When an immigrant to the U.S. first encounters life as an American, he/she should be well placed to handle all the changes in life that being an immigrant brings with it. To help matters in the health department, immigrant health insurance is a must.
To enjoy life as an American, it is essential to ensure that health costs don’t spiral out of control. Immigrant health insurance can help in this regard. What’s more, some plans, called guarantee issue plans, are designed in such a way that they accept all applicants.
Your immigrant insurance will cover you for sudden illnesses and injuries. You will also be covered for emergency evacuation, and AD&D. You will also be covered if you are hospitalized, or consult a doctor for a sudden illness. Surgery, diagnostic exams, prescriptions, and ambulance services are also typically covered. Some plans may offer you coverage for physiotherapy.
In addition, some Inbound immigrant insurance plans also cover chemotherapy or radiation therapy, dental treatment (only for damage to natural teeth), mental disorders, substance abuse, and maternity, all subject to certain conditions. Common exclusions are pre-existing conditions, optical care, routine examinations and doctor visits, and cosmetic surgery.
Health insurance for immigrants comes in two varieties scheduled benefits plans and comprehensive benefit plans. Scheduled benefit plans are less expensive, and have a fixed coverage amount for each medical service; these limits are listed in the brochure. Comprehensive plans, however, usually offer up to the benefit maximum for each covered service; only the deductible and coinsurance will be paid by the insured.
Your immigrant insurance plan comes under the short-term health insurance umbrella, and ranges in duration from one month to five years. The procedure for renewal depends on plan. You also have a choice of deductibles, which are inversely proportional to the premium payable.
Insurance companies come in many shades, and chances of prompt claim settlement depend on how the insurance company is rated. A.M Best Company’s ratings will help in this regard. It is best to be knowledgeable about a company’s status to avoid disappointment later.
Health insurance for immigrants must be purchased before departure to, or soon after arrival in the United States. It is important for an immigrant to realize the importance of immigrant health insurance and choose a relevant plan that meets their needs. That’s one worry that immigrants who are trying to find their feet in a new country can cross off their list!
Dan Miller often writes about inbound immigrant insurance.
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Tags: Finance, Health, health insurance, immigration, insurance, travel