Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to the United States?

Moving to the United States as an expat or digital nomad comes with a myriad of considerations, one of the most critical being health insurance. Unlike many other countries with public healthcare systems, the U.S. relies predominantly on private health insurance. Newcomers seeking residency are not provided with automatic coverage and must ensure they have adequate health insurance upon arrival. The requirements for health insurance coverage can vary depending on visa type and state regulations, but generally, there is no minimum coverage amount or length of coverage mandated by federal law for obtaining residency. However, it is crucial to have health insurance to avoid exorbitant out-of-pocket costs in case of medical emergencies. It's also important to note that some visas may have specific health insurance requirements, and failing to meet these can affect your immigration status.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Expat health insurance policies are designed to meet the needs of individuals living outside their home country for extended periods. These policies often provide comprehensive coverage that can be suitable for the U.S. healthcare system. However, it's essential to verify that the policy meets any visa-specific requirements and provides sufficient coverage for healthcare services in the United States, which can be significantly more expensive than in other countries. Expats should ensure their policy covers them in the state where they will reside and that it is accepted by local healthcare providers. Additionally, some expat insurance plans may not cover pre-existing conditions or may have waiting periods, so it's important to review the policy details carefully.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

There are numerous local health insurers in the United States that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads. Major insurance providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Kaiser Permanente have a range of plans that can be tailored to individual needs. These insurers provide various levels of coverage, from basic emergency-only plans to comprehensive policies that include preventive care, prescription drugs, and specialist visits. When choosing a local insurer, it's important to consider the network of doctors and hospitals included, the cost of premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and the ease of accessing customer service, especially for policyholders who may not be familiar with the U.S. healthcare system.

Advice from Expats in the United States about Health Insurance

Expats in the United States often emphasize the importance of securing health insurance before arriving in the country. They advise newcomers to thoroughly research and compare different health insurance plans to find one that best suits their needs and budget. It's crucial to understand the terms of your policy, including coverage limits, exclusions, and the claims process. Expats recommend choosing a plan with a broad provider network to ensure access to a wide range of healthcare services. Additionally, they suggest considering plans that offer flexibility, such as the ability to add or remove coverage components, which can be beneficial as your circumstances change. Lastly, expats often stress the importance of budgeting for healthcare costs, as even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be significant in the U.S. due to high deductibles and co-insurance.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance in United States

"Aside from what I said above, we use my husband's Blue Cross insurance with no trouble. It costs the same as elsewhere, being a benefit of his federal job (he transferred here). Our copays are the same as in Hawaii," said one expat who moved to Saipan, US.