier X) at americanvisitorinsurance.com - your policy certificate is emailed instantly.
- Your policy certificate PDF shows your coverage period, medical maximum, deductible, and pre-existing condition benefits - keep this for your records.
- Use your INF ID card to access providers within the UnitedHealthcare PPO network for direct billing where available.
- Download your dental, vision, and prescription discount card details from the welcome email - included free with INF membership.
- Keep your certificate handy as proof of continuous coverage while you wait for Medicare or ACA eligibility.
Trawick International
- monitor_heartAcute onset of pre-existing conditions covered up to age 89
- savingsSafe Travels Elite: affordable fixed-benefit plan, renewable 364 days
- flight_takeoffEmergency evacuation & repatriation of remains included
- support_agent24/7 worldwide travel assistance services
- ✓ Green Card holders up to age 89 needing acute pre-existing coverage
- ✓ Budget-conscious travelers seeking an affordable fixed-benefit plan
- ✓ Those needing emergency evacuation & repatriation of remains
- ✓ Senior immigrants and parents of US residents
Why Trawick for Green Card Holders?
- verifiedSafe Travels USA Comprehensive covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years
- savingsSafe Travels Elite is an affordable fixed-benefit plan renewable for up to 364 days
- local_hospitalDirect billing through PPO networks within the US
- flight_takeoffEmergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains included
- family_restroomPlans available for Green Card holders, parents, and senior immigrants
- support_agent24/7 travel assistance services available worldwide
- Purchase your eligible plan (Safe Travels USA Comprehensive recommended) at americanvisitorinsurance.com - your confirmation email arrives instantly.
- Your policy certificate (fulfillment kit) is emailed as a PDF attachment - this is your official proof of coverage.
- For re-downloading documents, log into the Trawick Client Zone at clients.trawickinternational.com with your policy number.
- Navigate to My Policies → select your plan → click Download Documents to retrieve the insurance certificate and ID card.
- The certificate clearly displays your medical coverage amount, pre-existing condition benefits, and coverage dates - keep it handy for providers and proof of residency outside the US.
Key Factors When Choosing the Best Health Insurance Company for Green Card Holders
Not all health insurance companies for Green Card holders are equal. The right provider depends on your residency status, age, pre-existing conditions, and how long you need bridge coverage. Understanding these six factors helps you compare plans confidently and choose the right option while waiting for Medicare or ACA eligibility.
All four providers on this page - IMG, Global Underwriters, INF and Trawick International - offer plans for Green Card holders maintaining a residence outside the US, with coverage options from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Here's how to narrow down the best one for your situation.
Eligibility for these plans depends on maintaining a residence outside the US. IMG's Patriot America Plus, Global Underwriters' Diplomat America, INF's Elite X, and Trawick's Safe Travels USA Comprehensive are all designed specifically for Green Card holders in this situation.
If you have a chronic condition, look for plans with acute onset coverage. IMG and Trawick cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions, while INF's Elite X and Elite Plus X go further, covering full pre-existing conditions up to age 99 - ideal for older Green Card holders.
Most plans range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage, with durations from 15 days up to 365 days - renewable up to 24 months with IMG - making them suitable for short bridge periods or longer-term needs.
Your policy certificate must be ready quickly for proof of coverage and residency. All four providers issue a downloadable PDF policy certificate instantly after purchase, with ID cards accessible via online portals like My IMG and Trawick Client Zone.
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 factors such as age, coverage amount, deductible, and whether the plan includes pre-existing condition coverage. Typically, premiums range from $44 to $403 per month.
Whether you are a new permanent resident or a long-term Green Card holder, compare plans to find one that offers:
- Comprehensive coverage for emergencies and preventive care
- Affordable premiums that fit your budget
- Access to quality healthcare providers across the U.S.
Example: Average monthly cost by age
| Plan | Max Coverage | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe Travels Elite
Trawick International |
$50,000 | $0 | $44 | $61 | $76 | $109 |
|
Patriot America Lite
IMG |
$50,000 | $250 | $72 | $120 | $153 | $252 |
|
Patriot America Plus
IMG |
$50,000 | $250 | $77 | $128 | $164 | $289 |
|
Standard X
INF Insurance |
$50,000 | $250 | $58 | $69 | $77 | $269 |
|
Safe Travels USA
Trawick International |
$50,000 | $250 | $85 | $127 | $147 | $252 |
|
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Trawick International |
$50,000 | $250 | $90 | $148 | $172 | $294 |
|
SafeVista Protect
INF Insurance |
$100,000 | $250 | $108 | $174 | $230 | $320 |
|
Diplomat America
Global Underwriters |
$50,000 | $250 | $143 | $207 | $261 | $403 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance® | Prices verified for 2026.
Tip: Balance affordability with adequate protection. Older travelers should prioritize pre-existing condition coverage. Compare plans to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
How to Choose the Right Plan as a Green Card Holder
Every permanent resident's travel situation is different. Here's a practical framework to narrow your choice in minutes.
