🚨Why Is Health Insurance Important for Green Card Holders in Vietnam?
- High medical expenses in the USA: Healthcare services in the United States are among the most costly worldwide. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars without insurance. Having a good health insurance plan helps cover these high medical expenses, protecting your finances during unexpected health emergencies.
- Not eligible for Government Health Programs immediately: Most new immigrants with a Green Card are not immediately eligible for U.S. federal health insurance programs like Medicare or Medicaid until they have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. During this waiting period, private medical insurance or new immigrant insurance plans are the best way to ensure medical protection.
- Important for maintaining health and residency: Although there is no legal mandate to purchase health insurance as a Green Card holder, consistent access to healthcare is important for maintaining long-term well-being and fulfilling your obligations as a U.S. resident.
- Useful for travel between Vietnam and the USA: Green Card holders often travel between Vietnam and the U.S. Whether you are visiting family, traveling for business, or living temporarily in Vietnam, international health insurance plans offer continuous coverage across both countries.
- Financial peace of mind: Travel and medical uncertainties can happen anytime. Health insurance provides peace of mind by offering coverage for hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription medication, emergency evacuation, and more.
- Recommended insurance plans for Green Card holders: American Visitor Insurance offers a range of reliable, affordable health insurance options for Green Card holders, including:
- Patriot America Plus
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
- Visitors Care
- INF Elite Plans (for seniors with pre-existing conditions)
You can use our easy comparison tools to find the best plan for your specific needs based on age, duration of stay, and required medical benefits.
🛡️ Who Needs Health Insurance Among Vietnamese Green Card Holders?
Health insurance is essential for all categories of Vietnamese Green Card holders, regardless of their age or length of stay in the United States. New immigrants may not yet qualify for U.S. government-supported healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid and will need private insurance coverage during their initial years. Senior citizens, especially aging parents immigrating through family sponsorship, often have a greater need for medical support and may require comprehensive plans with options for pre-existing condition coverage.
Returning residents Green Card holders who have lived abroad and are now resettling also need reliable health insurance to cover unexpected medical issues. Regardless of your immigration situation, having proper health coverage is crucial to avoid high out-of-pocket costs, ensure peace of mind, and meet any legal or travel requirements tied to your resident status.
🩺 Health Insurance for Senior Green Card Holders
Many Green Card holders from Vietnam are elderly parents who have immigrated to the U.S. under family sponsorship. This group faces unique health insurance challenges. Since most senior Green Card holders are not immediately eligible for Medicare they must typically wait five years before qualifying they need alternative coverage during this gap period.
It is essential to choose a plan that offers pre-existing condition coverage, as most seniors have ongoing health issues requiring regular care. Plans like INF Elite or Visitors Care are well suited for this purpose. These insurance options are designed with seniors in mind, offering coverage for chronic illnesses, hospitalization, urgent care, and even prescription benefits in some cases. Choosing the right plan ensures that aging parents have access to high-quality medical care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses.
🛡️ What Are the Types of Health Insurance for Vietnamese Green Card Holders?
- Short-term travel insurance: is ideal for newly arrived Green Card holders or temporary visitors in the U.S. This type of plan provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, accidents, and hospital visits during the initial transition period. It’s especially useful before long-term coverage or domestic insurance becomes available.
- Long-term immigrant insurance: is designed for Green Card holders who plan to stay in the U.S. permanently. These plans offer broader benefits, including doctor consultations, preventive care, prescription drugs, and sometimes even mental health support. It’s a great option for those waiting to qualify for ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans or employer-based insurance.
- Plans with Pre-existing condition coverage: for Vietnamese Green Card holders with chronic or existing medical conditions, insurance plans that include pre-existing condition coverage are essential. These plans help manage the costs of ongoing treatments, regular check-ups, and necessary medications—ensuring peace of mind for those who need consistent care.
- Health insurance for seniors: Senior Green Card holders (typically aged 60 or above) need plans that cater to age-related health concerns. These specialized plans offer coverage for critical illnesses, hospitalization, and routine care. They are particularly valuable for retired parents or elderly dependents joining family in the U.S.
🛡️ How to Buy Health Insurance from Vietnam Before Arriving in the U.S.?
If you're a Vietnamese resident with an approved immigrant visa, here’s how you can purchase U.S. health insurance before traveling:
- Choose a plan online: Visit a reliable insurance comparison site like American Visitor Insurance to compare and purchase plans suitable for new immigrants or visitors.
