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38 VISA-FREE countries for US Green Card holders in 2024

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Traveler's residence
Travelers (Age)
Trip cost($)/person

Destination
Trip start date
Trip end date

Travel insurance with trip protection coverage - Highlights

Trip cancellation

Reimbursement for loss of pre-paid, non-refundable payments.

Medical evacuation

Transportation to or between hospitals as needed.

Trip delay

Reimbursement of food and lodging expenses due to delay in travel.

Lost baggage

Pays sum for lost or delayed luggage by airline.

Medical expenses

Covers cost of treatment for sickness or injury during your vacation.

Age & Citizenship
Child
Residence
Destination
Start date
End date

Travel medical insurance with no trip protection - Highlights

Health care expenses

Covers medical costs for sickness or accidents during travel.

Doctor visit

Covers cost of clinic or doctor visit.

Pharmacy drugs

Expenses from doctor prescribed eligible medications.

Medical evacuation

Transportation to or between hospitals as needed.

Repat of remains

Return of moral remains to home country or local burial.

Importance of travel insurance for Green card holders

Traveling while exciting, usually involves some risk. The high cost of health care and unexpected travel emergencies makes good travel insurance invaluable. The cost of travel insurance typically costs around 5% of the total trip cost, and is easily worth the investment given the value it provides. US Green card holders traveling both within and outside of the US borders need the best travel insurance as regular US health insurance provides little health insurance coverage when you are outside US borders.

US residents traveling within the US but beyond the radius of 100 miles from their residence are eligible for domestic travel insurance along with for all overseas travel for which there is international travel insurance.

International travel has been severely disrupted due to the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, hurricanes and extreme weather conditions, shortage of staff in airlines and airports, long airport security checks, delayed or cancelled flights, lost or delayed baggage, Coronavirus sickness and Quarantine requirements.

All of these factors often result in forced changes to travel plans often resulting in huge financial loss, especially if there is an expensive vacation planned with connecting airline tickets, hotels or cruise bookings. Buying the best Cruise travel insurance is recommended for cruise vacations.

Sometimes there are situations like work related problems, travelers or family members health conditions, that bring in change in travel plans that are outside of the traveler’s control. Travel insurance with cancel for any reasons coverage for such situations and provides complete flexibility in travel plans to cover the trip itself.

While traveling along with the investment in the journey itself, the most important part of the travel is the health of the traveler. One can buy US travel insurance which focuses on the investment on the trip costs, or travel health insurance which is designed more for the health of the traveler.

All of these expenses can be covered by the best US travel insurance. US travel insurance plans offers coverage to minimize the traveler’s expenses especially since US Medicare and other domestic health insurance provide little or no coverage outside the US borders. Travel insurance is crucial and becomes the main insurance coverage for US citizens when they lack other health insurance.

Visa free countries for US Green card holders

A US green card not only lets you reside in the US but also provides you with VISA-FREE access to many countries and territories. Currently, there are about 38 VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders.

A US green card is a pathway to a US passport. While you wait for your US passport, your US green card is already making your current passport strong. Not as strong as a US passport but quite strong. You will gain 38 additional VISA-FREE countries.


Why are there VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders?

US passport (and US citizenship) is considered one of the strongest in the world. A US green card is a pathway to US citizenship. Many countries believe that someone with a US green card will not jeopardize their chances of becoming a US citizen by remaining illegally in another country. Working towards acquiring a US green card requires remaining several years in the US or investing enormous amounts of cash or building very strong family ties with the US. It’s silly for someone to let go of years of valuable time and millions of dollars of investments just to stay illegally in another country. Therefore, countries trust US green card holders as genuine travelers and treat them almost like someone with a strong passport. So, these countries offer Visa Free or Visa on Arrival to US green card holders.

The need of buying travel insurance

Travel insurance for Green Card holders traveling outside the US is important aspect of any trip, especially for green card holders who are traveling visa-free to other countries. Good US travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance in case of unforeseen events or emergencies including medical-evacuation during your overseas travel. Here are some of the main reasons for travel insurance, the value it provides, and the ease of buying it:
  • Financial Protection: Travel insurance safeguards you against unexpected expenses that may arise during your trip. It covers a wide range of scenarios such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and even emergency evacuation. These incidents can result in significant financial burdens, and having travel insurance ensures that you are protected and reimbursed for eligible expenses.
  • Medical Emergencies: Travel insurance often includes coverage for medical emergencies, which is crucial when visiting another country. Even if you have health insurance in the US as a green card holder with access to great healthcare benefits, they may not fully cover medical expenses incurred abroad. Travel insurance can cover medical treatments, hospitalizations, medications, and emergency medical evacuation, offering peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or family emergencies. Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses, such as flight tickets, accommodation, and prepaid activities. This helps minimize financial losses and allows you to reschedule or plan another trip without significant financial setbacks.
  • Lost or Delayed Baggage: Travel insurance often covers the loss, theft, or damage of your baggage and personal belongings. If your luggage is delayed, travel insurance can provide coverage for essential items you need to purchase during the delay period. This ensures you are not left stranded without necessary clothing or toiletries while waiting for your baggage to be returned.
  • Ease of Buying: Buying travel insurance is very easy, convenient and accessible on American Visitor insurance. We offer the plans of the best US travel insurance companies and Green card holders can easily compare different plans, coverage options, and prices. You can customize your policy based on your specific needs and travel destinations and the application process is simple, with instant quotes and quick issuance of insurance documents.

Can all Green Card Holders travel abroad without a visa?

International travel using your Green Card is limited to countries that grant the same privileges to U.S. Green Card holders as they do to American citizens. Essentially, if a country's visa policy designates U.S. citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders) as visa-exempt, you can travel there with your Green Card.

