New Green Card holders who are starting afresh in Illinois have several possibilities regarding health insurance and will need to make smart choices about your health. New Green Card holders face strict rules for government programs which include a five year waiting period for any state sponsored health insurance.
However, Illinois residents do have private health insurance options which can help fill in coverage gaps for recent arrivals. At American Visitor Insurance, we understand these unique challenges and offer different flexible insurance solutions. We are here to help you to compare plans, understand your options and find the coverage that works best for you as a Green Card holder in Illinois. Whether you need temporary coverage while you wait for eligibility or if you travel often and need travel health insurance options for seniors and families, we can help you find the appropriate coverage.
For Green Card holders in Illinois health insurance is essential for protecting both your health and your finances. Medical bills in Illinois are extremely high and even a single emergency hospital visit can lead to costs that are hard to manage without adequate coverage. With good health insurance you have access to treatment for illnesses and injuries these helps you to stay free and healthy.
Many new Green Card holders in Illinois also face a waiting period before they can qualify for government programs like Medicare and this can make public assistance harder to get. This means private health insurance, marketplace plans and short term coverage are often the only real options for newcomers. In short, health insurance gives you peace of mind and protects you from unexpected costs and helps you settle into life in Illinois with confidence.
The cost of medical insurance for Green Card holders can vary based on factors such as age, maximum coverage limits, deductible amounts, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Typically, health insurance premiums for Green Card holders range from $44 to $353 per month. Whether you are a new permanent resident or have held your Green Card for years, it’s essential to compare different health insurance plans to find one that provides comprehensive coverage, affordable rates, and access to quality healthcare services.
For example, here the average health insurance cost for Green Card holders is based on quotes for one month of coverage.
| Plan Name | Max coverage | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Elite Fixed benefit | $50,000 | $0 | $44 | $61 | $76 | $109 |
| Patriot America Lite Comprehensive benefit | $50,000 | $250 | $72 | $120 | $153 | $252 |
| Patriot America Plus Comprehensive benefit | $50,000 | $250 | $77 | $128 | $164 | $289 |
| INF Standard X Fixed benefit | $50,000 | $250 | $57 | $69 | $76 | $255 |
| Safe Traveles USA Comprehensive benefit | $50,000 | $250 | $85 | $127 | $147 | $252 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Comprehensive benefit | $50,000 | $250 | $90 | $148 | $172 | $294 |
| INF SafeVista Comprehensive benefit | $100,000 | $250 | $93 | $158 | $215 | $320 |
| Diplomat America Comprehensive benefit | $50,000 | $250 | $125 | $182 | $229 | $353 |
Green Card holders living in Illinois have several ways to get health insurance. It depending on their age, work status and how long they've been in the U.S. If you work for a company then employer sponsored health insurance is often the most affordable and comprehensive choice that helps employers to cover the cost and plans usually include doctor visits, hospital care and prescription drugs. If you are not eligible for job based insurance then you can shop for plans on the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. As a Green Card holder you can apply for these ACA compliant plans which cover essential benefits and may offer discounts based on your income.
For those over 65 Medicare may be an option if you have lived in the U.S. for at least five years and meet other requirements. Medicaid is available to some low income Green Card holders but Illinois has strict rules which including a five year waiting period for most adults. If you are new to the country or waiting for eligibility then short term health insurance or visitor health insurance offered on American Visitor Insurance provides interim health coverage for emergencies and unexpected illnesses. These plans are flexible and can be purchased for just a few days or several months and this makes them ideal for recent arrivals or those between jobs.
Most Green Card holders must wait five years before they can apply for programs like Medicare which can leave a gap in coverage for new immigrants. If you travel often or spend long periods outside the U.S. it’s important to maintain your primary residence in Illinois to keep your Green Card status. For parents or family members who are new to Illinois then visitors insurance can fill the gap until they become eligible for domestic health plans.
