Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants
Health insurance for Green Card applicants provides temporary medical coverage for eligible illnesses, injuries, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and other unexpected healthcare expenses while waiting to qualify for employer-sponsored or long-term U.S. health insurance. Compare affordable plans from top U.S. insurers with coverage starts at less than $1/day.
Medical Insurance for Green Card Applicants
Applying for a US Green Card is an important step toward building a new life in the United States. As you prepare for your move or wait for permanent health coverage, it's equally important to think about your healthcare needs. Medical treatment in the U.S. can be expensive, and unexpected illnesses or injuries may lead to significant out-of-pocket costs if you don't have health insurance.
A temporary immigrant health insurance plan from American Visitor Insurance can help protect you during this transition by covering eligible medical expenses until you become eligible for employer-sponsored or other long-term health insurance. Whether you're applying for a Green Card from within the United States or through consular processing abroad, having the right health insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection as you begin your new journey.
With a health insurance plan, Green Card applicants can:
Protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses.
Access doctors, hospitals, and urgent care centers for eligible medical treatment.
Receive coverage for eligible emergency medical services and hospitalization.
Reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs for covered medical expenses.
Enjoy peace of mind while settling into life in the United States.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Green Card Applicants?
Health insurance is not currently a general legal requirement for obtaining a U.S. Green Card. However, many Green Card applicants and immigrant visa applicants ask this question because Presidential Proclamation 9945, issued in October 2019, proposed that certain immigrant visa applicants demonstrate they would have approved health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or have the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable medical costs.
Today, health insurance remains strongly recommended because healthcare in the United States is expensive. Many new immigrants purchase temporary immigrant health insurance to help cover eligible medical expenses until they become eligible for employer-sponsored or other long-term health insurance.
Having health insurance strengthens your green card application as it demonstrates that you have planned for your healthcare needs and financial well-being after arriving in the United States, making it an important part of preparing for life as a new permanent resident. While immigration decisions are based on the applicable laws and the facts of each individual case, many new immigrants view health insurance as an important part of their overall financial planning and preparation for living in the U.S.
How Much Does Temporary Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants Cost?
Cheapest Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants in the USA
The most affordable visitor health insurance for the USA starts from $20 per month with options up to $191 per month.
The average cost of fixed benefit visitor travel insurance for the USA is calculated based on one-month quotes.
| Plan Name | Max Coverage | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage Trawick International |
$25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $20 - $58 | $39 - $102 | $60 - $166 |
| Visitors Care IMG |
$25,000 - $100,000 | $100 | $25 - $47 | $40 - $75 | $66 - $152 |
| Safe Travels Elite Trawick International |
$25,000 - $175,000 | $0 | $26 - $76 | $50 - $134 | $109 - $155 |
| Visit USA Budget Travel Insurance Services |
$50,000 - $150,000 | $250 | $32 - $56 | $49 - $86 | $84 |
| VisitorSecure WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $130,000 | $100 | $34 - $62 | $55 - $76 | $96 - $139 |
| Travel Medical USA Visitor Basic Seven Corners |
$50,000 - $150,000 | $100 | $42 - $52 | $79 - $94 | $173 - $191 |
Cost of Health Insurance Plans for Green Card Applicants
The best travel insurance cost for the USA ranges from $58 to $470 per month.
The average cost of comprehensive travel insurance for the USA is based on one-month quotes with a $250 deductible.
| Plan name | Max Coverage | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Essential WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $58 - $109 | $131 - $266 | $263 - $328 |
| Safe Travels USA Cost Saver Trawick International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $71 - $117 | $139 - $250 | $237 - $299 |
| Patriot America Lite IMG |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $72 - $130 | $153 - $289 | $252 - $337 |
| Atlas America WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $2,000,000 | $78 - $154 | $177 - $378 | $355 - $444 |
| Patriot America Plus IMG |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $139 | $164 - $311 | $287 - $434 |
| Travel Medical Basic Seven Corners |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $80 - $138 | $167 - $314 | $252 - $337 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $90 - $168 | $172 - $351 | $294 - $470 |
| SafeVista Protect INF Insurance |
$100,000 - $1,000,000 | $93 - $127 | $215 - $248 | $320 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $125 - $214 | $229 - $301 | $353 |
Prices verified for the 2026 travel season · Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Six-Month Medical Insurance Cost for Visitors to the USA
For a 60 year old traveler, the cost of USA visitor insurance for 6 months typically ranges around $122 to $1,050, based on different coverage options, medical needs, and traveler’s budget on American Visitor Insurance.
