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Best medical insurance in Florida for expats
Find the perfect health insurance in Florida for foreigners. We recommend the best coverage and price options for your trip.
The “Sunshine State” in the United States is one of the most visited states, along with California , and annually receives more than 100 million people, including tourists and temporary residents, who want to enjoy its white sandy beaches or its theme parks. If you’re a traveller, a nomad or a student planning to visit this place for a short or extended period of time, it’s essential to take out medical insurance in Florida to give you the peace of mind that you’ll be protected against any unforeseen eventuality.
Investing in medical insurance ensures that you enjoy the parks of Disney World, the beaches of Miami Beach or the Everglades prepared for any eventuality. That said, today at Holafly we are going to review the best medical insurance for foreigners in Florida, to help you choose the insurer that best suits your trip and your budget.
Which foreigners need medical insurance in the Florida?
Various groups of foreign nationals have the responsibility and need for comprehensive medical insurance while residing in or visiting Florida on a medium or long-term basis:
- Digital nomads: These are professionals who work remotely and choose Florida as their temporary place of residence.
- International students: Young people attending universities or educational programmes in the state.
- Temporary workers: People who move for work purposes for specific periods.
- Recent immigrants: Individuals who’ve moved to Florida and haven’t yet obtained permanent health coverage.
- Family members of residents: Relatives visiting for extended periods of time and requiring medical coverage.
What type of medical insurance is required for foreigners traveling in Florida?
- International medical insurance: Covers individuals in multiple countries, including the USA. They’re excellent for those who travel frequently or maintain residences in different nations.
- Local medical insurance: Offered by insurance companies with a presence in Florida. These schemes often provide a network of local providers and can be cheaper than international ones.
- Short-term health plans: Temporary cover ranging from three months to one year, useful for those who need an interim solution while they set up permanent cover.
- Government programmes: In some cases, certain immigrants may be eligible for programmes such as Medicaid, although restrictions apply based on immigration status and other criteria.
How much do health services cost in Florida?
The health care system in Florida is renowned for its quality and wide availability of services. On the other hand, the costs can be high if you don’t have medical insurance and can be overwhelming. This is an estimate of prices for some common medical services in Florida if patients bear the full cost. Please note that these prices vary according to the health centre, location and complexity of the service:
| Service | Approximate cost in dollars |
| Hospitalisation (per day) | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| General medical consultation | 100 – 300 |
| Consultation with a specialist | 200 – 500 |
| Laboratory tests | 50 – 200 per test |
| Radiography (X-ray) | 100 – 1,000 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | 500 – 3,000 |
How to be eligible for free medical insurance in Florida?
In Florida, government health coverage options for foreigners depend on immigration status and other eligibility criteria. Medicaid is the joint federal and state programme that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Florida, Medicaid eligibility is determined by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration (for SSI recipients).
Eligibility of specific foreign nationals
- International students: International students on temporary visas don’t qualify for Medicaid, as they aren’t considered permanent residents and don’t have a qualifying immigration status.
- Digital nomads and remote workers: Those with temporary visas or unskilled immigration status are also ineligible for Medicaid.
- Other Qualified Status Aliens: Qualified status immigrants, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees or asylees, may be eligible, although they may be subject to waiting periods and must meet income criteria and other conditions.
Medicaid operations and costs
Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services such as doctor visits, hospitalizations, preventive care, prescription drugs and more. Beneficiaries must use providers who accept Medicaid and may need to select a managed care plan. Coverage is generally free or at very low cost to beneficiaries. Some services may require minimum co-payments, but these are limited and depend on income level and state regulations.
Medical insurance in Florida: 5 best options for foreigners
Florida is known for its hot and humid climate, which can increase the incidence of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat stroke. In addition, Florida is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, which can create medical emergencies. Protecting your health and well-being should be a priority, and medical insurance in Florida is the best plan to take care of you and your family for the duration of your stay. Stay tuned as we’ll shortly introduce you to five medical insurance options in Florida that are best suited for foreigners:
1. Florida Blue
Florida Blue, also known as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, is one of the largest insurers in the state with a variety of health plans tailored to different needs and budgets. Plans are divided into HMOs (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organization), each with different coverage features, costs and restrictions.
HMO plans
- These plans require the insured to choose a primary care physician (PCP) to manage his or her care. To see a specialist, you need a referral from this doctor.
- They are ideal for those who are looking for a lower premium plan and are willing to adjust to a specific provider network.
PPO plans
- PPO plans offer greater flexibility, as they allow you to see any specialist without a referral and don’t require you to choose a primary care physician.
- However, premium costs are higher compared to HMO plans.
Florida Blue plan costs
Premium prices vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, health status, location and type of plan chosen. Approximate cost ranges are presented below:
| Bronze Plan (HMO or PPO) | Silver Plan (HMO or PPO) | Gold Plan (HMO or PPO) |
| Monthly cost: $200-$400. Coverage: This plan offers lower premiums, but with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Ideal for those who are generally healthy and don’t expect to use many medical services. | Monthly cost: Between $350 and $500. Coverage: Offers a balance between premium costs and deductibles, covering primary care, hospitalisation, prescription drugs and preventive services. It’s suitable for people who require regular medical care. | Monthly cost: $500-$800. Coverage: More comprehensive with higher premiums and lower deductibles. It’s ideal for those who need frequent medical care or regular medication. |
Limitations and exclusions
Like other insurance plans, Florida Blue plans have certain limitations and exclusions, including:
- Out-of-network coverage: HMO plans have more restrictive coverage outside the provider network. PPOs offer more flexibility, but visits to out-of-network providers can be more expensive.