- Get a visa letter immediately: Once purchased, you’ll receive a visa acceptance letter from the insurance provider. This can serve as proof of coverage if requested by U.S. authorities during travel or immigration checks.
- Select a start date: You can choose the coverage activation date to match your travel date, so you're protected from the moment you arrive in the U.S.
- No U.S. address required: Most providers allow you to apply using your Vietnamese address and passport details—you don’t need a U.S. mailing address yet.
- Be covered upon arrival: This ensures you have immediate access to medical care for emergencies, doctor visits, or prescriptions from day one in the U.S.
⭐ Why Buy Through American Visitor Insurance?
American Visitor Insurance is a trusted U.S. based platform that helps Green Card holders and international travelers easily compare and buy health insurance plans. We partner with top-rated U.S. insurance providers, offering a wide range of plans tailored to immigrant, visitor, and senior needs. Our platform simplifies the process with instant visa letters, making it ideal for those needing proof for consulates or border entry. Customers also benefit from 24/7 support by licensed agents who can guide you in choosing the right coverage. With American Visitor Insurance, you get reliable protection and expert help quickly and hassle-free.
🏅 Best Health Insurance for Green Card Holders From Vietnam
Green Card holders can be categorized as follows:
Green Card Holders Permanently Residing in the US
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 who are 65 or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years may be eligible for Medicare. However, Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services outside the U.S. For those above 65 years and are not yet eligible for Medicare or domestic health insurance, there are good options offered by INF insurance.
- If one is below 65 years then they are eligible for domestic health insurance plans such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, however they are usually eligible only after living in the US for 6 months or more. In this case also, purchasing short term travel health insurance till they become eligible for domestic plans is strongly recommended.
Best medical insurance for Green card holders from Vietnam
Green Card Holders Who Travel Often Between the US and Vietnam
Green card holders who frequently travel between the U.S. and Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam can purchase:- Short term travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and other travel-related issues.
- Annual travel insurance if Vietnam green card holders travel frequently as it is more cost-effective. This type of insurance covers multiple trips throughout the year, with benefits like emergency medical coverage and trip interruption insurance. However the green card holder must have a primary health insurance in Vietnam.
New Green Card Holders or New Immigrants
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.
- The best health insurance for Green Card holders from Vietnam offers short-term coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and other travel-related issues.
Applied and Waiting for Green Card
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 Vietnam💰 Which Is the Cheapest Health Insurance for Green Card Holders from Vietnam?
The cheapest health insurance for Green Card holders from Vietnam is Safe Travels Elite from Trawick International. Other affordable Green Card holders health insurance are INF Standard X from INF insurance and Patriot America Lite from IMG.
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $175,000
- Deductible options $0
- Coverage from 5 days - 12 months
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage up to policy maximum
INF Standard X
$56 Per month
$56 Per monthAge: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $150,000
- Deductible option $0
- Coverage from 5–364 days
- Covers illness, injury, and emergency evacuation.
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible options $0-$2,500
- Coverage from 5–364 days
- Covers hospitalization, emergency care, evacuation, repatriation, COVID-19, and travel benefits.
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💰 How Much Does Health Insurance for Green Card Holders From Vietnam 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 parents over 65 years on Green Card
Approximate cost of Green Card holders health insurance is for a 65-year-old parent or seniors for a duration of 1 month.
| Travel insurance USA | Coverage | Deductible | Provider Network | Cost # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Elite Trawick International | $25,000 | $0 | First HealthCare | $50 |
| INF Standard X INF | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $76 |
| 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 | $224 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $50,000 | $250 | No PPO | $262 |
| Patriot Platinum IMG | $1M | $250 | United HealthCare | $414 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
🩺 Are senior Green Card Holders eligible for Medicare?
Green Card Holders (lawful permanent residents) can qualify for Medicare if they meet certain requirements related to age, residency, and work history.
To be eligible for Medicare, Green Card Holders must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Be 65 years or older, or meet specific disability criteria if under 65 (such as receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or having end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)).
- Residency: Have lived in the U.S. as a legal permanent resident for at least 5 consecutive years.
- Work History: Have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) through employment in the U.S., or be married to someone who has.