The best 6 month USA travel insurance is the one which is affordable, reliable and allows the traveler to stay stress free.
From ER visits to urgent care, stay covered for 6 months in the U.S. starting from just $1.50/day!
Which is the cheapest health insurance for Green Card applicants?
The cheapest health insurance for Green Card applicants is Safe Travels Advantage, with premiums starting at around $20 per month for a 40-year-old applicant, depending on the coverage selected. Other affordable temporary health insurance plans for Green Card applicants include Safe Travels Elite and INF Standard X, offering different levels of coverage and benefits to suit a variety of healthcare needs and budgets.
Which Is the Best Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants?
The best health insurance for Green Card applicants is Patriot America Plus. Other popular temporary health insurance plans for Green Card applicants include Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Diplomat America. These plans offer flexible coverage options, high policy maximums, and valuable medical benefits to help protect new immigrants while they wait to become eligible for employer-sponsored or other long-term health insurance.
Which Is the Best Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants with Pre-Existing Conditions?
The best health insurance plans for Green Card applicants with pre-existing conditions include INF Elite X and INF Premier X. These plans offer coverage for eligible pre-existing medical conditions, making them excellent choices for Green Card applicants who need more than acute onset coverage. They are available for eligible applicants up to age 99, with INF Elite X and INF Premier X requiring a minimum purchase of 90 days.
Why Health Insurance Is More Important for Green Card Applicants?
While health insurance is not a legal requirement for obtaining a U.S. Green Card, it can play an important role in helping new immigrants prepare for the high cost of healthcare in the United States. However interviewers are being much stricter about health these days.
During the immigration process, applicants may be asked to demonstrate how they plan to pay for future healthcare expenses. Having Immigrant health insurance can help show that you are financially prepared for medical costs after arriving in the United States.
This can be especially important for applicants with ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, mental health conditions, or obesity.
Although health insurance is not required for Green Card approval, many new immigrants purchase temporary health insurance to protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses until they become eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare (if eligible), or other long-term coverage options.
Important: Purchasing temporary health insurance does not guarantee Green Card approval. Immigration decisions are made by U.S. government authorities based on applicable laws and the facts of each individual case. However, having health insurance demonstrates financial preparedness and can be an important part of planning your move to the United States.
What Does Medical Insurance for Green Card Applicants Cover?
Most new immigrant health insurance plans cover eligible medical expenses for unexpected illnesses and injuries while you settle into life in the United States. Although benefits vary by plan, coverage typically includes:
Visit a primary care physician or specialist for the diagnosis and treatment of covered illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions without paying the full cost out of pocket.
Covers medically necessary ground or air ambulance transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility during a covered emergency.
Covers eligible expenses for inpatient hospital stays, including room charges, nursing care, and medically necessary treatment following an illness or accident.
Provides coverage for treatment at urgent care centers for non-life-threatening conditions, often at a lower cost than an emergency room visit.
If adequate medical treatment is unavailable locally, some plans cover transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility or, when medically necessary, to your home country.
Many plans provide benefits for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, while select plans offer broader coverage for eligible stable pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan, age, and policy terms.
Receive immediate medical care for serious illnesses or injuries that require emergency attention, such as severe pain, fractures, or sudden medical emergencies.
What Green Card Applicants Should Know Before Buying Health Insurance?
Choosing the right health insurance is just as important as choosing an affordable plan. Focusing only on the monthly premium or overlooking key policy details can leave you with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when you need medical care. Before purchasing a plan, take time to compare the benefits, coverage limits, and exclusions to ensure it meets your healthcare needs.
To make an informed decision, avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing a plan based only on the lowest premium. Lower-cost plans may have higher deductibles, limited benefits, or lower coverage limits.
- Ignoring the deductible and coinsurance. Understanding your share of medical costs can help you avoid unexpected expenses.
- Not checking the PPO provider network. Selecting a plan with a broad provider network gives you access to more doctors and hospitals.
- Assuming every plan covers pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan, so always review the policy details if you have existing medical conditions.
- Waiting until you need medical care to buy insurance. Purchasing coverage before an illness or injury occurs helps ensure you're protected from the start of your coverage period.
