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Best medical insurance for foreigners in USA
Looking for health insurance in the USA? Here you can consult the 5 best health insurances for foreigners.
Choosing medical insurance in the USA is essential for any foreigner living, working or studying in the country, as accessing the health care system without coverage is extremely costly. The USA has one of the most complex and expensive healthcare systems in the world, so having an adequate policy is crucial to receive medical care without facing unexpected and high costs.
To find the best health insurance in the USA, foreigners should evaluate several factors, such as type of coverage, access to extensive medical networks, and costs. Needs vary according to the type of stay: a digital nomad may require flexible and temporary coverage, while an international student may need insurance that meets the requirements of his or her university. This article details the essentials of choosing the right medical insurance and provides a guide to understanding the different types of plans, helping you find the most suitable option for your profile and situation in the US.
Which foreigners need medical insurance in the USA?
There are different profiles of foreigners who need medical insurance in the United States for different reasons, either due to extended stay or visa requirements. Each profile faces unique challenges within the USA healthcare system, making it critical to find an insurance plan tailored to each situation. Among these different types of people we can find:
- Digital nomads: Those working remotely from the US may require coverage that covers both routine consultations and emergencies. See more information in our post: Complete guide for digital nomads in the USA.
- International students: Many study programmes require foreign students to have medical insurance in the United States that complies with their universities’ regulations and covers emergency medical services.
- Temporary workers and expatriates: Those holding work visas, such as H-1B, often require medical insurance that provides comprehensive coverage depending on their length of stay and conditions of employment.
- Seniors: Although Medicare, the federal health programme, covers some foreigners over the age of 65, there are often limitations, so private insurance is advisable for comprehensive care.
- Family members of residents and citizens: Those visiting family members residing in the USA for extended periods should also consider medical insurance that suits their needs.
What types of medical insurance are available to foreigners in the USA?
To choose the best medical insurance in the United States, it’s important for foreigners to consider the coverages and services included, as these determine the scope of the insurance. Apart from these elements, other factors such as the hospital network, the language of care and additional services such as telemedicine are also crucial to facilitate adaptation and to obtain an accessible and convenient medical experience. There are several types of medical insurance available to foreigners in the USA, each tailored to different needs and circumstances:
- International medical insurance: These plans are ideal for those seeking global coverage, useful both in the USA and abroad. They offer flexibility and often include medical emergencies, consultations, hospitalisation and even repatriation. International insurance is often the best option for digital nomads or expatriates who want to maintain coverage outside the USA.
- Local medical insurance: These insurance options are designed exclusively to cover medical needs within the USA. Often, they have a network of medical providers in the country, which can reduce the cost of some services. We recommend them for those who’re long-term residents in the USA or have visas that require domestic medical coverage.
- Short-term medical insurance: Designed for short-term stays, temporary insurance covers unexpected events and medical emergencies. They’re ideal for business travellers or temporary visitors, although they’re often limited in coverage. They aren’t recommended for long stays or routine medical needs.
How much do health services cost in the USA?
The cost of medical services in the USA is considerably higher compared to other countries. This makes access to quality care complex without adequate insurance. Even for basic services such as general consultations or emergency care, prices can be prohibitive. As a result, they generate costs that are difficult to cover for those without medical coverage.
For foreigners planning to reside or visit the country for extended periods of time, it’s important to know the prices of essential medical services, as the USA health care system isn’t subsidised and costs must be borne by the patient or their insurer. Below is a table of approximate prices for some common health services you might face without medical insurance in the USA, to help you better understand the importance of having adequate coverage.
| Service | Approximate(US dollars) |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | $5,000-15,000 per night |
| General medical consultation | $100 – 300 |
| Consultation with a specialist | $200 – 600 |
| X-ray | $100 – 1,000 |
| Emergencies (general visit) | $500 – 3,000 |
| Intensive therapy | $10,000-20,000 per day |
| Full blood test | $100 – 500 |
| Minor surgery | $1,500 – 5,000 |
| Prescription medications | $10-200 per medication |
Top 5 best medical insurance for foreigners in the USA
For foreigners planning to live or spend an extended stay in the USA, finding the right medical insurance in the USA is essential. Coverage in the USA can be complex and each insurer offers different benefits and limitations depending on the client’s profile. Here’s a list of the five best medical insurers for foreigners. We’ll evaluate key aspects such as duration of coverage, pricing, exclusions and specific benefits that facilitate the stay of digital nomads, international students and expatriates in the USA.
1. GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is a medical insurance in the USA known for its focus on global coverage, ideal for foreigners. This insurance offers general medical care, speciality care, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests and emergency cover. It’s an attractive option for stays of six months to a year, as its plans include emergency care and treatment of chronic illnesses.
