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.
Patriot America Plus and Patriot Platinum America can be used by Green Card holders from Mexico as long as they maintain a residence outside the US. These plans offered by IMG are specifically designed for short term travel to USA. The policy covers "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" up to the maximum of the plan purchased for persons under 70 years of age.
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.
Getting a Green Card and becoming a US permanent resident is a very significant milestone and is often a dream come true for many. The United States being the land of immigrants, is a country that allows the highest number of new immigrants. The U.S. issues approximately 1 million Green Cards each year, providing permanent residency to immigrant including for family members, refugees, and employment-based immigrants. The U.S. has a diverse immigrant population from all corners of the globe, with significant communities from Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Being a neighbor to US, Green Card holders from Mexico represent a significant portion of the U.S. immigrant population. Mexican nationals are one of the largest groups of U.S. Green Card holders. The U.S. and Mexico share a long history of migration, with many Mexican immigrants having strong familial, cultural, and economic ties to the U.S. A large percentage of Green Cards issued to Mexican nationals are through family-based immigration, including immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and family preference categories.
After holding a Green Card for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), Mexican nationals can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. This process involves meeting residency requirements, passing an English and civics test, and demonstrating good moral character. Mexican Green Card holders contribute significantly to the U.S. economy through their labor in various industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and services. They also play an essential role in cross-border trade and business.
If a US green card holder is living permanently here then he or she is eligible for domestic health insurance plans. However this depends on the age of the Green card holder and the duration of stay within US.
Green Card Holders permanently residing in the US can purchase:Green card holders who frequently travel between the U.S. and Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico can purchase:New immigrants who can be parents or family members who recently arrived in the USA can buy visitor health insurance depending on their duration of stay. Again, these plans can be bought for the period till they are eligible for domestic health insurance.
If one has applied for the Green Card and are waiting for permanent residency, they can buy visitor health insurance coverage that is ideal for them till they get the Green card and are eligible for other domestic US health insurance options.
Best health insurance for Green card holders from MexicoMedical 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 $26 per month.
Insurance plans | Coverage | Deductible | Cost# |
---|---|---|---|
Patriot America Lite IMG | $50,000 | $250 | $78 |
Patriot America Plus IMG | $50,000 | $250 | $79 |
Safe Travels Elite Trawick International | $25,000 | $0 | $26 |
Safe Travel USA Comprehensive Trawick International | $50,000 | $250 | $92 |
Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $50,000 | $250 | $125 |
INF Standard INF | $150,000 | $500 | $57 |
INF Safe Traveler USA INF | $50,000 | $250 | $166 |
# Approximate cost of Green Card holders health insurance is for a 65-year-old parent or seniors for a duration of 1 month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"I am always appreciating good business conduct and when I am coming back here for the longer time span.."
"Thank you for your prompt response. Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.."
"Thank you American Visitor Insurance! You went way beyond what I would expect from an insurance co.."
International travel insurance resources for Green Card Visa Holders while in the US.
Explore »Important factors to consider while buying Green CardVisa medical insurance.
Explore »Different US Green Card Visa insurance, fixed benefits vs comprehensive coverage.
Explore »Green Card Visa holder insurance claims process for medical care in hospital.
Explore »Travel medial insurance for a senior citizen Green Card holders.
Know more »Compare best pre-existing condition coverage for Green Card holders.
Know more »Annual travel insurance for individuals who take multiple trips within a year.
Know more »