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Best Health Insurance for Green Card Holders and New Immigrants 

At Visitor Guard®, we provide  reliable, comprehensive,  and trustworthy health insurance plans for new US immigrants, including medical insurance for green card holders  sponsored by family members. Additionally, immigrants  on H-4 & F-2 visa holders can purchase insurance from Visitor Guard® until they become  eligible for domestic health plans.

Why Do Green Card Holders Need Health Insurance?

Healthcare costs in the U.S. can be overwhelming. Even a simple doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars, and emergency medical care can lead to financial strain. If you are a green card holder, securing the right health insurance plan is crucial to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses.

Before choosing a plan, it is essential to evaluate your healthcare needs and eligibility for various coverage options. Our plans provide coverage for:  

  • Hospitalization
  • Doctor’s visits
  • Prescription medications
  • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions

We offer both Limited Benefit Plans and Comprehensive Plans, allowing you to choose a policy that aligns with your specific requirements.

Best Health Insurance For Green Card Holders, New Immigrants

Health Insurance Plans For Green Card Holders

visitor-guard - first-aid-kit

Patriot America Plus

$75 / mo For age 45 year with $50,000 plan and $250 deductible
  • Plan maximum limits ranging from $50,000 to $1 million
  • Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, Covid-19
  • Coverage for non-chronic Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage from 5 days to 2 yearsfrom 5 days to 2 years
  • Brochure
Quotes & Purchase

Patriot America

$73 / mo For age 45 year with $50,000 plan and $250 deductible
  • Plan maximum limits ranging from $50,000 to $1 million
  • Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, Covid-19
  • Coverage for non-chronic Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage from 5 days to 2 years
  • Brochure
Quotes & Purchase
visitor-guard - first-aid-kit

Venbrook Basic

$68 / mo For age 45 year with $50,000 plan and $250 deductible
  • Plan maximum limits ranging from $50,000 to $1000,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $5000
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, ADD
  • Coverage from 5 days to 365 days
  • Brochure
  • Review Plan
Quotes & Purchase

Venbrook Premier

$74 / mo For age 45 years with $50,000 plan and $250 deductible
  • Plan maximum limits ranging from $50,000 to $1000,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $5000
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, Covid 19
  • Coverage for Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions up to age 69
  • Coverage from 5 days to 364 days
  • Brochure
  • Review Plan
Quotes & Purchase

DIPLOMAT LONG TERM

$173 / mo For age 45 year with $500,000 plan and $250 deductible
  • Plan maximum limit choices from $500,000 and a $1 million
  • Deductible options from $0 to $5,000
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, Covid -19
  • Unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition( for US citizens)
  • Renewal Coverage from 5 days to 2 years
  • Brochure
Quotes & Purchase

Patriot Platinum

$167 / mo For age 45 year with $2 million plan and $250 deductible
  • For age 45 year with $2 million plan and $250 deductible Plan maximum limits ranging from $1 million to $8 million
  • Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, Covid-19
  • Coverage for non-chronic Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage from 5 days to 2 years
  • Brochure
Quotes & Purchase
visitor-guard - first-aid-kit

Visitors Care Insurance

$31 / mo For age 45 year with $50,000 plan and $100 deductible
  • Plan maximum limits ranging from $25,000 to $100,000
  • Deductible options of $0, $50, $100 (varies by age)
  • Coverage for Hospitalization, ER, Urgent Care, Dr. Office Visits, Prescription Drugs, Covid-19
  • Coverage for non-chronic Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage from 5 days to 2 years
  • Brochure
Quotes & Purchase

Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 65

If you are a green card holder over 65, your healthcare options depend on your residency status:

  • You may qualify for Medicare if you meet the eligibility requirements. Typically, green card holders can enroll in Medicare if they have lived in the U.S. for at least five years and meet other program criteria.
  • If you are not eligible for Medicare, you may be able to purchase domestic health plans through Healthcare.gov, but eligibility depends on residency status.

If Seniors 65 years of age come to the US, they cannot buy domestic plans or enroll in government insurance programs. This is because they are still immigrants and have not received their green cards yet. They are left with the option of buying health insurance from a US insurance provider, like us. If these seniors have submitted the immigration documents and are waiting on the green card, they are still considered visitors and cannot apply for domestic plans through Obamacare until they receive their green card nor can they apply for Medicare or Medicaid.

Health Insurance for Senior Green Card Holders Without Medicare Eligibility 

New senior immigrants (65+) who recently arrived in the U.S. cannot enroll in government-funded healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid until they meet the residency requirements. Additionally, Obamacare (ACA) plans can be very expensive or are not available for them unless they qualify. 

