You do not have to be a US citizen to purchase health insurance, but you do have to be a documented (lawful) permanent resident or green card holder. If you do not have legal status in the US, there are still some options available to you (see #2 below).
1. If you are documented, or fall into any of the following categories below, you can get traditional coverage, and take advantage of discounted (subsidized) plans:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR/Green Card Holders)
- Individuals with non-immigrant status (worker visas, student visas, and citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau)
- Asylees
- Refugees
- Victims of Trafficking
- Lawful Temporary Resident
People with the following statuses and who have employment authorization qualify for the Marketplace:
- Registry Applicants
- Order of Supervision
- Applicant for Cancellation of Removal or Suspension of Deportation
- Applicant for Legalization under Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)
- Legalization under the LIFE Act
(You can see a more detailed list with descriptions of these statuses
here.)
2. If you are not documented and do not fall into any of these categories, you are not eligible for coverage through healthcare.gov or any State or Federal marketplaces. You can, however try a private insurer for short term medical and accident insurance
here.
If you go uninsured, there are a couple of other options for health care. You are eligible for emergency care under Federal law. You may also seek non-emergency health services at community health centers, which do not ask about immigration status. You can find your nearest health center
here.
Comments
2 comments
Hi Ryan,
I have a B1/B2 visa meant for short term business and tourism purposes. I visit the US pretty often for meetings for my work in the UK and that qualifies me as a non-immigrant. As I have legal status, can I purchase health insurance?
I spend quite a few months in the US every year so want to be sure I'm covered.
Thanks,
Hi Christina. Internationals residing in the USA are able to purchase a private global medical insurance plan that is comprehensive and annually renewable. Additionally, it will provide worldwide coverage in any country, including back home in the UK.
An alternative and more affordable option would be to purchase an annual travel insurance plan. These plans will cover you for multiple trips per year up to a maximum number of days per trip (typically 30 or 45 days max per trip). They are a less comprehensive emergency medical plan that will cover you if you get sick or injured but not for checkups or wellness visits.
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