Can I Get Health Insurance While Waiting for My Greencard?

Health insurance is a crucial consideration for anyone, especially for immigrants waiting for their green card in the United States. The cost of healthcare in the US can be exorbitant, making insurance coverage a necessity for you, your dependents, and your family members. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how you can get health insurance while waiting for your green card. We will delve into the importance of health insurance, the options available, and how having health insurance can impact your green card application.

Key Takeaways:

1. Health Insurance is Essential: Health insurance is a crucial consideration for anyone, especially for immigrants waiting for their green card in the United States. The cost of healthcare in the US can be high, making insurance coverage a necessity to prevent financial strain.
2. Insurance Options for Green Card Applicants: Green card applicants have several health insurance options available to them. They can choose from immigrant insurance plans or visitors insurance plans offered by various insurance companies. These plans can provide coverage for a temporary period and can help cover costs in the event of a medical emergency.
3. Health Insurance for Lawfully Present Immigrants: Lawfully present immigrants, including those waiting for their green cards, are eligible for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. They can buy private health insurance and may be eligible for lower costs on monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs based on their income.
4. Positive Impact on Green Card Application: Having health insurance can positively impact a green card application. It demonstrates to immigration officials that the applicant has taken steps to ensure they can cover potential medical costs, which can be a positive factor in their application.

Can You Get Health Insurance While Waiting for Your Green Card?

Yes, you can get health insurance while waiting for your green card. Until you receive your green card, you are considered a visitor in the US and need health insurance coverage just like any other visitor. Many non-US citizens come to America uninsured and face serious barriers to medical care. They pay out-of-pocket expenses when they receive treatment and care, which can lead to significant financial strain. Therefore, having health insurance is crucial to prevent financial drain. It provides a safety net that can protect you from the high costs associated with medical care in the United States.

Health Insurance Options for Green Card Applicants

While waiting for your green card, you can get health insurance from insurance companies. You can choose immigrant insurance plans or visitor insurance plans. These plans can cover you temporarily per the benefits of the policy you opt for, so you do not have to pay from your pockets in the event of a medical emergency. Comprehensive policies offer better protection and coverage, while the limited plans come with pre-defined sub-limit. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance plan before purchasing it to ensure it meets your specific needs and circumstances.

Health Insurance Without a Green Card

Yes, you can get health insurance without a green card. In the US, citizens, residents, and lawfully permanent residents (green card holders) can access the government healthcare programs like Obamacare, Medicare, and Medicaid only if eligible. If you come to the US as a visitor for a few months, you are not eligible for government healthcare programs. Instead, you must purchase a visitor insurance plan from a reputable US insurance company that can cover you during your brief stay in the US. These plans are designed to provide coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries that may occur during your stay.

Health Insurance for Lawfully Present Immigrants

Lawfully present immigrants are eligible for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The term “lawfully present” includes immigrants who have “Qualified non-citizen” immigration status without a waiting period, humanitarian statuses or circumstances, valid non-immigrant visas, and legal status conferred by other laws. If you’re a lawfully present immigrant, you can buy private health insurance on the Marketplace. You may be eligible for lower costs on monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs based on your income. This can be a valuable resource for those who are in the process of obtaining their green card but need health coverage in the meantime.

Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants: A Positive Factor

Health insurance for green card applicants is always a positive factor in the totality of the circumstances. For applicants with higher anticipated medical expenses, health coverage may be helpful in removing the public charge grounds of inadmissibility. In other words, if you have known medical issues that will incur expenses, health insurance for green card applicants is very important. Likewise, older applicants who are more likely to seek medical attention should be able to address how they will pay these future expenses. Having health insurance demonstrates to immigration officials that you are taking responsible steps to ensure that you can cover your medical costs and are less likely to need government assistance.

Short-Term Health Insurance Options

There are options for obtaining short-term health insurance during this time. If it isn’t possible to get coverage from an employer or family member’s employer immediately, you can get a quote for plans from another insurance provider like VisitorsCoverage. Short-term health insurance can provide coverage for a set period of time, typically from one month to a year. This can be a good option for those who are waiting for their green card and need coverage in the interim.

Impact of Health Insurance on Green Card Application

Having health insurance can positively impact your green card application. Immigration officials consider a variety of factors when evaluating green card applications, including an applicant’s ability to support themselves financially. By having health insurance, you are demonstrating that you have taken steps to ensure that you can cover potential medical costs, which can be a positive factor in your application.

Conclusion

While waiting for your green card, it is crucial to have health insurance to cover any medical emergencies that may arise. Not only does it provide financial protection, but it also serves as a positive factor in your green card application. Therefore, it is highly recommended to explore your options and choose a health insurance plan that best suits your needs. Remember, health insurance is not just about protecting your health—it’s also about protecting your financial well-being and enhancing your chances of successfully obtaining your green card.

Additional Resources

For more information on health insurance options for green card applicants, consider consulting with a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted insurance provider. They can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances and help you navigate the complexities of the U.S. health insurance system.