The cost of health insurance in Illinois can start as low as $38 per month for basic plans and go up for more comprehensive coverage depending on your age, coverage amount and whether you need benefits for pre-existing conditions or COVID-19. Comparing different temporary short term health options on American Visitor Insurance will help you find the best health insurance plan for your needs as a Green Card holder and protect your health and your finances while living in Illinois.
| Feature | American Visitor Insurance Plans | State/Government Plans (ACA, Medicare, Medicaid) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Buy | Anyone like visitors,new immigrants,new Green Card holders, no residency and citizenship required | Only citizens, permanent residents and those with qualifying status |
| When to Buy | Any time like all over the year with instant online purchase | Only during open enrollment or special qualifying events |
| Coverage Start | As soon as the next day | May require waiting period or future effective date |
| Custom Options | Choose your deductible, coverage max and plan type (fixed or comprehensive) | Limited customization; benefits are standardized |
| Coverage Maximum | Up to $2,000,000 per policy period (user-selectable) | Unlimited, no annual/lifetime maximum |
| Pre-existing Coverage | Acute onset or stable conditions covered on select plans | Fully covered, but only after eligibility and waiting periods |
| Preventive Care | Not typically included | Always included, fully covered |
| Prescription Drugs | Limited, varies by plan | Covered |
| Network Access | PPO networks, some plans allow any provider | Broad, nationwide networks |
| Best For | Short-term stays, new arrivals, those not eligible for state plans | Long-term, permanent residents |
| Enrollment Process | Simple, online, no medical exam | Often complex, may require documentation and proof |
American Visitor Insurance offers great flexibility and accessibility for visitors, new immigrants and Green Card holders who is looking for health insurance in the United States. Unlike state or government plans, which have strict eligibility rules and limited enrollment windows while our plans can be purchased online at any time with immediate coverage. Customers can customize their policy by choosing from a wide range of coverage maximums and deductibles, ensuring both affordability and adequate protection. American Visitor Insurance plans are designed to bridge the gap for those who are not yet eligible for US domestic plans while offering features such as partial coverage for stable pre-existing conditions and smooth integration with US healthcare networks. With a hassle free enrollment process and expert support, American Visitor Insurance empowers you to find the right health coverage quickly and confidently. This makes it the best choice for anyone needing short-term and transitional health insurance in the US.
You can switch from a Illinois state or US government health plan to an American Visitor Insurance plan if your situation requires. Visitor insurance plans from American Visitor Insurance are designed to be flexible and easy to purchase. State plans (like ACA, Medicare, or Medicaid) have specific eligibility rules and enrollment periods, so you would first need to cancel or end your state coverage if you no longer qualify or no longer need it. Once your state plan ends then you are free to purchase a new visitor medical insurance or New US immigrant insurance policy from American Visitor Insurance at any time and is no waiting periods or open enrollment restrictions for these plans. You can apply online and coverage can start as soon as the next day. However, it is important to be aware that you cannot simply switch between plans mid-policy but have to cancel your current plan and then enroll in a new one.
Most visitor medical insurance plans allow you to cancel before the policy starts for a full refund and some allow cancellation after the start date if there have been no claims usually with a small fee. Always check the specific cancellation and refund policy of your plan before making changes.If your circumstances change such as losing state coverage changing your immigration status and needing different coverage then you can end your state plan and buy a new policy from American Visitor Insurance without delay. Just be sure to coordinate the end of your current coverage and the start of your new plan to avoid any gaps in protection. This flexibility makes American Visitor Insurance a practical choice for those whose eligibility and needs may change after arriving in the US.
Anyone visiting the United States be it a tourist, a business traveler, a student, a new immigrant and even Green Card holders can apply for visitors health insurance coverage on American Visitor Insurance. You do not need to be a US citizen and permanent resident to qualify. These plans are available to people on different visas , including visitor visas, long-term visas and even those waiting to become eligible for domestic health insurance. Coverage is open to a wide range of ages with some plans offering protection up to age 99. Green Card holders who do not have employer sponsored insurance or are not yet eligible for Medicare can also purchase some of these plans. The main requirement is that you are legally in the U.S. and planning to visit and you need short-term or transitional health coverage during your stay.
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When you are looking at health insurance in Illinois, how pre-existing conditions are covered can vary a lot depending on the type of plan you pick.
ACA Compliant Plans; ACA compliant plans are legally required to cover all pre-existing conditions. This means if you get a state or government plan through the Health Insurance Market place then you can't be denied coverage and charged more just because of your past health. These plans also include routine care and ongoing treatment for chronic illnesses making them the best choice if you have significant ongoing medical needs.
