Leaving your homeland to live abroad is quite a difficult thing to do. Residing in the USA especially as a foreigner is challenging. It can be a huge difference in the environment and lifestyle. This transition is not very easy to adjust to. One thing you need is to secure yourself heath wise in a stranger country as well in other countries you may travel to. We aim to provide you with a complete guide for when you travel to the United States. We have given top health insurance USA for foreigners with reasonable premiums and options.
Foreigner Health Insurance Plans in the USA
Foreigners in the United States can choose from two recommended choices. Cigna Global provides services worldwide with multiple options and services. It has adjustable plans that fit your budget and needs simultaneously. People with any price range can contact them and request and quote. GeoBlue Xplorer is also a versatile insurer with the same quality of service and benefits as Cigna. GeoBlue Xplorer works in collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America and provides you best medical staff and hospitals of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America.
Medical Coverage for Expatriates in the USA
Before moving to America, you need to know that you don’t need to get health insurance as a foreigner or even as a citizen. But if you don’t get insurance, you will not be able to afford medical expenses and medical care. Some visa types make health insurance for foreigners compulsory.
The health care expenses in America are higher than in other countries. This is due to high medical inflation and the doctors demand repeated tests and scans for confirmation. Due to this, it not only increases the cost but also makes the service quality better.
Private hospitals and clinics offer health care at a minimum cost. But this service is only provided if you have healthcare insurance. Employees are facilitated by employers in respect of insurance policies for them and their families. Medicare provides an insurance program for retired employees. But unfortunately, Medicare does not offer these plans for immigrants and foreigners. So instead of local insurance plans, they are forced to pay for international services.
The USA demands the immigrants and foreigners to make arrangements for their healthcare i.e employer-based or approved insurer within a month of arrival unless they are capable of affording regular medical costs in America.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in the USA?
You may think of the average insurance cost in the United States. But these are not fixed plans and the cost of such plans depends upon your region, age, history of illnesses and severity of the medical condition, etc. You need to narrow down the plan that covers all your need because spending on medical care is very costly and you can’t even afford to miss it because it is impossible to survive without it on your own. The scans, tests, and medication are often too expensive to be afforded by a layman.
Cost of Health Insurance for Non-US citizens in the USA
Here are some of the international insurers that provide services in various regions and are suitable for immigrants and foreigners in America. The costs can be adjusted by using by adding or removing options and benefits accordingly.
Cigna offers global service with affordable platinum and more affordable silver plan for foreigners. You may need some guidance from an agent about the plans and what best suits your needs. The total payable cost is figured out after $750 base deductibles amount and $1000 for other deductibles like dental, vision, and other evacuation modules. The cost can be varied by certain factors. You can always request a custom quote and estimate your pricing.
The Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare or the ACA includes a provision for shared responsibility. This act ensures that US citizens and residents have access to quality health care. Whereas immigrants and foreigners on any type of visa are not legally bound to obtain health care insurance in the first five years of their stay in America. While J visa candidates are not bound for this service for two years after their arrival.
Some individuals who are foreign nationals but have become a resident are exempted from federal income tax list. These individuals are:
- Nonresident aliens;
- Individuals who file a Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ (including a dual-status tax return for their last year of U.S. residency);
- dual-status aliens in their first year of U.S. residency;
- Individuals who are claimed as a personal exemption on Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ.
- Nonresident aliens or dual-status aliens who elect to file a joint return with a U.S. spouse;
Besides this, all U.S citizens residing in the US and all foreign nationals who are qualified as resident aliens are under the individual shared responsibility provision. Non-resident aliens need to meet certain requirements to be elected and become resident aliens.
Determining the International Health Coverage Amount Needed
You can estimate the expenses of health care insurance by the duration of your stay and your affordable range if you are not provided services. The longer your stay is, the more is the cost of the insurance policy. If you have to return soon and want to avail of the services of your homeland only, you can opt for a minimum cost coverage plan. But if you have to stay longer for a job or studies, go for a high-cost premium plan to avoid any issues in your stay.
Most Popular Health Insurance for Non-US citizens in the USA
- The Cigna Global Medical plan is suitable if you have a limited budget and want to get services and multiple options at a minimum price.
- The GeoBlue Xplorer plan administers services under BlueCross and gives you access to a wide network of doctors. Their services are not only excellent but they also maintain their standard throughout the period.
- An affordable plan that we recommend to younger clients is The IMG Global Medical It helps to have a plan that is on their budget. You can only get limited benefits and emergency care by adopting Silver and Bronze programs. You can cover more benefits and options with Gold and Platinum plans.