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Best medical insurance in California for expats
Find the best health insurance in California for foreigners. Discover and compare prices, plans and coverage that best suit you.
Choosing medical insurance in California can be difficult, especially if you’re a foreigner and the US health care system is unfamiliar territory. But don’t worry, your friends at Holafly’ll guide you along the way. Whether you’re a digital nomad, student or long-term tourist, we’ll tell you about the best medical insurance options for travellers whose next landing will be San Francisco, the Big Apple or anywhere else in California.
Which foreigners need medical insurance in California?
If you’re a student, nomad or want to spend a long period of time in this destination, having medical insurance in California is an aspect that you should have covered, starting because it is a requirement according to your visa for extended stays, in addition to the fact that the US health system is private and with high costs. Let us then look at the groups of foreigners who need medical insurance in the United States, especially if they plan to live in California:
- International students: If you’re enrolled in a Californian university, many institutions require medical insurance as a requirement for enrolment. This ensures that you have access to medical care in case of emergencies or chronic illness.
- Digital nomads: These professionals who love to work from different destinations are attracted to California by its Mediterranean-like climate and technology boom. Having local or international medical insurance is a requirement of the entry visa to protect you during your stay.
- Temporary workers and expatriates: Many foreigners working in sectors such as technology, agriculture or entertainment need medical insurance to cover emergencies, hospitalisations and visits to specialists.
- Long-term visitors: If you plan to stay for an extended period of time in California, taking out medical insurance will help you avoid high costs in case you need health care.
What type of medical insurance is required for foreigners traveling in California?
When looking for medical insurance in California, you’ll find several options designed for foreigners. These are the main ones:
1. International medical insurance
This type of insurance is designed for those who travel frequently or live in different countries. Companies such as Cigna Global or IMG offer comprehensive plans covering consultations, hospitalisation and emergencies around the world, including California, ideal for digital nomads or expatriates.
2. Local medical insurance
Purchase local medical insurance, such as those offered by Kaiser Permanente or Blue Shield of California gives you access to a network of hospitals and clinics within the state. These plans are useful for students or if you plan to stay in California for an extended period of time, as they tend to be cheaper than international plans.
3. Medical insurance for international students
Many universities have agreements with specific insurers, such as Blue Shield which offer coverage that meets university requirements and guarantees access to essential services tailored to the needs of international students. These plans usually include primary care, hospitalisation and prescription drugs.
4. Government programmes (Medi-Cal)
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid programme, which provides free or low-cost coverage for people with limited incomes, including some categories of aliens. If you qualify, it’s an affordable option that guarantees access to essential medical services.
How much do health services cost in California?
The costs of medical services in California are high and vary significantly. Without medical insurance, which drastically reduces the costs of care thanks to its network of coverage, the approximate prices are:
| Service | Average price in dollars |
| General medical consultation | 150 – 300 |
| Consultation with a specialist | 250 – 600 |
| Hospitalisation per day | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Emergencies (basic assessment) | 500 – 3,000 |
| Minor surgery | 10,000 – 30,000 |
Advice to find the best medical insurance in California
Having the right medical insurance in California means precaution and investment in your well-being. Choose a plan that gives you peace of mind during your stay in this popular destination:
- Analyse your needs: Assess the length of your stay, the level of cover you need and your budget.
- Check the provider network: Make sure the insurance covers hospitals and clinics near your location in California.
- Check exclusions: Pay attention to services that aren’t included, such as dental treatment or pre-existing conditions.
- Compare plans: Platforms such as Covered California can help you compare different options according to your needs.
Medical insurance in California: Top 5 options for foreigners
Whether for study, tourism or work, California is the state that everyone wants to visit in the USA. The quality of life in the more affluent cities like Los Angeles is high; imagine having to deal with the costs of the health care system and its complications. In brief, learn the details of the five best medical insurance options in California:
1. Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a leading choice for expatriates seeking medical coverage in California and around the world. On their official website, cignaglobal.com, they offer international plans with flexible levels of cover that you can customise to suit your needs and budget.
