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, medical insurance for immigrants 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.
Unplanned medical expenses are generally covered by immigrant insurance. That includes emergency evacuation and accidental death and dismemberment, apart from the medical costs related to inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, surgery, and ambulance services.
Physiotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are also covered by some US immigrants insurance. Dental care is included if the damage is to the natural teeth, and mental disorders, drug and narcotic abuse and maternity are all covered if conditions are satisfied. What is not covered? Routine medical care, optical care, previously existing conditions, and cosmetic surgery are generally excluded.
You can choose between scheduled benefit and comprehensive benefit immigrant insurance plans. The difference between the two plans is in the benefits available in scheduled benefit plans, each medical service is covered up to a certain amount (surgery, for example, can be covered up to, say, $5,000), and in the more expensive comprehensive plans, most benefits are covered up to the policy maximum.
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.
You can buy immigrant health insurance at any time before you leave for the U.S., or after you reach the U.S. Remember to purchase the insurance plan that is most appropriate for you. You can push anxiety about healthcare costs out of your mind!
