Best Health Insurance for Green Card Holders from India
Health insurance is important for Green Card Holders from India given the very high cost of medical care in the United States. U.S. permanent residents are eligible for domestic health insurance through:
- Employer-sponsored health insurance,
- US marketplace health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and
- Government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, depending on eligibility.
However, many new Green Card Holders are not immediately eligible for these programs. For example, Green Card Holders who have recently moved to the U.S., or seniors over 65 who have lived in the US for less than five years and have not worked for 40 quarters (10 years), will not be eligible for government sponsored programs like Medicare.
To avoid gaps in coverage, new immigrants should secure short-term or visitor style health insurance until they qualify for domestic U.S. plans. These plans ensure protection from expensive medical bills and help maintain continuous coverage. Additionally, maintaining adequate health insurance may also be important for immigration compliance, as proof of health coverage can sometimes be reviewed during certain immigration or re-entry processes.
American Visitor Insurance also offers health insurance for older Green Card Holders that are better designed for senior citizens. Among these include US medical insurance for pre-existing conditions for US visitors from India. Indian Green Card Holders can compare visitor health insurance plans for the USA on American Visitor Insurance and buy what fits their needs best.
Green Card Holders Permanently Residing in the U.S.
Green Card Holders who live permanently in the United States are generally eligible for domestic U.S. health insurance plans. Eligibility, however, depends on their age of the Green Card Holder and duration of stay in the U.S.
- Those who are 65 years or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years may qualify for Medicare. However, Medicare does not cover healthcare outside the United States, which is important for Green Card Holders who travel frequently to India or other countries.
- For seniors who are not yet eligible for Medicare or domestic health insurance, INF Insurance offers specialized plans designed for older Green Card Holders and visitors providing coverage both in the U.S. and abroad.
Those under 65 years are generally eligible for domestic health insurance plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield only after living in the U.S. for around six months or more. Until they become eligible for domestic coverage, it’s strongly recommended to purchase short-term U.S. travel health insurance to stay protected against unexpected medical expenses.
Green Card Holders Who Travel Often Between the U.S. and India
Green Card Holders who frequently travel between the United States and India face unique challenges and considerations due to their residency status and the need to maintain their U.S. permanent residency. To maintain a Green Card, U.S. permanent residents must primarily reside in the U.S.
Frequent or extended travel to India could be viewed by U.S. authorities as an abandonment of residency if not properly managed. For Green Card Holders who frequently travel for short periods (a few days or weeks at a time), there’s typically less risk of jeopardizing their residency status, as long as the U.S. remains their primary residence.
Green Card Holders who travel often between the US and India can purchase:
- Short-term travel medical insurance: Covers emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and travel disruptions while outside the U.S.
Best health insurance for Green Card Holders from India - Annual multi-trip travel insurance: Suitable for Green Card Holders who make multiple trips between India and the U.S. each year. These plans offer coverage for several trips annually, including emergency medical care and trip interruption benefits, and are often more cost-effective than buying separate policies for each trip.
Best Annual travel health insurance for Green Card Holders from India
Health Insurance Options for New Green Card Holders and Immigrants
New Green Card Holders and recent immigrants to the U.S. including parents or family members who have just arrived often face a gap before becoming eligible for domestic U.S. health insurance such as ACA Marketplace plans, employer coverage, or Medicare.
During this transition period, they can purchase visitor or short term travel medical insurance for Green Card Holders from India to stay protected. These temporary plans are designed for new immigrants and cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and other travel-related incidents while in the U.S.
How Much Does Health Insurance for Green Card Holders from India Cost?
The cost of health insurance for Green Card holders from India depends on their 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 $403 per month.
For example, here we are showing the average health insurance cost for Green Card holders per month.
| Plan Name | Max coverage | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Elite | $50,000 | $0 | $44 | $61 | $76 | $109 |
| Patriot America Lite | $50,000 | $250 | $72 | $120 | $153 | $252 |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | $250 | $77 | $128 | $164 | $289 |
| INF Standard X | $50,000 | $250 | $58 | $69 | $77 | $269 |
| Safe Traveles USA | $50,000 | $250 | $85 | $127 | $147 | $252 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $50,000 | $250 | $90 | $148 | $172 | $294 |
| INF SafeVista | $100,000 | $250 | $108 | $174 | $230 | $320 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 | $250 | $143 | $207 | $261 | $403 |
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 Are the Best Medical Insurance Options for Green Card Holders?
- The best health insurance for Green Card Holders over 65 years who are ineligible for Medicare are Patriot America Insurance, Safe Travels USA Insurance, Diplomat America and INF insurance.
- Green Card Holders who are less than 65 years and working should try to get health insurance with their employer or can purchase short term travel health insurance like Patriot America Insurance till they become eligible for US domestic health insurance plans.
Health Insurance Examples for Indian Green Card Holders in the USA
To help you find the right plan, here are a few real-life examples of Indian Green Card Holders and their health insurance needs:
Scenario 1: Newly Approved Green Card Holder Settling in the U.S.
Situation: If you have recently received your Green Card and are still settling in the U.S., you may not yet qualify for employer-sponsored health coverage or Medicare.
Recommended Coverage: Short-term or temporary health insurance plans providing U.S.based coverage until you qualify for domestic or marketplace plans.
Best Options: Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA, Diplomat America
Scenario 2: Parents of Green Card Holders Visiting the U.S.
Situation: Many Indian families bring their parents to the U.S. for extended stays of 6–12 months. Since they are not eligible for Medicare, it’s best to purchase visitor medical insurance from American Visitor Insurance to ensure proper coverage during their visit.
Recommended Coverage: Visitor medical insurance plans that offer high coverage limits and benefits for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Best Options: INF Elite X, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Patriot America Platinum
Scenario 3: Green Card Holder Traveling Frequently to India
Situation: You live in the U.S. but frequently travel to India for extended visits. You need health insurance that provides global protection.
Recommended Coverage: Global or annual multi-trip plans offering coverage in both India and the U.S., including emergency evacuation.
Best Options: IMG Global Medical, Worldwide Premier
Green Card Medical Insurance – FAQs
1. Can you get health insurance while waiting for Green Card?
Yes, you can obtain health insurance while waiting for your Green Card, though your options may vary depending on your specific circumstances, such as your visa status, location, and income level.
Short-term health insurance is available to those who need temporary coverage while waiting for more permanent options, like a Green Card. These plans usually cover emergency services, hospitalization, and some doctor visits, but they may not cover comprehensive care like preventive services, maternity care, or mental health services. If you are an immigrant waiting for your Green Card but still travel frequently or have ties to another country, you might consider an international health insurance plan. These plans provide coverage both in the U.S. and abroad, making them ideal for people who need flexibility. They typically offer a range of benefits, from emergency care to routine checkups.
2. Is medical insurance mandatory for Green Card Holders?
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.
3. Are there any special considerations for recent Green Card Holders or new immigrants?
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.
4. Can Green Card Holders buy Patriot America plus insurance?
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.
5. Can non citizens get Medicare?
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.
6. Can a Green Card Holder get medical 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.
7. Do Green Card Holders need health insurance?
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.
8. Do Green Card Holders qualify for government healthcare programs like Medicaid or Medicare?
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.
9. Can Green Card Holders get health insurance through their employers?
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.
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