In such cases, private health insurance is the best option. Visitor Guard® offers specialized plans for senior green card holders, including: 

  • Temporary health insurance while waiting for eligibility in domestic plans 
  • Short-term plans for seniors who are not eligible for government programs 
  • Comprehensive health coverage for new immigrants over 65 

If you are waiting for your green card approval, you are still considered a visitor and must secure visitor health insurance until you receive your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Visitor Guard® has many health insurance plans for people in this situation. Contact us today to explore your coverage options. 

Best Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 70

If you’re a green card holder over 70, finding the right hFor green card holders aged 70 and above, health insurance becomes even more critical. Depending on your residency status, you may be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or marketplace plans through Healthcare.gov.  For those  who have  received  green cards recently, you might be eligible for a special enrollment period for the Healthcare.gov plans,  allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the standard Open Enrollment window.

However, if you do not qualify for the special enrollment and need coverage while waiting for the next Open Enrollment period, you can consider purchasing health insurance plans from private providers or opting for short-term insurance. Some popular comprehensive plans specifically designed for green card holders over 70 include:

  • Patriot America Lite
  • Patriot America Plus
  • Patriot Platinum America
  • Bridge Plan Part A & B
  • Venbrook Basic
  • Venbrook Premier

These plans offer extensive coverage tailored to the needs of seniors living in the U.S. To find the best plan for your unique needs, contact us today.

Health Insurance for New Immigrants to the US 

If your immigration paperwork is still pending, you are classified as a visitor, not a permanent resident.   There is often a long waiting period before receiving a green card and obtaining legal permanent resident (LPR) status. Once you fall into the category of LPR, you can buy plans from healthcare.gov only if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

During thise waiting period, new immigrants cannot enroll in government-funded insurance programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or ACA plans (Obama Care). However, they can purchase private medical insurance from US insurance providers, like us.  

Our plans offer: 

  • Coverage for new illnesses and injuries 
  • Hospital stays and emergency care 
  • Doctor’s visits and urgent care 
  • Acute onset of pre-existing conditions 

With flexible fixed and comprehensive plans, we ensure that new immigrants receive quality healthcare coverage until they qualify for domestic plans. 

Can a Green Card Holder Get Medical Insurance?

Yes! Green card holders (LPRs) have several options for health insurance:

  • Employer-Sponsored Plans – If you are employed, your employer may provide health insurance.
  • Marketplace (Obamacare) Plans – Available through Healthcare.gov, but eligibility criteria apply.
  • Medicare or Medicaid – Available if you meet age and residency requirements.
  • Private Health Insurance – If you do not qualify for government programs, private insurance is the best alternative.

If you recently received your green card but missed the Open Enrollment period for ACA plans, you may need temporary health coverage until the next enrollment window opens. Visitor Guard® offers short-term health plans for such transitional periods.

Benefits of Green Card Medical Insurance

Having medical insurance as a green card holder ensures financial security and access to quality healthcare. Here is why it is essential:

  • Protects Against High Medical Costs: Covers medical expenses for expensive treatments and hospitalization that might otherwise cost a lot.
  • Coverage for critical illness Health Insurance plans for Green Card holders provide coverage against life-threatening critical diseases that require immediate attention.
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions Many health insurance plans provide coverage against the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Choose Visitor Guard® to avail these plans.
  •  Covid-19 Coverage: Most health insurance plans include COVID-19-related medical expenses as any other illness.
  • Prescription Drug Coverage: Most  Health Insurance plans for immigrants include  coverage for prescription drugs for new medical conditions.

Why Choose Visitor Guard® for Green Card Holder Health Insurance?

At Visitor Guard® we specialize in health insurance for green card holders and new immigrants, offering:

  • Global Reach We offer specialized insurance services to all the immigrants and green card holders of the US from all around the globe.
  • Excellent Customer Service Our customer service provides support 24*7 to solve all your queries.
  • Secure and easy purchase  Buy insurance online hassle-free. Visitor Guard® provides safe and secure purchasing benefits.
  •  Fast Claim Processing:  Quick and seamless claim assistance.
  •  Plan Comparison:  Compare multiple health insurance plans and choose the best one for your needs.

How to get Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders?

Applying for health insurance as a green card holder is simple. Here is what you need:

  • Date of birth,
  • Travel dates,
  •  Country of citizenship,
  • Residence address, and
  • Email address.

Once you provide this information, you can secure a policy instantly. Payments can be made via credit card, and you will receive an ID card, visa letter, and policy documents for immediate use. Know more about how to get insurance for green cardholders. 

