Health Insurance for Foreigners and Non-U.S. Citizens in the USA
Foreigners and non-U.S. citizens can get health insurance in the USA. The right coverage depends on your immigration status, length of stay, age, and reason for being in the country. International health insurance is suited to people living in the U.S. long term, while travel medical or visitors’ insurance is better for temporary stays. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for employer-sponsored or U.S. health coverage.
What Health Insurance Do You Need in the USA?
Your options include international health insurance, a travel medical plan, or visitors’ insurance, as well as 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 | Student or qualifying international 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 international health insurance | Long-term coverage options for employees and dependents | Employer benefits, start date, dependents, network, international needs |
| Retiree or 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 Options for Non-U.S. Citizens
Once you know which category best describes you, you can look more closely at the coverage available for your situation.
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 policy 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 policy provides the level of coverage you need.
Alternatively, a global medical plan can provide coverage in the United States and other countries. This may be useful if you travel frequently, regularly return to your home country, or want access to healthcare in more than one country. Global medical plans are designed for people living outside their home country and can be a good option for expats moving to the United States for one year or longer.
The United States does not generally require expatriates or U.S. citizens to have health insurance. However, U.S. healthcare is among the most expensive in the world, and without an adequate plan, hospital stays, emergency treatment, and other healthcare services can result in high out-of-pocket costs.
When comparing global medical plans, check whether you need U.S.-only or worldwide coverage, which hospitals and doctors you can access, your deductible and policy limits, and whether you need benefits for dependents.
Health Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens Over 65
Non-U.S. citizens over 65 may be eligible for Medicare or can 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, a private global medical plan or visitors’ insurance may be options depending on your circumstances. 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 for less than a year, U.S. travel insurance may be more appropriate than a long-term global health plan.
Travel medical plans are designed for temporary stays and help cover unexpected illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies. Depending on the policy, benefits may also include doctor visits, hospital treatment, prescription medications, 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.
Not sure which option is right for you? Learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance.
What Does Health Insurance for Foreigners in the USA Cover?
Health insurance for non-U.S. citizens can vary significantly depending on whether you choose travel medical, international health, employer-sponsored, or a U.S. domestic plan. Before buying a policy, check what is included rather than assuming all plans provide the same benefits.
Depending on the plan, benefits may include:
- Hospital and inpatient treatment
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Emergency medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Laboratory tests and diagnostic services
- Treatment and management of chronic conditions
- Preventive care
- Mental health treatment
- Maternity care
- Medical evacuation or repatriation insurance
- Optional dental or vision benefits
Not every policy includes all of these benefits. Pay particular attention to exclusions, waiting periods, pre-existing condition terms, maternity benefits, benefit limits, and any treatments that require prior authorization.
Best Health Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens in the USA
Non-U.S. citizens looking for private coverage in the USA have several international health plans to consider. These include Cigna Global, BCBS Global Solutions, and International Medical Group (IMG). Each offers different benefits, coverage options, and price points.
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a provider with worldwide coverage and a dominant presence in the U.S. It offers excellent service and benefits to clients, with personnel on the ground in major countries to provide an immediate response when needed.
Cigna also offers a flexible plan that lets you choose which modules and benefits to include in the policy. Tailoring your U.S. health policy is an advantage that will help you budget expenses effectively.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Worldwide Premier is a very popular provider in the USA. It offers more comprehensive benefits than Cigna Global’s base plan, along with a premium level of customer service.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier is a partner of Blue Cross Blue Shield of America, a leading insurer in the USA. This gives BCBS Global Solutions a wider network of high-quality doctors and hospitals included in its policies.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
International Medical Group (IMG)
IMG offers several affordable medical plans in the United States. It is the best option for foreigners on a tight budget who do not want to compromise on basic coverage.
IMG’s Bronze and Silver plans provide basic medical care coverage. Their Gold and Platinum plans offer additional benefits to clients. IMG partners with UnitedHealthcare PPO and First Health to provide access to their global networks of providers and hospitals.
We recommend the Gold and Platinum plans if you’re staying for more than a year, as they offer comprehensive benefits.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
How Does the ACA Apply to Non-U.S. Citizens?
Your immigration status can affect your eligibility for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Lawfully present non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders and people with certain visas or other qualifying immigration statuses, may be eligible to buy a health plan through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace.
Depending on your income, immigration status, and circumstances, you may qualify for financial assistance that reduces the cost of Marketplace coverage. Eligibility rules change beginning January 1, 2027, so check the current Marketplace requirements before applying.
Your U.S. tax residency can also affect how some ACA rules apply to you. Learn more about how the IRS determines resident and nonresident alien status in the United States.
How Much Is Health Insurance in the U.S.?
The cost of a policy varies widely depending on your age, the number of people covered, the deductible, the plan level, the geographic area, and whether you need coverage in the U.S. only or worldwide.
The most affordable global medical plan we offer ranges from $400 to $500 per year, while the most comprehensive plans can cost $30,000 to $40,000 per year. The average plan costs between $5,000 and $8,000 per person per year.
Global medical plans are available for different needs and budgets. Lower-cost plans may focus mainly 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, a short-term travel medical plan can 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 a more comprehensive policy.
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. Depending on the plan, this can range from $50,000 per coverage period to $5 million or more. Policy maximums are generally per person, while some comprehensive plans offer higher or unlimited coverage.
As a general guideline:
| 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 travel medical insurance, while people living or working in the U.S. long term can consider comprehensive international, 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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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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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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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.