Obamacare for Green Card Holders
Affordable health insurance for Green Card Holders - starting from less than $1 a day.
Looking for the Best Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders? Get a free quote & compare top plans in minutes.
Who Are Green Card Holders?
US Permanent Residents commonly known as Green Card holders are individuals legally authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. Unlike short-term visitors or tourists, Green Card holders are considered lawful permanent residents under U.S. immigration law.
As lawful residents, Green Card holders are generally eligible to enroll in health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Can Green Card Holders Get Obamacare (ACA) Coverage?
Yes - most Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) are eligible to enroll in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. Eligibility depends on lawful presence in the United States, income level, state of residence, and enrollment timing.
However, ACA marketplace plans are designed primarily for individuals who live full-time in the United States and enroll during official Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment periods.
When ACA Coverage May Not Be Practical
While Green Card holders may qualify for ACA coverage, it may not always be the most suitable option in certain situations, such as:
- Living primarily outside the United States
- Making short-term visits to the US
- Missing the Open Enrollment period
- Not qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period
- Needing immediate coverage without waiting
- Wanting flexible short-term protection
In these cases, ACA plans may not be accessible or may not provide the flexibility required. If you are unable to enroll in an ACA plan or require short-term or international coverage, private medical insurance plans can help bridge the gap.
Private Health Insurance Options for Green Card Holders who:
- Live abroad but maintain US residency
- Visit the United States temporarily
- Are between jobs
- Missed ACA enrollment deadlines
Private visitor medical insurance or global medical insurance plans can provide flexible and immediate coverage options. At American Visitor Insurance, we offer:
- Short-term visitor medical insurance
- Long-term international medical plans
- Flexible coverage durations
- Plans that can be purchased year-round
At American Visitor Insurance, Green Card holders can compare and purchase private medical insurance plans designed for temporary stays in the US or international living situations. These plans are not ACA-compliant marketplace plans, but they may offer practical protection for Green Card holders who are outside regular enrollment periods or residing abroad.
How Much Does Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Cost in 2026?
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 $403 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.
| Plan Name | 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 |
| INF Standard X INF Insurance | $50,000 | $250 | $58 | $69 | $77 | $269 |
| Safe Traveles 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 |
Top Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders in 2026
Cheapest Health Insurance for Green Card Holders
Safe Travels Elite
Max Coverage: $50,000 | Deductible: $0
- Low-cost medical insurance for Green Card holders
- Medical maximum up to $175,000
- Deductible option $0 up to age 69
- Coverage for Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions up to Age 89
Other affordable Green Card health insurance plans include Patriot America Lite, INF Standard X.
Best Health Insurance for Green Card Holders
Patriot America Plus
Max Coverage: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
- Best budget-friendly health insurance for Green Card holders
- Medical maximum up to $1,000,000
- Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
- Acute onset coverage up to policy maximum (under age 70)
Other top recommended Green Card insurance plans include Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, INF Elite X.
Obamacare for Green Card Holders Over 65
Green Card Holders who are 65 or older may qualify for Medicare only after living in the United States continuously for at least five years and meeting work history requirements (40 quarters of US tax contributions).
Newly arrived senior permanent residents are generally not immediately eligible for Medicare. While they may apply for ACA marketplace coverage if residing in the US, enrollment restrictions and premium costs may apply. For many families sponsoring elderly immigrants, securing the right health insurance for Green Card parents becomes a priority during this transition period.
Until Medicare or ACA coverage becomes active, having temporary medical protection is important. America Visitors Insurance offers medical insurance for Green card holders in USA which are very popular among permanent residents. The US short term health insurance for Green Card Holders for parents over 65 years are: Patriot America Lite, Patriot Platinum, Safe Travel USA Comprehensive, Diplomat America, INF Standard and INF Safe Traveler USA
What Factors Affect the Cost of Health Insurance for Green Card Holders?
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.
Comprehensive health insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit medical insurance.
The price of medical insurance is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.
The longer the duration of medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.
How Can I Buy Insurance for Green Card Holders Online?
Find Green Card Holders health insurance plans
Complete the Green Card Holder health insurance quote form with relevant details.
Compare Green Card medical insurance cost
Compare price and benefits of the Green Card Holder insurance options to find what fits your needs best.
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.
Review insurance plan documents received by email
Review the international travel health insurance policy for coverage details and relevant contact numbers
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."
Best Medical Insurance Plans for Senior Green Card Holders
Compare the best medical insurance plans for senior Green Card holders, selected based on age, coverage levels, and plans that offer affordable options and pre-existing condition coverage.
- Patriot America Plus - Best for acute onset coverage
- Safe Travels USA Cost Saver - Most affordable visitor insurance
- INF Premier X - Best for pre-existing condition coverage
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive - Higher coverage limits
- INF Elite X - Best travel insurance for seniors over 80
- Visitors Protect - Covers pre-existing conditions
Best Health Insurance For Green Card Holders
Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders - FAQs
1. Is Obamacare mandatory for Green Card holders?
No. The federal individual mandate penalty under the Affordable Care Act was repealed in 2019. However, some states may have their own coverage requirements. Even where not mandatory, maintaining health insurance is strongly recommended due to the high cost of medical care in the United States.
2. Can a Green Card holder use travel insurance as a bridge until ACA coverage starts?
Yes, some newly approved permanent residents use short-term visitor medical insurance as temporary coverage while waiting to enroll in ACA marketplace plans. However, travel insurance and visitor insurance are not ACA-compliant and typically do not cover preventive care or pre-existing conditions. It is important to review policy details carefully.
3. Can I use visitor insurance after getting a Green Card?
Some insurance providers allow Green Card holders to purchase visitor or short-term medical insurance during a transitional period. These plans are generally designed for temporary coverage and may not meet long-term health insurance needs.
4. Can a Green card holder get medical insurance?
Yes, Green card holders can purchase the medical insurance that we offer if they have a permanent address outside the US. They can get medical insurance quotes and buy the insurance on our website. The short term medical insurance will cover unexpected 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. Green Card Holders can compare the plans based on price as well as the coverage benefits on American Visitors Insurance. 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.
5. What is the cheapest insurance for Green Card holders not eligible for Obamacare?
The cheapest travel medical insurance for Green Card holders is Safe Travels Elite, starting at $23 per month for a 25-year-old, depending on age, location, medical history, and coverage limits.
Short-term medical plans are often lower in cost than ACA marketplace plans but may provide limited benefits. Comparing multiple options can help determine the most affordable plan for your situation.
6. Can Green Card holders get health insurance through their employer in Texas?
Yes. Many Green Card holders can receive health insurance through their employer if the company offers employee health benefits. Employer-sponsored health insurance stands as one of the most affordable and comprehensive methods through which people can obtain medical coverage in the United States. Green Card holders who is not eligible for the employer coverage can purchase private short-term health insurance for green card holders in Texas until they qualify for other options.
7. Can new immigrants buy health insurance immediately?
Yes. Some private visitor or short-term medical insurance plans can begin as early as the next day. American Visitor Insurance offers medical insurance for new Green Card holders who need temporary coverage.
ACA marketplace plans, however, typically require enrollment during an open enrollment period or after qualifying for a special enrollment period.
8. What if I am sponsoring my parents?
Parents with Green Cards may qualify for ACA marketplace coverage if eligible, but newly arrived seniors are generally not eligible for Medicare right away. During this waiting period, many families purchase private health insurance. American Visitor Insurance offers health insurance for Green Card parents, including short-term and senior coverage plans tailored to their needs.
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