- Dental and vision services: These aren’t always included in standard plans and may require the purchase of an add-on.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some plans may have waiting periods or restrictions on coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Mental health services: Some plans may offer limited coverage for mental health services or behavioural therapies.
2. Oscar Health
Oscar Health offers several medical insurance plans in Florida through the Health Insurance Marketplace, with a digital approach and an enhanced user experience. Oscar Health plans include mainly HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) options, with different levels of coverage to suit various budgets and needs.
| Bronze Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan |
| Basic coverage for emergencies, primary care, hospitalization, and some preventive services. Benefits: Access to in-network doctors, primary care, and hospitalization. Limitations: Co-payments and deductibles are high, and out-of-network coverage is limited to emergencies. Approximate cost: $250 to $350 for young, healthy people, but this cost may increase depending on age and other factors. | Coverage: Primary care, hospitalization, specialty care and some preventive services. Benefits: Out-of-pocketcosts are lower compared to the Bronze plan, and coverage is broader. Limitations: Like the Bronze plan, out-of-network coverage is limited to emergencies. Approximate cost: $350 to $450 depending on age and location. | Coverage: Covers a wide range of services, including preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and specialty care. Benefits: This plan also covers preventive care, specialty treatments, and hospitalization. Limitations: Monthly premiums are higher compared to the Bronze and Silver plans. Approximate cost: $450 a $600 per month. |
3. Ambetter
Ambetter offers health plans with a wide network of providers, clinics and hospitals, plus good prescription drug coverage, and out-of-network coverage is limited to emergencies.
Coverage and plans
- Essential Care Plan (Bronze): The cheapest, with low premiums but high deductibles and co-payments. Ideal for those who do not expect to need a lot of medical care, but offer coverage for emergencies, hospitalisation and primary care.
- Balanced Care Plan (Silver): Offers a balance between premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Covers primary care, hospitalisation, specialties and mental health services, with lower deductibles than the Bronze plan.
- Premier Care Plan (Gold): The most comprehensive plan with higher premiums and lower deductibles. It’s suitable for those who require frequent medical care, including preventive care, hospitalisation and prescription drugs.
Costs
Monthly premiums range from $200 to $300 for the Bronze plan,$300 to $450 for the Silver plan, and $450 to $600 or more for the Gold plan. However, costs vary according to the age, health status and location of the insured.
4. Cigna Healthcare
Cigna is a national medical insurer offering health plans with an extensive network of providers and additional wellness services.
| Bronze Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan |
| This plan is suitable for those who want to keep monthly premiums low and do not anticipate needing frequent medical care. It offers basic coverage, including primary care and hospitalisation, with higher out-of-pocket costs. Monthly premiums are lower compared to the other plans. | Ideal for families or people who visit the doctor on a regular basis. It offers a balance between premiums and out-of-pocket costs, covering primary care, hospitalisation and specialised services. Monthly premiums are moderate, and out-of-pocket costs are lower than in the Bronze plan. | Designed for those who visit the doctor frequently and take multiple prescription medications. It offers the broadest coverage, including preventive care, hospitalisation and prescription drugs, with higher monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs. |
Cigna Healthcare also provides access to 24/7 virtual care, personalised digital tools and year-round customer service. For a personalised quote and more details on the plans available, it’s recommended to visit the official website cigna.com.
Plans and prices
Cigna’s plan prices vary according to the type of plan, age and health status of the insured. For example, individual plans may have monthly premiums ranging from $400 to $700, depending on factors such as coverage and deductibles selected.
5. Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare offers health plans focused on providing coverage to diverse communities, including options for individuals and families.
Coverage and plans
- HMO plans: Provide access to a specific network of health care providers.
- General medical care and specialities: Included in the plans, allowing for consultations with primary care doctors and specialists.
- Emergency care and hospitalisation: Standard cover for medical emergencies and hospital stays.
- Diagnostic tests and laboratory examinations: Covered according to the selected plan.
Limitations
- Dental and vision services: Not included, but can be added as optional extras.
- Out-of-network coverage: Limited, which may be a consideration for foreigners who travel frequently.
Plans and prices
The costs of Molina Healthcare plans vary according to the level of coverage and the characteristics of the insured. For example, individual plans may have monthly premiums ranging from $400 to $700, depending on factors such as coverage and deductibles selected.
What’s the best medical insurance for foreigners in Florida?
When assessing your health needs, the length of your stay and your budget, it’s essential to choose medical insurance that offers both access to quality care and options that suit your personal requirements. After analysing the available alternatives, Florida Blue stands out as the most recommended option for foreigners in Florida, thanks to its robust network of providers and adaptable plans.
Florida Blue is one of the largest insurers in the state, which means you have access to an extensive network of hospitals and doctors throughout Florida, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll receive quality care, wherever you are. Whether you need primary care, specialist consultations, emergency services or even virtual care, Florida Blue offers flexible solutions through its HMO and PPO plans to fit a variety of needs and budgets.
What really sets Florida Blue apart is its comprehensive approach to care, which covers your basic needs and also includes rewards programmes for healthy choices, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests and emergency care. In addition, its multilingual customer service ensures that foreigners feel comfortable and well looked after at all times, regardless of their language or location.
With coverage ranging from regular doctor visits to access to high-quality specialties, Florida Blue is the winning choice for those seeking security and reliability during their stay in Florida. Its flexibility, broad coverage and excellent network of providers make it the best choice for foreigners who want to be protected without complications.
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