Medical Insurance in USA
Securing medical insurance in USA as a foreigner and immigrant is one of the many new challenges people face when migrating or visiting the US. You may not even consider getting medical insurance in USA, with everything else on your plate. While the US usually doesn't require that you have medical insurance in USA to migrate, we strongly recommend it, whether you're a single young person with no medical issues, a parent of a large family, or a retiree.
Travel to and life in a new country comes with new stressors, new risks and many unexpected developments. You don't want to be left paying huge hospital bills if the worst happens. From basic coverage to comprehensive support, you have options to protect yourself and your family in the United States. Let this guide help you find the best medical insurance in USA.
What Type of Medical Insurance in USA Should I Get?
If you are an expat moving to the USA, there are three providers of medical insurance in USA that we recommend the most:
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a provider with worldwide medical insurance coverage. It offers excellent service and benefits to clients, with people on the ground in major countries to give you immediate response when needed.
Cigna also offers a flexible medical insurance plan that lets you choose which modules and benefits to include in the policy. Being able to tailor-fit your US medical insurance policy is an advantage that will help you budget expenses.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan:
Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
24/7 multilingual customer support
Plan Details
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GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is a very popular provider of medical insurance in USA. It offers more comprehesive benefits than Cigna Global in its base plan alongside a premium level of customer service.
GeoBlue Xplorer is a partner of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America (BCBS), a leading insurer in the USA. This gives GeoBlue a wider network of high-quality doctors and hospitals included in its medical insurance policies.
GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Insurance:
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Plan Details
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International Medical Group (IMG)
IMG offers several affordable plans to medical insurance in USA. It is the best provider for foreigners on a tight budget who do not want to sacrifice basic coverage.
IMG's Bronze and Silver plans provide basic level coverage for medical care. Their Gold and Platinum plans offer additional benefits to clients. We recommend the Gold and Platinum plans if you’re staying for more than a year because these policies provide comprehensive benefits.
IMG Global Medical Plan:
Affordable global coverage with flexible options
Coverage area options based on where you live or work
Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Plan Details
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Medical Insurance in USA for Expatriates
The United States government does not require most expatriates or even US citizens to obtain medical insurance in USA. However, the cost of medical services in the US is so high that you risk spending all your savings to pay the bills. So, while it is generally not required, it is highly recommended that you get US medical insurance coverage to save on hospital bills and gain access to appropriate care.
The requirement for getting medical insurance in USA also varies depending on your country of origin and visa type. Some visa types will require you to obtain at least basic medical insurance coverage.
Because medical costs in the US are higher than the average of most countries, living without medical insurance isn’t a great idea. The US has a relatively higher rate of medical inflation and doctors tend to provide more tests and scans before treating a patient. Some of the higher costs are due to medical facilities in the US often using the latest equipment and providing above-average service to clients.
Medical Insurance in USA for Non-US Citizens, Foreigners, and Immigrants
Healthcare in the United States is largely privatized, and public healthcare is provided only to a small portion of the population. This is why most people, including the locals, have medical insurance in USA.
The federal Medicare program is available only to retirees. The Medicaid program, on the other hand, is reserved for the poorest citizens in the country. If you’re looking for new immigrant medical insurance, you won’t qualify for either of these programs.
If you’re coming to work in the States, your employer will usually offer a policy that extends coverage to immediate family members. However, this is often not enough to shoulder the high average cost of doctor visits, medications, emergency room trips and hospital stays. Most of the time, the best medical insurance in USA for non-US citizens is an international health plan, which will provide access to a wide range of medical treatments worldwide.
Medical Insurance for New Immigrants: For most foreigners seeking an immigration visa, medical insurance is not required. However, this rule changed recently and can change again. Some visas, like the J-1, do require proof that you are covered by an approved provider. Check the J1 Visa Insurance Requirements for the most up-to-date information on the requirements for your particular visa type.