Aarogya - The Wellness Site

Medical Insurance for USA Visitors and new Immigrants
Your health is your most valuable resource, make sure it is protected while you travel! Health insurance protects you and your family by paying for healthcare costs. While it is possible in the United States to obtain the most advanced treatments in the world. It also comes with astronomical costs. Lack of socialized medical care in the US means if you do not have health insurance, you have to pay for medical expenses out of your pocket. A single injury or sickness can wipe out your entire savings and push you deep into debt. Not paying your bills on time can ruin your credit history and jeopardize your job placement opportunities.

There are several visitor medical insurance and new immigrant health insurance plans. These plans can typically cover expenses for doctor office visits, surgery, hospitalization and prescription drugs. However, these plans typically exclude coverage for chronic illnesses.

Visitor Medical insurance plans are designed for sudden sicknesses or injuries occurring during a short travel period. Regular health insurance plans are long term plans and offer a full range benefits which are typically not covered under the visitor policies. These additional benefits and features can include coverage for child immunizations, pregnancy, and monthly payment options.

Here are a few factors to consider while you are choosing an insurance plan -
Type of Benefits: Not all plans will provide benefits for maternity, preventive care (child immunization, regular health physicals etc.), and dental expenses. It is important for you to prioritize your desired benefits and features.

Time period of Coverage: Some plans offer coverage up to 1 year while others can last till age 64. An immigrant plan for example can offer coverage up to 5 years (the time it takes for typical immigrants to become US citizens). So, think about the time required to find a job, would the potential employer offer insurance for new hires etc.

Affordability: The more comprehensive the benefits, the more your insurance costs. Cheaper plans may have fixed sub-limits for each type of medical expense (i.e. the coverage could be limited to $2,000 per day for hospitalization). So, plan your budget and determine how much you can spend for health/medical insurance.

Visa Status: Certain types of visas (i.e. J1 and J2 visas) require specific benefits and levels of coverage. So, double check your visa type and learn about the insurance requirements.

Buying health insurance may seem overwhelming and confusing sometimes. You can always consult (for free) with an insurance professional regarding the right type of plan for you (to suit your visa type, budget, benefits etc.).

About the Author: Pallavi S., is the Client Services Executive of International Services, Inc. The company specializes in offering medical insurance for visitors and international student insurance. International Services, Inc. has been recognized by clients worldwide for delivering good value and excellent service.