Health Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens in the USA
Key Takeaways
- International health plans with U.S. coverage offered by International Citizens Insurance average $5,000 to $8,000 per person annually.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Worldwide Premier offers unlimited annual and lifetime coverage for foreign nationals in the United States.
- International Citizens Insurance recommends considering at least $1 million in annual medical coverage for U.S. stays lasting one year or longer.
Do Non-U.S. Citizens Need Health Insurance?
Health insurance is not generally required for all non-U.S. citizens, but some visas, schools, and exchange programs have specific requirements. Even when coverage is not required, having adequate insurance is important because U.S. healthcare is among the most expensive in the world. Without it, you may face significant out-of-pocket costs for medical care in the United States.
What Health Insurance Do You Need?
Your options include international health insurance, a travel medical plan, visitors’ insurance, international student insurance, employer-sponsored coverage, and eligible U.S. health plans.
The table below provides a quick guide based on your situation:
Your Situation | Coverage Option | Key Feature | What to Check |
Non-U.S. citizen moving to or living in the USA | International health insurance, employer-sponsored coverage, or an eligible U.S. health plan | Long-term medical coverage, with options for U.S.-only or worldwide coverage | Eligibility, provider network, deductible, geographic area |
Short-term visitor | Travel medical plan or visitors’ insurance | Emergency and unexpected medical care during a temporary stay | Medical coverage limit, deductible, trip duration, pre-existing condition terms |
International student | International student insurance or other qualifying coverage | Medical coverage during studies | School and visa requirements, network, coverage period |
Working in the USA | Employer-sponsored coverage, an eligible U.S. health plan, or an international health plan | Long-term coverage options for employees and dependents | Employer benefits, start date, dependents, network, international needs |
Retiree or adult age 65+ | Medicare if eligible, or an international or private health plan | Coverage options for older foreign nationals | Medicare eligibility, age limits, residency and immigration requirements |
Health Insurance for Foreigners in the U.S.
The sections below explain the main choices for long-term residents, older adults, and temporary visitors.
Health Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens Living in the USA
Non-U.S. citizens living in the United States can get an international health plan, employer-sponsored health coverage, or a U.S. health plan if they are eligible.
If you are coming to the U.S. to work, your employer may offer a health plan that also covers eligible family members. Before enrolling, check the provider network, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, and whether the plan meets your healthcare needs.
If an employer-sponsored or U.S. health plan is not suitable for you, a global medical plan is another option. These are designed for people living outside their home country and can provide comprehensive coverage in the United States and other countries. They may be particularly useful for expats moving to the United States for a year or longer who travel frequently or need healthcare in multiple countries.
Depending on the plan, benefits can include hospital care, doctor visits, prescriptions, treatment for chronic conditions, maternity care, and medical evacuation or repatriation. Benefits vary by policy, so when comparing plans, it’s important to check exclusions, waiting periods, pre-existing condition terms, coverage limits, and any treatments that require prior authorization. You should also consider whether you need U.S.-only or worldwide coverage.
Health Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens Over 65
Non-U.S. citizens over 65 may be eligible for Medicare or may consider a global medical plan or visitors’ insurance, depending on their situation.
Turning 65 does not automatically make a foreign national eligible for Medicare. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including your work history or your spouse’s. If you are planning to retire in the USA, check your eligibility before choosing a private policy.
If you are not eligible for Medicare, you may be able to get a global medical plan or visitors’ insurance. When comparing policies, check age eligibility, coverage limits, deductibles, provider networks, prescription benefits, and terms for pre-existing conditions.
For current eligibility and enrollment information, visit the official Medicare website.
Health Insurance for Visitors to the USA
If you are visiting the United States temporarily, travel medical or visitors’ insurance may be more appropriate than a long-term global health plan.
These plans are designed for temporary stays and can help cover unexpected illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies. Depending on the policy, benefits may also include doctor visits, hospital treatment, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuation, and assistance or translation services.
When comparing travel plans, check the medical coverage limit, deductible, provider network, emergency benefits, exclusions, and any terms related to pre-existing conditions.
Planning a trip to America? Learn more about travel insurance for the U.S. or compare the differences between travel and global health plans.
International Health Plans to Compare
For non-U.S. citizens considering international health insurance, the right comparison starts with eligibility and coverage for the full length of their U.S. stay. Compare these plans alongside employer-sponsored coverage and any U.S. health plans available to you.
Cigna Global: Choose Optional Benefits Around Core Medical Coverage
Cigna Global is worth comparing if you want to select optional benefits around a core medical plan. Options include outpatient care, medical evacuation, health and wellbeing, and dental and vision coverage.
This flexibility makes it important to compare the complete package you need. Confirm U.S. coverage, your selected modules, medical underwriting terms, and whether your preferred providers participate in the applicable network.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Core medical coverage with optional benefit modules
- Deductible and cost-share choices
- 24/7 multilingual Customer Care
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier: Compare Overall Medical Maximums
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier is worth comparing for its unlimited overall medical maximums and U.S. network access. Individual benefit limits and member costs still apply.
Before applying, confirm your eligibility and whether your prior health insurance qualifies you for immediate coverage of pre-existing conditions.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited overall medical maximums; benefit-specific limits apply
- Immediate pre-existing-condition coverage with proof of qualifying prior insurance.
- Eligibility and underwriting requirements apply
IMG Global Medical Insurance: Compare Benefit Levels
Non-U.S. citizens buying insurance before moving to the USA can apply for a 12-month IMG Global Medical policy with Worldwide coverage, subject to eligibility and underwriting.