Short-Term and Visitor Insurance; Most visitor insurance plans do not cover routine care and ongoing treatment for pre-existing conditions. Instead they may provide limited coverage like acute onset of a pre-existing condition. This means if you have a sudden and unexpected emergency related to a condition you already have such as a heart attack and stroke some plans will pay for emergency treatment but only up to certain limits and under specific circumstances. Chronic or ongoing care, regular medication and scheduled treatments for pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Special Considerations for Seniors and New Immigrants; For seniors and new immigrants there are special things to keep in mind. Many older travelers and new Green Card holders have existing health issues. While most visitor insurance plans limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions a few specialized plans do offer acute onset coverage for older ages sometimes even up to 99 years old. Still, this coverage is limited and isn't a substitute for the comprehensive benefits you'd get from ACA or Medicare plans. For new immigrants who are not yet eligible for Medicare or state plans then visitor insurance with acute onset coverage can be a safety net during that waiting period. But it is really important to understand its limits and carefully check each plan's definitions and what it excludes.
If you’re a new Green Card holder who just arrived in Illinois and don’t have a job yet even you still have several good health insurance options to protect yourself from high medical costs.
Short-Term and Visitor Insurance Plans; Since you may not be eligible for employer-sponsored insurance or government programs right away short-term health insurance or visitor insurance on American Visitor Insurance is a very pragmatic choice. These plans are easy to buy online can start immediately and are designed for people in transition like new immigrants, recent arrivals, or those between jobs. They cover emergencies, hospitalization and some doctor visits but usually do not cover preventive care or ongoing treatment for pre-existing conditions except for acute onset. Prices for these plans in Illinois start as low as $38 per month, depending on your age and the coverage you choose. Examples include Safe Travels Advantage, Safe Travels Elite and Visitors Care all available through American Visitor Insurance
ACA Marketplace Plans; As a lawfully present immigrant you can also apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You do not need a job to apply and you may qualify for premium subsidies based on your income. You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period such as after recently arriving in the US. These plans offer comprehensive coverage including preventive care and pre-existing conditions but may be more expensive without subsidies.
When to Switch; Once you get a job with health benefits and become eligible for government programs like Medicaid or Medicare after meeting residency and other requirements then you can switch to those more comprehensive and often more affordable options.
Yes, at American Visitor Insurance you can get health insurance while waiting to become eligible for Medicare. This is a pretty common situation for new Green Card holders and seniors who have just moved to the US but have not yet met the five year residency rule for Medicare. It is really important to have some kind of health insurance coverage during this waiting period to protect onerself from big medical bills.
Temporary and Visitor Health Insurance Plans American Visitor Insurance offers a variety of temporary and visitor health insurance plans that are perfect for this time. These plans are designed for new immigrants, recent Green Card holders and seniors who need coverage right away. You can buy a plan online anytime there aren't any special open enrollment periods or long waits. Coverage can even start as soon as the next day and monthly premiums are usually lower than domestic plans starting around $38 and going up to about $379 per month, depending on your age and the coverage you want.
These temporary plans cover emergencies, hospitalization and some doctor visits. Some of them also include benefits for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions which is really important for older adults. However, they will not provide full coverage for ongoing treatment of pre-existing conditions or for preventive care. These plans are best used as a bridge till you qualify for Medicare or a regular domestic health insurance.Once you hit the required residency period and age for Medicare you can switch over to Medicare coverage. If you have questions about which plan is best for your situation and need help comparing options, the call the customer support of American Visitor Insurance at 877-340-7910 to get expert support to guide you to find the right coverage for your needs.
You can compare and buy cheapest medical insurance for Green Card holders in Illinois on American Visitor Insurance after comparing available travel insurance plans depending up on the requirements and budget that works best for their needs. American visitor insurance offers some of the best medical insurance for Green Card holders to Illinois with guaranteed best price along with acute onset of pre-existing conditions and Covid coverage options.
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 age of the Green Card holder and the duration of stay within US.
Green Card Holders permanently residing in the US can purchase:Green Card holders who frequently travel back and forth between the U.S. and their country of origin face unique challenges and considerations due to their residency status and the need to maintain their U.S. permanent residency. To maintain a Green Card, U.S. permanent residents must primarily reside in the U.S. Frequent or long stays in their home country may lead U.S. authorities to view it as an abandonment of residency if not properly managed.
For Green Card holders who frequently travel for short periods (a few days or weeks at a time), there’s typically less risk of jeopardizing their residency status, as long as the U.S. remains their primary residence.