The medical insurance plans for green card holders and new immigrants are designed to cover big expenses from hospitalizations or small bills from doctor office visits due to accidental injuries or illnesses. Expenses for medical evacuation and repatriation can also be covered.

Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Health Insurance in the US?

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible to buy Marketplace health coverage or for premium tax credits and other savings on Marketplace plans. They may be able to buy insurance plans from private insurance companies. Some states have expanded health insurance for all regardless of their immigration status. Many community health centers and nonprofit organizations offer low-cost or free healthcare services to undocumented individuals. These clinics often provide:

  • Routine check-ups
  •  Vaccinations
  •  Emergency care

There are many health insurance options in the U.S. but due to a few laws, coverage options are unfortunately more limited for undocumented immigrants.

Can I Add my Spouse to my Health Insurance if he/she is not a US Citizen?

Yes, you may be able to add a non-U.S. citizen spouse to your health insurance plan, but eligibility varies by policy:

J-1 Visa Holders: If you are on a J-1 visa, you must meet U.S. State Department insurance requirements. Confirm with your sponsor whether your J-2 spouse can be added to your plan or else you can purchase a separate plan for the J-2 spouse.\

Employer-Sponsored Plans: Many employers allow you to add a spouse, regardless of citizenship, if they have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Marketplace Plans: If you purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace, you can add your spouse during Open Enrollment or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Visitor Insurance: If you are waiting for your immigrant status, you can consider the visitor insurance plans.

Can I Add my Immigrant Spouse to my Health Insurance?

Yes, you can add your immigrant spouse to your health insurance, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of your plan. Some plans require an SSN, but not all. Check with your insurer. If your spouse is here on a visa, it might affect plan eligibility, especially for government programs. Here is how it works based on different scenarios: 

1. If You Have Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: 

  • Eligibility: Most employer-sponsored plans allow you to add a spouse, regardless of if they have a green card or waiting on one. 
  • What to Do: Contact your HR department or benefits administrator to confirm the process, enrollment periods, and required documents. 
  • Special Enrollment: If your spouse recently moved to the U.S. or received a green card, this qualifies as a life event, allowing you to add them outside the regular open enrollment period.

2. If You Have Marketplace Insurance (Healthcare.gov):

  • Eligibility: You can add your immigrant spouse to your Marketplace plan during the annual open enrollment period or after a qualifying life event (like marriage or gaining lawful permanent resident status). 
  • Subsidies: Your household income and family size (including your spouse) will determine if you qualify for subsidies to reduce your premiums. 

3. If You and Your Spouse Are Both Immigrants: 

Options: 

  • Private Insurance: You can buy insurance through private insurers if you do not qualify for employer-based or Marketplace coverage. 
  • Separate Policies: Depending on your situation, it might be more cost-effective to have individual plans. 

Can I Add my Foreign Spouse to my Health Insurance? 

If you are a US citizen and your spouse is a foreigner, you may be able to add your spouse to your coverage. It is necessary to check whether your domestic plan covers your spouse. Your spouse will need to meet the eligibility for the plan. If you are an immigrant waiting for your green card, you can buy plans from private insurance companies. In such cases, you cannot add your spouse to your existing coverage but can buy a different individual plan. A separate plan for a spouse is recommended if an individual is above 60. However, do check if the policy allows it or not.

Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders (Senior Citizens) 

If you are a green card holder aged 65 or older, having proper health insurance is essential to cover medical expenses and protect against unexpected healthcare costs. Here is a guide to help you understand options on how senior immigrants get health insurance. 

1. Medicare for Green Card Holders 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older. However, eligibility depends on your residency status and work history in the U.S. 

Eligibility for Medicare: 

  • Must have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 continuous years. 
  • If either you or your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), you may qualify for premium-free Part A (hospital insurance). 

2. Medicaid for Low-Income Green Card Holders 

  • Eligibility: Green card holders may qualify for Medicaid (free or low-cost health coverage) if they meet income and residency requirements. 
  • Must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (some states offer coverage sooner). 
  • Eligibility varies by state.  

3. Marketplace Health Insurance (Healthcare.gov) 

If you are not eligible for Medicare yet: 

  • You can buy a private health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. 
  • May qualify for premium subsidies based on income. 
  • Covers essential health benefits like hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive services. 

4. Private Health Insurance Plans for New Green Card Holders 

If you have recently moved to the U.S. and are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid: 

  • Consider private insurance plans designed for immigrants and green card holders. 
  • Comprehensive Plans cover hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, etc. 
  • Fixed Benefit Plans offer limited coverage at lower costs. 