Compare benefit levels carefully: Bronze has a $1 million lifetime maximum, Gold $5 million, and Platinum $8 million. These are lifetime, not annual, limits, and individual benefits have additional limits and conditions. Check outpatient benefits, prescription coverage, and pre-existing-condition terms when choosing a level.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Multiple benefit levels and deductible options
- Worldwide coverage option for those moving to the USA
- U.S. PPO access through the network listed on your ID card
How Does the ACA Apply to Non-U.S. Citizens?
Your immigration status can affect your health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Lawfully present non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to buy coverage through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. Starting January 1, 2027, only people with certain immigration statuses will qualify for Marketplace savings, although other lawfully present immigrants may still be eligible to buy Marketplace coverage.
U.S. tax residency can also affect whether you meet the Marketplace’s residency requirements. Learn more about how the IRS determines resident and nonresident alien status in the United States.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in the U.S.?
Health insurance costs vary widely depending on the type of plan, your age, location, deductible, and the number of people insured. The international plans we offer with U.S. coverage average $5,000 to $8,000 per person per year.
Our most affordable global medical plans range from approximately $400 to $500 per year, while the most comprehensive plans can cost $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
Lower-cost plans typically focus on major or unexpected medical expenses, while more comprehensive plans can include doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, laboratory services, and care for chronic conditions.
For temporary stays in the U.S., a short-term travel medical plan may be a more affordable option. Plans we offer start at approximately $1.50 per day and can cost more than $10 per day for older travelers or those choosing more comprehensive coverage.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
The amount of coverage you need depends on the length of your stay, your age, the number of people covered, your healthcare needs, and your budget.
A policy maximum is the most a plan will pay for covered medical expenses. Policy maximums can range from $50,000 per coverage period to $5 million or more. These limits are generally per person, while some comprehensive plans offer higher or unlimited coverage.
As a general guideline, our advisors recommend considering:
Length of Stay | Coverage to Consider | Suitable For |
5 days to 1 month | $50,000–$100,000 | Short trips and unexpected medical emergencies |
1 to 3 months | $100,000–$500,000 | Longer stays and greater exposure to potential medical costs |
More than 3 months but less than 1 year | At least $250,000 | Extended stays and potentially higher healthcare needs |
1 year or longer | At least $1 million annually | Long-term residents, families, and people expecting to receive medical care in the U.S. |
How to Choose a Plan
Before choosing a policy, work through the following questions:
- How long will you be in the United States? Short-term visitors may need a travel medical plan, while people living or working in the U.S. long term can consider comprehensive global, employer-sponsored, or eligible U.S. coverage.
- Are you eligible for employer-sponsored or ACA Marketplace coverage? Check these options before deciding which type of private plan is appropriate.
- Does your visa, school, or exchange program have insurance requirements? Confirm any minimum benefits or limits before buying a policy.
- Do you need coverage outside the United States? If you travel frequently or return to your home country, consider whether worldwide coverage is important.
- Which doctors and hospitals can you use? Review the provider network, particularly if you already have preferred healthcare providers.
- What will you pay when you receive treatment? Compare the deductible and other potential out-of-pocket costs, not just the premium.
- What benefits are included? Check hospital, outpatient, prescription, chronic condition, maternity, mental health, and other benefits relevant to you.
- What isn’t covered? Read the exclusions, pre-existing condition terms, waiting periods, and benefit limits.
- What is the policy maximum? Make sure the coverage limit is appropriate for your length of stay and healthcare needs.
- Do you need coverage for family members? Check dependent eligibility and benefits if your spouse or children will also need insurance.
Comparing these factors side by side can help you identify a plan that provides appropriate coverage without paying for benefits you do not need.
Not sure which option fits your situation? International Citizens Insurance’s licensed advisors can help you compare plans, benefits, coverage limits, and costs from multiple insurers at no extra cost.
Health Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens FAQs
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No, not all U.S. visas require health insurance. However, some visa programs have specific coverage requirements. For example, J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying medical coverage during the exchange program.
Check the requirements for your specific visa before choosing a plan. J-1 and J-2 participants can review the requirements through the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA program.
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Yes, you may be able to get health insurance in the USA without a Social Security number (SSN), depending on the type of coverage and your eligibility. International and visitors’ insurance may have different application requirements from U.S. health plans.
For ACA Marketplace coverage, lawfully present immigrants may be eligible, and applicants may need to provide an SSN if they have one or relevant immigration documentation. Check HealthCare.gov’s information for immigrants for current Marketplace requirements.
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International students may need health insurance depending on their visa and school requirements. J-1 exchange students must maintain qualifying medical coverage, while F-1 and other international students may be required by their college or university to have insurance.
If your school requires coverage, you may be enrolled in a student health plan or allowed to use another plan that meets its requirements. You can also explore international student health insurance options.
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If you need medical care in the U.S. without health insurance, you will generally have to pay for treatment yourself. In an emergency, most hospital emergency departments must screen and stabilize you even if you cannot pay, but you can still be billed for the care you receive.
Learn more about healthcare costs in the USA.
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Depending on the plan, yes. Some global health plans let you lower your premium by choosing a higher deductible, adjusting your coverage level or geographic area, or selecting fewer optional benefits. However, not every benefit can be removed individually.
Working with a licensed insurance broker can help you compare plans and available benefits to find a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.