US Immigrant Health Insurance, health insurance for new immigrants

Most likely customers for immigrant insurance

The coverage offered under immigrant insurance plans can vary depending on the specific circumstances of new immigrants. Following are some of the eligibility criteria for green card holders:

• Frequently traveling Green Card Holders (between the US and home country): Green card holders who travel to their home country or who may not be staying permanently in the USA are advised to buy insurance coverage. You should be aware that insurance plans will not provide coverage for preventative care (health check ups, vaccinations...) or has limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Green Card Holders permanently living in the USA: 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 duration of stay in US. If you are below 65 years then you 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 insurance till they become eligible for domestic plans makes sense. For those above 65 years who are not yet eligible for Medicare or domestic health insurance, new immigrants over 65 can select the Global Citizen plan offered by HTH Worldwide or in some states the GEO Blue Explorer plan. Global Citizen and GEO Blue Explorer offers excellent coverage including pre-existing medical cover.
• Recent Green Card Holders or New Immigrants: New immigrants who can be parents or family members who have recently arrived in the USA can buy insurance depending on the duration of stay. These plans can be purchased for the period till you are eligible for domestic health insurance.
• Applied for Green Card and waiting: If your children/grandchildren have applied for Green Card and waiting you can buy insurance coverage which will be suitable for them.

Can I buy travel insurance after starting the journey?

Yes! We do recommend that you make your purchase before you leave to start the day you leave your home country until the day you return (bearing in mind the policies are based off of EST). However, you can still buy a policy after you have started your journey. Of course, if you or your visitor is already sick and/or in the hospital, you will not get coverage for that incident. You must have an insurance policy in place before something happens (which is why we recommend covering your entire trip from start to finish).

However, sometimes people wait to see what their visitors may want and to discuss options with them. Do not delay because some policies will no longer be an option if you wait too long. Generally, however, all options are open within the first month of arrival to your destination AND these limitations are only for plans which cover trips to the US. International travel has no limitations, so you can make your purchase at any time.