If you are a green card holder in the US, it is crucial to consider purchasing insurance. Green card holders can be eligible for some domestic plans and may be eligible for some visitor insurance depending on what they consider their country of residence. This type of insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and other unforeseen events during their stay in the US. Let us understand the different situations of green card holders and the types of insurance policies they can buy.
- Individuals who have received their green cards are no longer considered as visitors. They hold the LPR (Legally Permanent Resident) status, and just like US citizens and residents, they can get access to government-sponsored insurance plans and domestic plans from healthcare.gov. They can purchase these policies only if they meet the necessary eligibility requirements. If they are above the age of 65 years, they however might not be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid immediately after getting a green card.
- Individuals who have not received their green cards yet but are waiting for the paperwork to be processed are still considered visitors to the US. They have no access to government plans and can buy visitor insurance plans during their transition period.
- Individuals who hold LPR status but go back to their home country frequently (say every 6 months) can purchase a policy as per their choice. They can buy domestic plans (only if they meet the eligibility criteria) or some visitor insurance plans for their brief stay in the US if their country of residence is not the US.
Why is visitor insurance important for green card holders?
Visitor insurance serves as a safety net. It ensures that in case of unexpected accidents or illnesses, medical expenses are covered, preventing financial burdens. Here are some key reasons why visitor insurance is important:
- Medical coverage: Visitor insurance covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription medications.
- Emergency services: In an emergency, such as an accident or sudden illness, visitor insurance provides access to emergency services and ambulance transportation.
- Worry-free stay: Knowing that you have strong financial support through your robust policy gives you peace of mind, ensuring you receive proper medical care during your stay.
- Financial protection: Visitor insurance prevents unexpected medical costs from depleting your savings or affecting your financial stability.
When should you buy visitor insurance?
Timing is crucial when it comes to purchasing visitor insurance for green card holders.
- Pre-Planning: Start researching visitor insurance options well in advance, preferably before your arrival in the US. This gives you time to compare plans and make an informed decision. Not all visitor insurance plans are available for Green card holders. So, understanding the eligibility of the plans is important.
- Assess your needs: Consider your health and specific requirements. Do you have any pre-existing conditions that need coverage? Do you want coverage for adventurous sports? Understanding your needs will help you choose an appropriate plan.
- Select a coverage period: Determine the length of coverage required. Ensure the policy aligns with your intended stay in the US.
While it is ideal to secure coverage before your guests arrive, you can still purchase many insurances after their arrival. However, coverage typically begins on the policy’s effective date, not the date of purchase.
How to purchase visitor insurance?
Now that you understand when to purchase visitor insurance, let us explore how to go about it:
- Research: Start your search online. There are numerous insurance providers offering visitor insurance plans. Look for reputable companies with positive customer reviews.
- Compare Plans: Compare different insurance plans based on coverage, cost, and benefits. Consider factors such as the policy’s maximum limit, deductible, and any additional features like coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Choose the Right Coverage: Most visitor insurance plans offer standard coverage for medical expenses, emergency services, and hospitalization. Ensure these basics are covered.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition, look for plans that offer some coverage for acute onset of these conditions. Note that coverage might be limited, so review the policy details carefully.
- Get Quotes: Contact insurance providers or use online tools to get insurance quotes. This will help you estimate the cost of coverage.
- Consider Group Plans: If multiple people are traveling, inquire about group plans, which can be more cost-effective.
- Purchase the Policy: Fill out the application form with accurate information about your guests. Be prepared to provide details like their age, travel dates, and any pre-existing conditions.
- Payment: Pay the premium for the selected policy. Ensure you understand the payment frequency (e.g., monthly, annually).
- Policy Documents: After purchase, you will receive policy documents via email. Review them thoroughly and share the details with your guests.
Tips for choosing visitor insurance
- Read Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other green card holders who have purchased visitor insurance. Their experiences can offer valuable insights.
- Understand Exclusions: Pay close attention to exclusions in the policy. Some policies may not cover certain activities or extreme sports.
- Read the Fine Print: Thoroughly read the policy documents, terms, and conditions. Pay attention to exclusions, waiting periods, and any limitations. Understanding the details will prevent surprises when you need to make a claim.
- Customer Reviews: Research the reputation and customer reviews of the insurance provider. This can give you insights into their customer service, claims processing, and overall reliability.
For more information about the policies, call us or drop us an email.