- Plans and prices: Rates for this insurance vary according to the profile of the user and the length of stay. Prices start from $250 per month.
- Exclusions: It doesn’t cover certain pre-existing illnesses if they haven’t been previously declared, nor does it cover psychiatric treatment, nor does it cover dental coverage in some of its basic plans.
- Recommended for: Digital nomads and expats looking for comprehensive coverage in and outside the USA.
2. Cigna Global
Cigna Global Health stands out for the personalisation and flexibility of its policies, covering general practitioner, specialist and emergency needs, as well as hospital care. This US medical insurance has rates starting at $200 per month and allows you to add coverage modules such as dental, pregnancy and chronic care. It’s perfect for stays of one year or more.
- Plans and pricing: Basic plans start at $200 per month and more comprehensive options start at $300 per month.
- Exclusions: This insurance does not cover certain mental health treatments, illnesses such as AIDS or accidents at work.
- Recommended for: Foreign nationals on long stays looking for full coverage.
3. IMG Global Medical Insurance
IMG offers a range of plans from basic coverage to more comprehensive options. The general policy covers medical care, hospitalisation, consultations, specialised treatment and emergencies, with rates starting at $150 per month. It’s a medical insurance option in the USA, especially suitable for long stays in the country. Additional modules are available to cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.
- Plans and prices: From $150 per month and more comprehensive policies for $250 per month.
- Exclusions: Psychological treatment, accidents at work and pre-existing conditions in basic plans.
- Recommended for: Long-term travellers or digital nomads looking for affordable cover.
4. Aetna International
Aetna is a USA medical insurance company renowned for its general health coverage and its accessibility in terms of medical providers. Its plans include consultations, diagnostic tests and hospitalisation, with costs starting at $180 per month. It also has more comprehensive policies that cover mental health treatment and chronic illnesses.
- Plans and pricing: Rates range from $180 per month for basic plans and $300 per month for premium policies.
- Exclusions: This insurance does not cover traffic accidents, illnesses such as AIDS and basic dental treatment.
- Recommended for: Expatriates on long stays who need comprehensive cover.
5. Seven Corners
Seven Corners is popular for its short- and long-term medical insurance options in the USA. Its plans include coverage for hospitalisation, emergencies, consultations and diagnostic tests. Prices start at $120 per month, ideal for short stays and frequent travellers looking for flexibility in their coverage.
- Plans and pricing: Offers policies starting at $120 per month for short-stay plans.
- Exclusions: This insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, mental health problems or dental services.
- Recommended for: Temporary visitors and international students on a limited budget.
Which is the best medical insurance for foreigners in the USA?
Choosing the best medical insurance for foreigners in the USA depends on factors such as the type of coverage, the length of stay, the health status of the insured and, of course, the budget. However, in general terms, IMG Global Medical Insurance and GeoBlue Xplorer are two options that are widely known and valued for their comprehensive coverage, accessibility and specialised services for foreigners in the USA.Here are the key aspects of these two options and the reasons why they can be considered the best alternatives for different profiles of visitors.
1. IMG Global Medical Insurance
It stands out among international medical insurance plans for its versatility and comprehensive coverage with a choice of three levels of protection: Silver, Gold and Platinum. These plans cover everything from general medical consultations and emergency care to hospitalisation and pre-existing conditions. All of these aspects are important for those seeking full and effective coverage.
Prices can vary between $150 and $400 per month, depending on the level of coverage. This insurance is very useful for digital nomads and expatriates who plan to reside in the USA for an extended period of time. It has customisable coverages and can optionally cover dental treatment and mental health, benefits that aren’t common in other policies.
2. GeoBlue Xplorer
It’s a health insurance in the USA that stands out for its specialised focus on expatriates and international students. It also offers an extensive and recognised network of health providers in the country. This insurance is ideal for those who want comprehensive care, including preventive care, specialty coverage and access to virtual consultations, which allow for check-ups with doctors from different specialties.
Their prices, although slightly higher, tend to be in the range of $200 to $500 per month. In addition, your plan is distinguished by its option to waive the deductible if the user chooses to receive treatment outside the USA, which may be convenient for those who travel frequently between their home country and the USA.
3. The best health insurance for foreigners in the USA
In conclusion, IMG Global Medical Insurance is the preferred choice among digital nomads and freelancers who want international medical insurance that covers both in the USA and abroad. Its versatility in coverage levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum) allows the plan to be tailored to different needs and budgets, which is ideal if you’re planning an extended stay or travelling between countries.
You now have information about the different types of health insurance in the United States that you can choose from and what we consider to be the best option. So, it’s time to pack your bags and start your trip with peace of mind knowing that you’re already insured, but don’t know what to take with you to the USA? Don’t worry, our article will help you: What to pack for the USA.
