Health insurance for non-U.S. citizens in the US
Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive, with doctor visits costing hundreds of dollars, along with the cost of prescribed medications and procedures. If you’re hospitalized, a mere 3-day stay1 can quickly add up to $30,000.
To help minimize healthcare costs, many U.S. residents can get coverage from private, employer-sponsored, public insurance, and other insurance programs. However, health insurance for non-citizens can be limited.
Let’s look at the options below.
Can non-U.S. citizens get health insurance in the US?
Many non-U.S. citizens can obtain health insurance in the United States, but eligibility depends on immigration status, place of residence, income, employment, and the intended duration of their stay.
Non-U.S. citizen health insurance coverage is available for immigrants who are lawfully present, including:
- Lawful permanent residents or non-U.S. citizens authorized to live and work in the States, and granted a Green Card
- Individuals petitioned for LPR status by relatives or employers
- Refugees, asylees, conditional entrants, and individuals with deportation or removal withheld
- Cuban and Haitian entrants, special immigrant juveniles, and individuals with temporary protected status, deferred enforced departure, or deferred action
- Non-immigrant visa holders, including students, tourists, visitors on business, temporary workers, and other individuals who are permitted to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely and granted valid visas such as F-1, J-1, H-1B, or L-1 visas
Individuals residing in the country without official immigration paperwork or active, valid visa status are considered undocumented immigrants. They are ineligible for federally funded benefits and health insurance plans.
Here’s a quick preview of options for health insurance in the U.S. for foreigners: 2,3,4
|
Immigration Status |
Primary Insurance Options |
Eligibility for Marketplace Savings |
|---|---|---|
|
Green Card Holder (LPR) |
Employer-sponsored, ACA Marketplace, Medicaid/CHIP (often after a 5-year waiting period) |
Yes (based on household income) |
|
Work Visa Holder (H-1B, L-1, etc.) |
Employer-sponsored, ACA Marketplace, Private off-marketplace insurance |
Eligible to purchase plans, but not for premium savings |
|
Refugee or Asylee |
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)5, ACA Marketplace |
Eligible to purchase plans (savings rules vary) |
|
International Student (F-1, J-1) |
University-sponsored plans, specialized international student insurance, ACA Marketplace |
Eligible to purchase plans, but not for premium savings |
|
Short-Term Visitor/Tourist |
Travel medical insurance, short-term international health insurance |
Not eligible for ACA Marketplace plans |
|
Undocumented immigrant |
Private insurance (off-marketplace), community health centers, emergency Medicaid |
Not eligible for ACA Marketplace plans |
What types of health insurance are available to foreigners?
The United States has no universal healthcare. Residents and foreigners rely on private, employer-funded, or government-managed programs. Depending on your visa and other circumstances, you generally have five main options for health insurance for foreign nationals.
Employer-sponsored health insurance
Temporary workers and permanent residents employed in the U.S. may be eligible for health insurance sponsored by their employers.
This arrangement involves premium sharing where the employer pays part of the monthly premium and the employee pays the remaining amount through automatic payroll deductions. Family members and dependents, such as a spouse or children, can usually be added to the policy.
However, new employees may face a waiting period before their coverage officially begins. Some medical insurance for non-U.S. citizens may also be available under the following terms:
- Deductible: The insured typically pays out of pocket for medical care before the insurance company starts sharing costs.
- Copay: A fixed dollar amount is paid by the insured at the time of service; for example, a fixed $25 for a doctor’s visit
- Coinsurance: The insured shares the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage, such as 20% of the total bill
ACA marketplace health insurance
The Affordable Care Act (ACA)6, established in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, made health insurance affordable and accessible to more people, including lawfully present immigrants.
Anyone with a recognized lawful presence in the United States can purchase a plan in the ACA Marketplace to get medical insurance for non-U.S. citizens. These include individuals with a valid non-immigrant visa, Green Card, or humanitarian status. If you have an eligible immigration status and your income level falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for premium tax credits which lower your monthly payments.
The annual open enrollment for ACA Marketplace begins on November 1 and ends on January 15. A special enrollment period may be requested for special circumstances. You can choose coverage from four plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum7), which determine your monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket medical expenses. You may also check if you qualify for savings through deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
International health insurance
For expatriates and global citizens frequently moving between countries, international health insurance is another option. These plans provide continuous medical protection both inside and outside the United States.
Basically, it functions like regular health insurance while you are overseas. The policy can cover you in multiple countries and may include coverage for emergencies, diagnosis, treatment, and health checks. Policies are often offered on annual or long-term plans, especially for expats, students, and workers.
Travel medical insurance
Tourists, short-term visitors, and vacationers staying in the U.S. for just a few weeks or months are recommended to get travel medical insurance for unexpected emergency medical care, accidents, or sudden illnesses during their trip.
Keep in mind, though, that travel medical insurance is not a comprehensive U.S. health insurance for foreigners. It does not cover routine preventative wellness checks or the management of pre-existing chronic conditions.
Student health insurance
International students residing in the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 visas are often compelled to get student health insurance because many academic institutions require proof of coverage before enrollment.
While there are school-sponsored options, the availability and coverage of insurance for non-U.S. citizens enrolled as students in the country vary widely. International students are advised to check their specific universities and visa requirements for coverage mandates, minimum policy limits, and other terms.