If you haven't paid Medicare taxes for 10 years and don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you'll need to buy Part A and also pay premiums for both Part A and Part B. For 2025, if you've worked less than 30 quarters, the Part A premium is approximately $518. If you've worked 30-39 quarters, the premium is about $285. Part B, which covers outpatient care and preventive services, will have a standard monthly premium of about $185 in 2025.
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).
🏆 Which Health Insurance Plan Is Best for Green Card Holders From Vietnam?
The best plans for health insurance for Green Card holders from Vietnam is Patriot America Plus from IMG. Other affordable Green Card holders health insurance are Safe Travels USA Comprehensive from Trawick International and Diplomat America from Global Underwriters.
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible options $0 to $2,500
- Coverage from 5 days - 12 months
- Covers medical care, emergencies, evacuation, COVID-19, and pre-existing conditions.
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
$87 Per month
Age: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible option $0 to $5,000
- Coverage from 5 days to 364 days
- Covers medical treatment, hospitalization, evacuation, repatriation, and COVID-19.
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible options $0 to $5,000
- Coverage from 5–364 days
- Covers hospitalization, emergency care, evacuation, repatriation, COVID-19, and travel benefits.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Medical Insurance
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Is health insurance mandatory for Green Card holders?
While health insurance is not legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Without it, Green Card holders may face extremely high medical expenses in the U.S., where even routine treatments can be costly. Some states may have their own health insurance requirements or penalties for being uninsured.
9. What happens if I don’t buy health insurance?
If you don’t have health insurance in the U.S.:
- You will have to pay full price out-of-pocket for any medical treatment.
- Emergency care, hospital stays, and prescription drugs can cost thousands of dollars.
- It may affect your ability to access routine or preventive care due to high costs.
- For seniors, lack of insurance could mean no coverage for pre-existing conditions or chronic illness treatment.
10. Can I buy insurance after arriving in the USA?
Yes, Green Card holders can buy insurance after arriving in the U.S. However:
- It is safer to purchase insurance before travel to avoid being uninsured during the initial days.
- Some plans may have waiting periods or may not cover pre-existing conditions if purchased after arrival.
- Buying early ensures continuous protection from day one.
11. Will insurance cover me if I return to Vietnam temporarily?
Most U.S. health insurance plans are only valid within the United States. However:
- Some international insurance plans may offer limited coverage for short visits back to Vietnam.
- If you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, consider buying a local or global health insurance plan for that duration.
- Always check the plan’s territorial coverage limits before relying on it abroad.
12. How much does health insurance cost for Green Card holders?
The cost of health insurance for Green Card holders varies based on several key factors, including age, length of coverage, and the type of medical benefits selected. Here's a breakdown:
- Age Group: Older Green Card holders, especially those above 60, tend to pay higher premiums due to increased health risks. Younger immigrants or new Green Card holders in their 20s or 30s typically pay lower rates.
- Length of Stay: Short-term plans (for a few months) are generally more affordable than long-term comprehensive plans meant for permanent residents. Those planning to stay in the U.S. long-term may need more robust coverage, impacting cost.
- Medical Coverage Limits: Plans offering higher coverage limits and broader benefits like pre-existing condition coverage, emergency evacuation, and preventive care usually come with higher premiums.
On average, health insurance for Green Card holders can range from $60 to $400+ per month, depending on the selected options.
✅ Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Reviews
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👨👩👧 Health Insurance for Parents on Green Card
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🛫 Travel Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants
Senior citizen travel insurance
Travel medial insurance for a senior citizen Green Card holders.
Explore »Pre-existing conditions travel insurance
Compare best pre-existing condition coverage for Green Card holders.
Explore »Annual travel insurance
Annual travel insurance for individuals who take multiple trips within a year.
Explore »🌍 Why Choose Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?
Annual multi-trip travel insurance is the smarter choice for Vietnamese travelers who go abroad frequently for business, leisure, or family visits. Instead of purchasing a new policy every time you travel, you get one plan that covers unlimited international trips throughout the year.
💰
Save Money
Paying once for an annual plan is often cheaper than buying multiple single-trip policies.
⏳
Save Time
No need to apply for new insurance every trip – just pack and go.
🛫
Worldwide Protection
Covers medical, trip delays, lost baggage, and emergency evacuation across multiple countries.
🛡️
Peace of Mind
With one policy valid all year, you’ll never forget to buy travel insurance before a trip.
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Flexible Coverage
Plans may include pre-existing condition coverage and trip duration limits of 30, 45, or 60 days.