Always verify the plan's Certificate of Insurance explicitly lists "lawful permanent residents" or "green card holders" as eligible. All four providers on this page do — others may not.
If you have ongoing health conditions, look for plans with full pre-existing coverage (INF Elite) or robust acute onset provisions. Don't assume exclusions won't affect you.
Short trips (under 6 months): Patriot, Safe Travels, or Diplomat International. Extended stays (6–36 months): IMG Global Medical or Diplomat Long Term.
Premiums rise steeply after age 60. INF specializes in older applicants and has the widest age acceptance. Compare costs across providers if you're 65+
Higher deductibles = lower monthly premium. If you're healthy and want catastrophic coverage only, opt for $500–$2,500 deductible. For comprehensive day-to-day protection, choose $0–$100.
If you've paid for non-refundable flights and hotels, consider Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive or IMG iTravelInsured — these combine trip protection with medical coverage.
Here's a fact that surprises many permanent residents: your U.S. employer health plan, ACA marketplace plan, Medicare, or Medicaid almost universally stops covering you the moment you leave the United States. This isn't a loophole — it's a fundamental feature of how domestic U.S. health insurance is designed.
This creates a serious financial exposure. A single day of hospitalization in Western Europe can cost $4,000–$10,000. An emergency medical evacuation from Southeast Asia can exceed $80,000. These costs come entirely out of pocket without international travel medical coverage.
Travel insurance is the only product designed to bridge this gap, and the plans on this page are explicitly structured to do so for green card holders in particular.
In most cases, holding a green card rather than U.S. citizenship does not restrict your access to quality travel insurance. The four providers featured here all explicitly accept lawful permanent residents without any citizenship requirement.
However, immigration status does introduce one unique planning consideration: green card holders must be careful about extended absences from the U.S. Staying abroad for more than 6–12 months can put your green card status at risk — this is a USCIS immigration rule, not an insurance rule. If you plan to use a long-term plan like Diplomat Long Term or IMG Global Medical, it's important to separately manage your U.S. re-entry obligations.
Travel insurance covers your medical needs abroad. It does not protect your green card status. Plan both carefully.
- Emergency inpatient hospitalization and surgery
- Outpatient physician and specialist visits
- Emergency dental treatment (accident-related)
- Prescription medications during a covered illness
- Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest qualified facility
- Repatriation of remains in case of death abroad
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (most plans)
- COVID-19 treatment (included on all four providers)
- 24/7 travel assistance and concierge services
- Trip cancellation / interruption (comprehensive plans only)
- Visiting family back home — Short-term medical plan (1–6 months) with acute onset coverage
- Business travel — Annual multi-trip plan like IMG Patriot Multi-Trip
- Extended stay caring for elderly parents — Long-term plan renewable monthly
- Vacation or leisure travel — Comprehensive plan with trip cancellation included
- Medical tourism — Ensure plan doesn't exclude treatment sought abroad
- Study programs abroad — Student-type plan or long-term medical plan
- Managing property/business overseas — High-limit long-term international plan
Is Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Worth the Cost?
In short: absolutely - especially during the gap before Medicare or ACA eligibility. Consider the financial reality of a single medical emergency in the US without coverage.
Real Claim Scenario: Sudden Gallbladder Surgery in Florida
A 68-year-old Green Card holder visiting family in Florida develops severe abdominal pain. She is taken to the ER, diagnosed with gallstones, and undergoes emergency gallbladder removal surgery followed by a 3-day hospital stay.
The math is simple: ~$11/day in premium vs. $42,000 in potential bills. Insurance doesn't just protect your health - it protects your savings and your access to care while you wait for Medicare or ACA eligibility.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Can cost $25,000–$50,000+ for air ambulance transport. Without insurance, this is paid entirely out-of-pocket.
- Pre-Existing Condition Risk: A flare-up of a known condition without acute onset coverage (offered by IMG, Trawick, and INF Elite Plus X) could mean tens of thousands in unpaid bills.
Best Health Insurance Providers for Green Card Holders
In most cases, travel medical insurance and visitors insurance plans treat Ebola the same way they treat any sudden and unexpected illness during a covered trip. If you contract Ebola while your policy is active and you are traveling in a covered destination, your medical benefits may apply according to the policy terms.
| Provider | Best For | Max Benefit | Pre-existing Conditions | Age Range | Long-Term Plans | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trawick International | Overall Best | $2,000,000 | ✓Acute onset | 14 days - 89 yrs | ✓ | $$ |
| INF Insurance | Pre-Existing & Seniors | $300,000 | ✓ Full coverage (Elite) | Up to 99 yrs | Partial | $$$ |
| IMG (Intl. Medical Group) | High-limit & Long-term | $8,000,000 | Acute onset / Waiver | Any age | ✓ | $$$ |
| Global Underwriters | Budget & Extended Stayt | $1,000,000 | ✓ Acute onset | 14 days – 84 yrs | ✓ Up to 36 m | $ |
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Best Health Insurance Companies for Green Card Holders - FAQs
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.