Can non-U.S. citizens get Obamacare?
The quick answer is yes, lawfully present non-U.S. citizens can buy health insurance through Obamacare. However, undocumented immigrants are not eligible to purchase plans through the public exchanges.
Immigration status will determine which option in health insurance USA for foreigners can be applied. Visa holders can generally purchase ACA marketplace plans, but income-based subsidies (premium tax credits) are limited to specific categories, such as Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders).
How much does health insurance cost for foreigners in the US?
There is no single “average cost for foreigners” because healthcare pricing varies depending on multiple factors, including immigration status, age, income, location, marketplace plan, and many others.
Instead of a baseline number, let’s look at the following mechanisms that affect the total cost of healthcare for non-U.S. citizens:
A recurring monthly fee you pay to keep your health insurance active. For some immigrants, employers share a portion of this; others may have to shoulder the full premium.
A fixed dollar amount you pay out of your own pocket on medical services. Often, the insured has to pay first before the insurance company begins to cover specific expenses.
A set or fixed fee you pay upfront for routine medical service. For example, you may need to copay $40 for a prescription refill or a consultation with a specialist.
A shared cost structure where you pay a fixed percentage of a medical bill. In this arrangement, you pay a specified percentage of the bill while the insurance company handles the rest. Often the insurance company shoulders the bigger share.
The absolute maximum amount you will pay out of your own pocket per year. Beyond this limit, the plan covers 100% of your medical bills for the rest of the policy year.
Take note that different plans balance costs differently. For example, a plan with a low monthly premium typically carries a much higher annual deductible, while a plan with a higher premium has lower deductibles and copays. The latter can reduce your sudden out-of-pocket costs when you actually use healthcare services.
What documents do foreigners need to get health insurance?
The specific documents you need to provide depend on the type of coverage you choose and your current immigration status. Depending on your situation, you should prepare the following:
- Passport from your home country
- Immigration documents confirming your status (Green Card, employment authorization card, etc.)
- Visa information outlining your valid classification
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Social Security Number (SSN), if you have already been officially issued one
- Proof of income such as pay stubs, an employment offer letter, or foreign tax records
- U.S. address verification (utility bills, rental agreements, or official mail)
- Employer information, including your company’s benefits registration details
How to choose health insurance as an expat in the US
When reviewing your choices, use this practical checklist:
- Check your immigration status. See if you qualify for the public marketplace or specific federal programs.
- Decide how long you’ll stay. This will help you choose between temporary travel insurance and long-term comprehensive care.
- Check employer coverage. Your company may already provide subsidized health benefits.
- Compare Marketplace plans if eligible. Explore open platforms like HealthCare.gov.
- Check provider network. Verify that local doctors, specialists, and nearby hospitals accept the plan.
- Check prescription coverage. Make sure your ongoing medications are covered under the plan’s formulary.
- Compare deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Calculate your financial risk.
- Check whether you need coverage outside the U.S for holiday trips home or international travel.
- Check waiting periods to know exactly when your medical benefits become active.
- Compare total annual cost, not only monthly premium. This helps estimate out-of-pocket expenses.
Staying connected with family abroad
Moving to a new country and figuring out medical systems can be stressful, which makes it all the more important to stay connected with your family abroad. Keep your support system close by using reliable international calling and money transfer services like BOSS Revolution. This ensures that you are well-guided in your healthcare decisions and that you and your family are able to get healthcare funding across borders safely and securely.
Can foreigners buy health insurance in the USA?
Yes. There are many health insurance options available to foreigners, including employer-sponsored healthcare and the ACA Marketplace for lawfully present foreigners. Private insurance brokers and international agencies also offer options.
Can I get health insurance without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you can prove your lawful presence through alternative immigration documents. These include valid non-immigrant visas for students and workers.
Can visa holders get health insurance in the US?
Yes. Valid non-immigrant visa holders (such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1, or J-1) can secure coverage through their employers, university programs, private brokers, or the public ACA marketplace.
Can immigrants get Obamacare?
Yes, provided they are lawfully present immigrants. However, eligibility for income-based premium discounts and extra savings depends on their specific legal classification.
Can undocumented immigrants get health insurance?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal subsidies and ACA marketplace plans. However, they can purchase plans from private or off-marketplace insurance providers. They may also be eligible for services in community health clinics or Emergency Medicaid for severe crises.
Do expats need health insurance in the US?
They are not mandated to have health insurance, but having one protects them from massive financial loss in case of a medical emergency.
Can I get health insurance if I am only visiting the US?
Yes. Short-term visitors and tourists can purchase specialized travel medical insurance or international travel plans before or upon arrival. They do not qualify for long-term domestic U.S. health plans, so travel insurance is the only way they can get protection from steep medical expenses while traveling in the U.S.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of October 12, 2026
- https://www.healthcare.gov/why-coverage-is-important/protection-from-high-medical-costs/
- https://www.nilc.org/articles/what-immigrants-need-to-know-about-the-new-medicaid-eligibility-restrictions/
- https://media.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lawfully-Present-Individuals-Eligible-Under-the-ACA-August-14-2025.pdf
- https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ148/pdf/PLAW-111publ148.pdf
- https://refugees.org/refugee-medical-assistance-a-strong-start-requires-strong-health-coverage/
- https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/comparing-plans/
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