Depending on your time of stay in the US, you should apply for medical insurance plans for green card holders. Visit Visitor Guard® and get your free quote. 

Some of the best health insurance for green card holders over 65 years are-

  1. Patriot America
  2. Patriot America Plus
  3. Patriot Platinum
  4. Diplomat LongTerm
  5. Venbrook Premier 

How Much Should I Pay for health Insurance for Green Card Holders? 

  Immigrant Insurance Cost   
Immigrant Age Plan Medical Limit Immigrant Insurance Premium
  Limited Benefits  
50 – 60 years $50,000  $42 per month 
60 – 70 years  $50,000  $50 per month 
Above 70 years $50,000  $82 per month 
  Comprehensive Benefits   
50 – 60 years $50,000  $104 per month 
60 – 70 years  $50,000  $121per month 
Above 70 years $50,000  $206 per month 

Getting Health Insurance for Green Card Holders

You could possibly fall in one of the following categories:

1. You are in the process of getting a Green Card.

  • If you are in the U.S. on a visitor visa while waiting for a family-sponsored Green Card, you are considered a visitor until your Green Card is approved.
  • Insurance Options:
    • Consider Visitor Insurance plans for temporary coverage.
    • Once you receive your Green Card, switch to Marketplace plans via Healthcare.gov or employer-sponsored insurance if available.

 2. You have received your Immigrant Visa – I551 and are traveling to the US.

  • According to the 2019 Proclamation, immigrants required proof of health insurance before entering the U.S. However, this rule was revoked in May 2021 by President Biden. As of now, you do not need proof of health insurance to enter the U.S. anymore.
  • Insurance Options:
    • Apply for Marketplace insurance as soon as you become a permanent resident.
    • If not eligible yet, consider short-term or private insurance until you qualify for other plans.
  • With the new government, we are not sure how it will impact potential insurance seekers.

3. You have a Green Card and shuttle between your country of citizenship and the US

There are various immigrants who have received a Green Card and due to personal reasons divide their time and shuttle between the US and their country of citizenship.If you split time between the U.S. and another country:

  • You might be eligible for domestic U.S. health insurance (like Marketplace plans) if you meet residency requirements.
  • Consider global health insurance or visitor insurance if you spend significant time outside the U.S.
Getting Health Insurance for Green Card Holders

4. You have a Green Card and live in the US permanently.

  • Federal Mandate: There is no federal law requiring health insurance.
  • State Mandates: Some states still require coverage to avoid penalties:
    • Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, California, Rhode Island, and D.C.
    • If you live in one of these states, check the specific healthcare requirements.
  • Insurance Options:
    • Apply for coverage through Healthcare.gov during the Open Enrollment Period (Nov 1 - Jan 15).
    • If eligible, enroll in Medicare (after 5 years of permanent residency and meeting age/disability criteria).
    • If employed, consider employer-sponsored insurance if available.
    • If not eligible for federal programs, private insurance plans might be available.
Health Insurance for Immigrants with Pre-Existing Conditions

Health Insurance for Immigrants with Pre-Existing Conditions 

Based on which of the above categories you fall in, different plans provide you with different coverage.

  • Domestic Plans: If eligible for Marketplace or employer-sponsored plans, pre-existing conditions are covered without exclusions.
  • Immigrant Insurance Plans: Some plans cover the "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions but not ongoing treatment or medication.
  • Medicare & Medicaid: Cover pre-existing conditions if eligibility criteria are met.

Health Insurance for Green Card Holders FAQs

Yes, immigrants  can access health insurance through employers, the Marketplace, Medicare, or private insurers, depending on eligibility.

Yes, you can add your spouse if they meet eligibility requirements. You can add your spouse on the same application during your initial enrollment. Depending on the plan and if your coverage is already active, consider a separate plan for them.

No new immigrants might not be eligible for Medicare immediately.   Only after five years of U.S. residency and if you are 65 years old can a green card holder be eligible for Medicare.

As a Green Card holder, you are a resident of the US. You can either get health insurance from your employer or through the Marketplace or Medicare depending on your eligibility (years you have had your Green Card and your age.)

How much you pay for an Immigrant health insurance policy will depend on a few factors. Your age, the number of days you need coverage, the policy maximum, and deductible you opt for all go into calculating the premium for immigrant health insurance.

If your immigrant parents have Green Cards and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, they might qualify for Medicare. Undocumented immigrants are not able to get Medicare.

A lawful permanent resident, i.e., a Green Card holder living in the US, may qualify for affordable health insurance from the healthcare marketplace- federal or state, or through a healthcare program in their resident state. You can compare the immigrant insurance plans on this page to review the insurance options available for new immigrants.

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