Also Know about,

However, most countries will consider your nationality (i.e. your passport) when you travel, so, If a visa is usually required for your nationality to visit a specific destination, then you will need a visa even if you have a Green Card.

Travel insurance for green card holders

Senior citizen travel insurance

Travel medial insurance for a senior citizen green card holders.

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Pre-existing conditions travel insurance

Compare best pre-existing condition coverage for green card holders.

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Annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance for individuals who take multiple trips within a year.

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Factors that determine the cost of US health insurance for green card holders

Age of the Green card holder

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.

Types of US Green card holder travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit travel insurance.

Medical maximum coverage and deductible options

The price of medical insurance is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.

Region of coverage

Travel insurance for US Green card holder depends on the coverage region. The cost for health insurance for the United States is most expensive.

Duration of US visa insurance for Green card holder

The longer the duration of medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.

Best green card insurance - FAQ's

01. How many countries can you visit with a US green card?

A US green card not only lets you reside in the US but also provides you with VISA-FREE access to many countries and territories. Currently, there are about 38 visa free countries for green card holders.

02. Which are the plans ideal for US green card holders?

Patriot America Plus and Patriot Platinum America can be used by green card holders as long as they maintain a residence outside the US. These plans offered by IMG are specifically designed for short term travel to USA. The policy covers "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" up to the maximum of the plan purchased for persons under 70 years of age.

The company recently added the benefit of copays of $25 for urgent care centers and $15 for walk-in clinics which are paid INSTEAD of the deductible each time these facilities are used. Persons under 70 years of age can get up to $1 million maximum coverage. These plans also covers COVID19 illness up to the maximum of the policy.

INF offers two fixed benefit plans namely INF premier insurance and INF standard insurance and two comprehensive benefit plans namely INF Elite Network insurance and INF Traveler USA insurance. Green Card holders can buy INF plans as long as they have a residence outside the US.

03. Can a green card holder intending to reside permanently in the US going forward buy the INF plans? Can they put down an US address?

Yes. INF insurances provides coverage for many green card holders, especially those who are above age 65. INF insurance plans also offer ancillary benefits such as dental and telemedicine which are usually separate policies under domestic US health insurance.
Following are the list of US travel insurance plans:

04. 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.

05. How long can an INF plan be renewed? This is important since Green card holders are not eligible for Medicare for 5 years after they enter the US?

Green Card holders can enroll in INF plans initially for up to 1 year at a time. They can then renew their policy. There is no "term limit" for INF plans.

06. 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.

07. Can a green card holder already in the USA buy INF plan?

They must go through special membership approval for INF Elite / Premier / Standard / Traveler USA for Greencard holders.Green Card holders can buy INF plans as long as they have a residence outside the US.

08. Can a new immigrant in the US buy INF plans?

Yes, they can buy INF travel insurance.

09. Can a green card holders buy INF insurance?

Yes, they can buy INF travel insurance as long as they have a residence outside the US.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Why American visitor insurance?

American Visitor Insurance works with reputed US travel insurance providers to give green card holders in USA a wide range of health insurance options. We have nearly two decades experience in understanding the diverse requirements of new immigrants and green card holders in US and in offering appropriate medical insurance options to them.

Our licensed dedicated customer support team provide service at all times helping customers find the most appropriate green card health insurance for their needs as well as guide them when using the insurance in the event of a medical or travel emergency.

We also provide answers to all health insurance for green card holders questions, reviews of different products, testimonials for customers as well as provide an user friendly US health insurance comparison tool where green card holders can compare different products based on price as well as the coverage benefits. All of these tools help green card holders make an informed decision while buying US health insurance.

13. Do US green card holders need visa for Europe?

US green card holders may or may not need a visa to travel to Europe, depending on their nationality. Schengen visa requirements depend on the nationality of the traveler and not on his residence, so the US Green card has no bearing on the Schengen visa requirements. However, if one needs the Schengen visa, one of the requirements of the Schengen visa application is travel insurance. Green Card holders can buy Schengen visa insurance on American Visitor Insurance as mandated by Schengen consulates. However, even if one is not required to apply for a Schengen visa, it is still prudent to buy good international travel insurance given the high cost of healthcare when traveling in Europe.

14. Can All Green Card Holders Travel Abroad Without a Visa?

No, not all green card holders can travel abroad without a visa, while green card holders have the right to live and work in the United States permanently, they still need to follow the visa requirements of their destination country. Some countries allow visa-free entry to US green card holders based on bilateral agreements or other factors, but other countries may require a visa or travel authorization before entry. It's important to check the visa requirements of the country you're traveling to before you plan your trip. Irrespective of whether one needs to apply for a visa or not, it is important to buy good international travel insurance to be safe and have a good trip when traveling outside the US.

15. Where Can Green Card Holders Travel Without a Visa?

There are many countries which offer visa-free travel for US green card holders. These include Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda and many other countries listed here. However, it's important to note that visa-free access is not an absolute right, and countries may change their visa policies at any time based on their national interests and security concerns.

16. Can Everyone Travel to Mexico with a Green Card?

US Green card holder will need a valid passport and green card and may need to obtain a Mexican visa depending on their purpose and length of stay. It's important to check the Mexican government's website or consult with an immigration attorney before planning a trip. Irrespective of whether one needs to apply for a Mexican visa or not, it is important to buy the best US travel insurance to be safe and have a good trip when traveling to Mexico.

17. How many days can a green card holder stay outside US?

Green card holders can stay outside of the USA for up to 6 months without losing their permanent resident status. If however, they plan to stay longer, they should obtain a reentry permit. However, other factors may impact their ability to reenter the US after an extended absence.

Popular travel insurance providers

You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), Seven Corners, WorldTrips, Global Underwriters, Travel Insure and INF insurance.

US visitors insurance providers

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