This insurance is compatible with foreign nationals who plan to stay in California for extended periods of time or require access to both local and international medical care. This includes expatriates, digital nomads and international workers.
| Plans and coverage | ||
| Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| -Maximum annual coverage of $1 million– Includes hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, medical imaging (up to $10,000), rehabilitation ($5,000) and emergency care ($500) – Doesn’t cover maternity or psychiatric treatment. | -Maximum annual coverage of $ 2 million– Hospital maternity (up to $7,000) and newborn care ($75,000) – Increased coverage for medical imaging ($15,000) and rehabilitation ($10,000). | -Fully paid” coverage for inpatient and outpatient care – Includes psychiatric and behavioural care, maternity ($14,000) and newborn care ($156,000) – Full coverage for advanced imaging and rehabilitation. |
Advantages
- No age limit to acquire the services.
- Flexible coverage that includes or excludes the USA, depending on the plan selected.
- Additional services such as access to emotional support and comprehensive health care.
Costs
Monthly prices start at around $200 for the most basic plan and increase according to the coverage selected and the age of the insured.
2. Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of the most recognized insurers in California, known for offering comprehensive health plans with access to an extensive network of hospitals and physicians. Its approach based on the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) model ensures coordinated and efficient services.
| Plans and prices | |
| Individual HMO plans | They start at $150 per month and cover essential services. |
| Medi-Cal Plans | For low-income residents, free or reduced fares. They include medical visits, medication and hospitalisation. |
For Kaiser Permanente coverage, plans include:
- General and specialist medical consultations.
- Hospitalisation and emergency care.
- Diagnostic tests and preventive medical treatment.
- Prescriptions and wellness programmes such as acupuncture and chiropractic (limited to 20 combined sessions per year)
Some services are not covered, such as dental treatment, cosmetic surgery and care outside the United States, which may be relevant for expatriates and frequent travellers.
This insurance is useful for those staying more than six months in California, such as international students or expatriate professionals, as it allows for a continuum of care without the need to look outside the network. On the website kaiserpermanente.org you can find more details according to your needs.
3. IMG Global (International Medical Group)
IMG Global has special international medical insurance for expatriates, international students and visitors to the USA. The main features of its plans are flexibility and comprehensive coverage; it includes general medical care, hospitalisation, emergency evacuation and treatment of pre-existing conditions under certain conditions. It also provides access to a global network of medical providers, available on its website internationalinsurance.com.
| Popular plans | |
| Patriot America Plus | Coverage in the United Healthcare PPO network, covering 100% of costs after deductible. It’s suitable for extended visits with options starting at $150 per month, depending on age and level of coverage. |
| Global Medical Insurance (GMI) | A long-term plan for expatriates and their families. This insurance includes outpatient services, hospitalisation, maternity, dental care and medical evacuation. Prices start from around $200 per month. |
Limitations and exclusions
Some conditions such as psychological illnesses or experimental treatments are not covered. In addition, rates may vary according to the state and age of the insured.
4. GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is a medical insurance with international coverage in more than 180 countries, with benefits such as hospitalisation, medical consultations, preventive care, mental health coverage, medical emergencies and prescription medicines. Additional services such as ophthalmological and dental coverage are also available.
The insurance includes emergency medical transport, repatriation of remains and substance abuse treatment benefits, both inpatient and outpatient. It sets no limits on preventive care and allows you to choose deductibles from $0 to $10,000, i.e., how much money you’re willing to pay out of pocket before the insurance begins to cover expenses.
Costs and plans
GeoBlue Xplorer insurance offers plans with prices that vary depending on factors such as the age of the insured and the coverage chosen. Plans can be paid on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis, providing flexibility for those who need to adjust their payments.
What makes GeoBlue Xplorer unique is that it offers global coverage (i.e., you can receive medical care in many countries around the world), but with one important exception: It does not cover medical care within the United States. This can result in savings of up to 50% compared to other insurances that do include coverage in the USA If you don’t plan to receive medical care within the country and want to reduce costs, find out more about this plan on their official website geobluetravelinsurance.com.
In addition, this insurance is designed to meet the requirements of F1 and J1 visas, which are commonly used by international students and temporary workers in California.
Important exclusions
Common exclusions include more complex psychological illnesses, accidents at work, and some pre-existing conditions, depending on the initial medical assessment.