- Choosing too little or too much coverage. Select a plan that matches your health needs, budget, and the length of time you'll need temporary insurance.
What Should Green Card Applicants Look for in a Health Insurance Plan?
Choosing the right health insurance for Green Card applicants involves more than comparing monthly premiums. The best Green Card applicant health insurance plan should provide the right balance of coverage, affordability, and access to quality healthcare while you wait to become eligible for employer-sponsored or other long-term health insurance.
When comparing temporary health insurance for Green Card applicants, consider the following factors:
Taking the time to compare these features will help you choose the right temporary immigrant health insurance plan and ensure you have reliable medical coverage and financial protection while beginning your new life in the United States.
How Long Do Green Card Applicants Need Temporary Health Insurance?
The length of time a Green Card applicant needs temporary health insurance depends on their individual circumstances. Many new immigrants purchase temporary health insurance for Green Card applicants to protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses while they transition to permanent health coverage in the United States.
Some Green Card applicants may only need coverage for a few months before becoming eligible for an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. Others may need temporary coverage for a longer period while they establish residency, begin a new job, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan during an eligible enrollment period, or become eligible for another long-term health insurance option.
Most temporary health insurance plans for Green Card applicants offer flexible policy periods, allowing you to choose coverage for several weeks or several months based on your needs. Some plans can also be renewed, subject to the policy terms and maximum coverage period.
When deciding how long you need coverage, consider the following:
- Employment Status: If you'll soon be eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance, choose a temporary plan that covers you until your employer's benefits begin.
- Arrival Date: Purchase coverage that starts on or before your arrival in the United States so you're protected from your first day in the country.
- Length of Stay: Select a policy period that matches the amount of time you'll need temporary medical coverage before transitioning to permanent health insurance.
- Future Health Insurance Eligibility: If you expect to enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan, Medicare, or another long-term health insurance program, choose a temporary plan that bridges the gap until your new coverage takes effect.
- Medical Needs: If you have ongoing healthcare needs or pre-existing conditions, compare plans carefully to ensure they provide the benefits and coverage that best meet your requirements.
Choosing the right coverage duration helps ensure you remain protected against unexpected illnesses, injuries, and emergency medical expenses until you obtain long-term health insurance for Green Card applicants through an employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or another eligible program.
Temporary Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants - FAQs
No, it isn't legally required. However interviewers are being much stricter about health these days. If you or your parents have a chronic issue like diabetes, thyroid problems, or high blood pressure the officer is going to ask how you plan to pay for medical care in the U.S.
Buying temporary health insurance plan from American Visitor Insurance is the easiest way to solve this. Showing proof of these plans proves to the officer that you are prepared, financially independent, and won’t rely on U.S. public healthcare.
Anyone moving to the United States who is not yet eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare, or other long-term coverage should consider temporary immigrant health insurance. These plans can help protect against unexpected medical expenses during the transition period.
For healthy new immigrants looking for affordable coverage, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is a popular choice because it offers comprehensive medical benefits, access to the UnitedHealthcare PPO network, and coverage for eligible unexpected illnesses and injuries. Applicants who need coverage for pre-existing conditions may want to compare plans such as INF Elite X or Visitors Protect, depending on their age and medical needs.
Yes. Green Card applicants can purchase temporary health insurance to protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses until they become eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare (if eligible), or another long-term health plan.
Popular temporary health insurance plans for Green Card applicants include Atlas America, Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Diplomat America andINF Elite X for applicants who need coverage for pre-existing conditions. The best plan depends on your age, budget, trip duration, and healthcare needs.
Do You Need Health Insurance Before Applying for a Green Card?
Applying for a Green Card and wondering if you should have health insurance first? Many people ask during the Green Card application process whether they should purchase health insurance before applying or before moving to the United States. While health insurance is generally not required to file a Green Card application, having a medical coverage plan can help you prepare for healthcare expenses after arrival and demonstrate financial readiness for potential medical costs. Many applicants choose temporary health insurance until they become eligible for employer-sponsored insurance, ACA Marketplace coverage, or Medicare. Visit our Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants guide to understand eligibility, compare available plans, and find coverage that fits your needs.
Which Are the Best Travel Insurance Companies in USA for Green Card Holders?
You can find reliable best health insurance companies for Green Card holders such as International Medical Group (IMG), Global Underwriters, and Trawick International.