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When selecting travel insurance for your visit to the U.S., understanding the differences between.
Explore More Quick facts:
- Yes, you can get temporary health insurance while waiting for your green card, such as visitor insurance plans.
- As a visitor in the U.S., you are not eligible for Obamacare until you have obtained your green card.
- Green card holders can purchase Obamacare plans during the Open Enrollment or special enrollment periods (if you qualify).
Expert Opinion
Chiranth Nataraj, a renowned travel insurance expert, says, “In 2025, Even if you are waiting for your green card, you can still get health insurance in the US. You are considered a visitor until you get that card. While you will not qualify for Obamacare until then, plenty of other insurance options are available to you.”
Can you get health insurance while waiting for a green card?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to get health insurance while you’re waiting for your green card. In fact, securing health coverage during this time is crucial because the U.S. healthcare system can be expensive, and without proper insurance, you could be facing significant out-of-pocket expenses in case of an emergency
While your green card application is being processed, you are considered a temporary visitor in the United States. As such, you are not eligible for many public health insurance programs, such as Obamacare (Affordable Care Act), until you become a lawful permanent resident. Health insurance is necessary to protect you from unexpected medical costs during this period. Without coverage, you would be required to pay full costs for any healthcare services, which can be financially burdensome.
You can choose either immigrant insurance plans or visitor insurance plans.
These plans are designed specifically for people who are in the U.S. temporarily—like tourists, business travelers, or individuals waiting for their green card. Visitor insurance plans typically cover emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, doctor visits, and sometimes medical evacuation. They are ideal for short-term coverage and can be tailored to meet your specific needs during your waiting period
Get health insurance while waiting for green card
Navigating the complexities of health insurance in the U.S. can be daunting, especially for new comers Many people are moving to the U.S., and those waiting for their green card find it challenging to get good health insurance while settling into their new living situation.
The U.S. healthcare system is known for its high costs, making it important to secure adequate coverage while you wait for your green card.
If you are on the cusp of acquiring your green card or are in the process of establishing permanent residency, it is crucial to understand your health insurance options. With the considerable medical expenses in the U.S., having adequate coverage is not merely a recommendation—it is essential for your financial security.
This guide will help you understand the available insurance options, ensuring that your health and well-being remain paramount during your journey towards becoming a U.S. resident. Join us as we explore the best insurance pathways for prospective green card holders, ensuring a smooth and protected transition
Buy Insurance for Immigrants
Can you buy health insurance from Marketplace if you do not have a green card?
No, if you are not a US citizen or a lawfully present individual in the US, you are not eligible to buy a health insurance plan from the Marketplace. However, you can explore options outside the Marketplace by purchasing coverage from licensed and reputable insurance companies in the US. You can purchase a policy that suits your visa status and change the plan when you receive a green card.
Only lawfully present immigrants and green card holders can access Marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). New immigrants—such as parents or relatives of U.S. citizens or residents—can purchase insurance through the Marketplace during Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment periods.
Can green card holders get Obamacare?
Yes, green card holders are eligible to access health insurance through Obamacare, as they are considered lawfully permanent residents of the United States. Once you obtain your green card, you can apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the Exchange) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Having health insurance through Obamacare provides access to essential benefits like preventive care, prescription drug coverage, and mental health services, ensuring you are well-covered as you settle into your new life in the U.S.
Eligibility for Obamacare:
Green card holders are eligible to purchase health insurance plans through Obamacare, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. This includes:
- Lawful permanent residency status: Green card holders are legally recognized as residents of the U.S. and can purchase insurance through the ACA.
- Open Enrollment: Green card holders can apply for or renew their Obamacare coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which usually occurs once a year. During this time, you can explore various insurance plans that meet your healthcare needs.
If you are a green card holder and wish to change plans or enroll in a new plan, Open Enrollment is the designated time to do so. Missing this period could mean waiting until the next cycle unless you qualify for Special Enrollment.
What if You Miss Open Enrollment?
If you are a green card holder who has recently arrived in the U.S. or missed the Open Enrollment Period, you might still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Special Enrollment allows you to apply for health insurance outside of the regular Open Enrollment time if you experience qualifying life events, such as:
- Moving to the U.S. from abroad
- Losing other health coverage (e.g., through an employer or parent)
- Changes in your household (e.g., marriage or birth of a child)
- If you are not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you can also consider immigrant health insurance plans. These plans provide temporary coverage that can serve you until you are eligible for Obamacare or the next Open Enrollment period. Immigrant insurance plans can be a good option for individuals who are new to the country, waiting for their green card, or need coverage during the transition period.
What Visitor Insurance Plans Can You Purchase?
If you are currently in the US on a visitor visa and your family members or parents visiting the USA have applied for a family-sponsored Green Card, you are considered a visitor till you receive your Green Card. During this time, you can buy any of the visitor insurance policies and then switch to long-term health insurance plans for green card holders once you receive your Green Card.
Some of the popular plans you can buy are:
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive- This plan covers medical accidents, sickness, emergency medical and political evacuation, repatriation of remains, trip interruption, baggage, and accidental death & dismemberment. COVID 19 is treated and covered as any other sickness. There are various options for coverage limits and deductibles, along with optional upgrades for sports activities, return-to-home benefits, and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D).
- Patriot America- The coverage limit ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000 with deductible ranging from $0 to $2,500. This
eplan offers emergency medical evacuation up to $1 million with 100% in-network coverage. It can be extended to 24 continuous months but does not cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions, remote transportation, or supplement accident. Consider Patriot Platinum for higher coverage. - Atlas America- This plan includes emergency medical evacuation, emergency reunion, repatriation of remains, political evacuation, hospitalization and outpatient treatment, acute-onset of pre-existing conditions, sports coverage, pregnancy complications during the first 26weeks of gestation, and more. It also offers travel assistance services to make your journey safe and smooth. Review the brochure to know about the policy limits.
Each of these plans is designed to meet your needs while you await your green card. They provide temporary yet comprehensive coverage to protect you during your stay in the U.S. To know which plan suits you the most, contact Visitor Guard®. We are a licensed and have helped several customers find the right visitor insurance while traveling abroad.
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