5. Covered California
Covered California is the state’s official medical insurance marketplace, offering access to local plans approved under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It’s aimed at legal residents, but some schemes are available for foreigners on work visas or international students.
It includes essential coverage such as hospitalisation, preventive care, prescription medicines, mental health, maternity care and paediatrics, among others. All Covered California plans cover pre-existing conditions with no waiting periods, perfect for foreigners who need short- or long-term insurance.
Here’s a comparison chart of Covered California health plans, with approximate coverage and costs for foreign nationals, considering the options available:
| Plan | Coverage | Monthly cost in dollars |
| Bronze | 60% | 300 – 500 |
| Silver | 70% of medical expenses | 450 – 700 |
| Gold | 80% of medical expenses | 600 – 900 |
| Platinum | 90% | 800 – 1,200 |
Important exclusions
Access to Covered California can be complicated for tourists and non-permanent non-resident aliens. In addition, coverage doesn’t include services outside the USA.
What’s the best medical insurance for foreigners in California?
To answer this question, it’s important to make a comparative analysis to evaluate more closely the aspects detailed in the above information on coverage, benefits, limitations and, of course, costs:
| Insurance | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Estimated cost |
| Cigna Global | Customisable international cover; hospitalisation, emergency, chronic conditions, consultations. | Extensive global hospital network; customisation; pre-existing conditions with certain plans. | High costs; some specific exclusions such as mental health or dental treatment. | From $200/month |
| Kaiser Permanente | Local coverage in California; HMO model; includes inpatient, preventive and emergency care. | Excellent local network; affordable prices; coordinated care. | For use in the USA only. Doesn’t cover out-of-network; limitations on pre-existing conditions. | From $150/month |
| IMG Global | International coverage with options for visitors and expatriates. Includes emergency and hospitalisation. | Flexibility in short- and long-term plans; medical evacuation; excellent for frequent travellers. | Exclusions for dental treatment and psychological conditions. | From $150/month (Patriot America Plus). |
| GeoBlue Xplorer | U.S. and global coverage; includes mental health, dental and vision (optional); medical evacuation. | Unlimited lifetime maximum; preventive care and telemedicine. | Requires initial medical evaluation; may be costly depending on deductible. | From $200/month |
| Covered California | Local plans under ACA; hospitalisation, prevention, maternity, medicines and emergencies. | Subsidies available; ideal for legal residents with limited income. | Not accessible to tourists; not covered outside the USA. USA; prices vary according to income. | From $250/month without subsidies. |
While choosing the best medical insurance depends on your specific needs as a foreigner in California, your budget and length of stay, GeoBlue Xplorer stands out as a balanced medical insurance option in California for several reasons:
- International coverage: GeoBlue Xplorer offers worldwide coverage (except for the USA). This is ideal for those who plan to travel or live outside the country, but still need to be covered in case of emergencies or medical care elsewhere. This is useful if you have a long trip or plan to reside in California for a limited time.
- Meets visa requirements: This insurance meets the specific requirements for F1 and J1 visas, which are common among students and temporary workers. This makes life easier for foreigners who need insurance that complies with their visa regulations.
- Flexible plans: GeoBlue Xplorer plans allow you to select options according to your individual needs. This means you can opt for a plan that fits both your budget and your coverage needs, which is essential for those who don’t plan to reside permanently in California.
- Additional benefits: Unlike other local insurance such as Kaiser Permanente, which is limited to coverage within California and only offered in HMO plans (where you must use doctors in their network), GeoBlue Xplorer offers more flexibility and freedom of choice, without the restrictions of a medical network. It also has access to telemedicine services, emergency care and mental health management programmes, which can be crucial for travellers or expatriates.
- Cost savings: While Covered California plans have lower premiums, these plans do not offer the international flexibility that GeoBlue Xplorer provides. In addition, insurers such as Cigna Global are more expensive in general and may offer a broader type of coverage, but at higher prices, especially if coverage is sought within the United States.
Are you ready to start planning your trip to California? Don’t just ensure your health, but also your connection. Get the Holafly eSIM in California and browse without limits!