Green Card Holders who travel often between their home country and the U.S can purchase:New immigrants who can be parents or family members who recently arrived in the USA can buy visitor health insurance depending on their duration of stay. Again, these plans can be bought for the period till they are eligible for domestic health insurance.
If one has applied for the Green Card and are waiting for permanent residency, they can buy visitor health insurance coverage that is ideal for them till they get the Green Card and are eligible for other domestic US health insurance options.
Best health insurance for Green Card holders from IllinoisMedical insurance cost for Green Card holders varies based on several factors such as the age, medical maximum coverage, deductible for the plan, and the coverage for pre-existing conditions. There are cheap Green Card holders health insurance plans starting at $38 per month.
Approximate cost of Green Card holders health insurance is for a 65-year-old parent or seniors for a duration of 1 month.
| Travel insurance USA | Coverage | Deductible | Provider Network | Cost # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage Trawick International | $25,000 | $0 | First HealthCare | $38 |
| Safe Travels Elite Trawick International | $25,000 | $0 | First HealthCare | $50 |
| INF Standard X INF | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $76 |
| Patriot America Lite IMG | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $155 |
| Safe Travels USA Trawick International | $50,000 | $250 | First HealthCare | $160 |
| Patriot America Plus IMG | $50,000 | $250 | United HealthCare | $173 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International | $50,000 | $250 | First HealthCare | $224 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters | $50,000 | $250 | No PPO | $262 |
| INF Safe Traveler USA X INF | $150,000 | $500 | United HealthCare | $341 |
| Patriot Platinum IMG | $1M | $250 | United HealthCare | $414 |
Green Card Holders (lawful permanent residents) can qualify for Medicare if they meet certain requirements related to age, residency, and work history.
To be eligible for Medicare, Green Card Holders must meet the following conditions:
If you haven't paid Medicare taxes for 10 years and don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you'll need to buy Part A and also pay premiums for both Part A and Part B. For 2025, if you've worked less than 30 quarters, the Part A premium is approximately $518. If you've worked 30-39 quarters, the premium is about $285. Part B, which covers outpatient care and preventive services, will have a standard monthly premium of about $185 in 2025.
Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts for 7 months which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, then includes the month of your 65th birthday and finally ends 3 months after your birthday month. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. You may face a late enrollment penalty for Part B (and sometimes Part A) if you delay enrollment without having other creditable coverage (such as employer insurance). You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you delayed enrolling in Medicare due to having other creditable coverage (e.g., through an employer or union).
New immigrants or recent Green Card holders may have a waiting period before becoming eligible for government programs or employer-sponsored health insurance. It is important to explore alternative options during this waiting period, such as short-term health insurance plans like those offered on American Visitor 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.
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.
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.
Green Card holders may be eligible for Medicaid after meeting certain criteria, such as income and residency requirements, set by each state. Medicare eligibility typically requires being a Green Card holder for at least five years and meeting other qualifications (age 65 or older, or having certain disabilities). If there are new Green Card holders who are not eligible for domestic health insurance or Medicare, they can buy the Visitors Insurance that we offer during this interim period.
Green Card holders who are employed in the United States are generally eligible to participate in employer-sponsored health insurance plans, similar to U.S. citizens. It's advisable to check with the employer to understand the available options and any eligibility requirements.
Yes, you can obtain health insurance while waiting for your Green Card, though your options may vary depending on your specific circumstances, such as your visa status, location, and income level.
Short-term health insurance is available to those who need temporary coverage while waiting for more permanent options, like a Green Card. These plans usually cover emergency services, hospitalization, and some doctor visits, but they may not cover comprehensive care like preventive services, maternity care, or mental health services. If you are an immigrant waiting for your Green Card but still travel frequently or have ties to another country, you might consider an international health insurance plan. These plans provide coverage both in the U.S. and abroad, making them ideal for people who need flexibility. They typically offer a range of benefits, from emergency care to routine checkups.
There is no specific requirement for Green Card holders to have medical insurance under U.S. immigration law. However, it is highly recommended to have health insurance coverage to protect against unexpected medical expenses given the very expensive cost of US healthcare.
The cost of Green Card health insurance in Illinois can vary widely depending on several factors, including your age, coverage level, and duration of coverage. The monthly cost of Illinois health insurance for Green Card holders ranges from around $38 to $379 per month.
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