Expat Guide: Health Insurance According to Visa Type
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it comes with many responsibilities—one of the most important being health insurance. For expats coming to the United States, your visa type will often determine your health insurance requirements and options. Navigating the world of expat health insurance can be overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the types of coverage available for specific visas. In this guide, we will break down the options for international health insurance for expats based on visa types: H1B, L1, E, and O visas.
An H1B visa is a special non-immigrant visa that allows foreign professionals to work in the United States in jobs requiring specific skills. It's a popular option for others and is usually granted for up to three years, with the chance to extend your stay.
Types of Insurance for H1B Visa Holders
Understanding your health insurance options as an H1B visa holder can be confusing, especially since the US healthcare system differs from that of many other countries.
One thing to note is that while H1B visa holders are not legally required to have health insurance, many employers offer it as part of their benefits package. Here’s a quick look at the types of health insurance you can get:
Domestic Health Insurance: This type of insurance most H1B workers get through their jobs. If you work for a company that provides health benefits, they will likely cover things like hospital stays, doctor visits, emergency room care, and sometimes even prescription medication. It’s a great option because it often comes at a reduced cost since your employer shares part of the expenses.
Private Health Insurance: If your employer doesn’t offer health coverage, you can always buy your own private health insurance. There are various plans to choose from, and it’s important to pick one that suits your healthcare needs, like how often you visit doctors or if you need any regular treatments.
Short-Term Health Insurance: This type of insurance is a temporary option, often used if there’s a gap before your employer-sponsored plan starts. It’s not a long-term solution, but it can help you avoid any periods where you’re uninsured.
If you have a family, they’ll need health coverage, too. As dependents of an H1B visa holder, your spouse and kids can apply for an H4 visa, but they won’t automatically be covered under your insurance. The good news is that most employers let you add your family to your plan, although it might raise your premiums. If that’s not an option, you can buy private health insurance for them, with many companies offering plans that cover all of your family’s needs.
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits intracompany transfers of employees from their headquarters or offices abroad to the United States. This visa is specifically designed for intracompany transferees, meaning workers already employed by the company in a foreign country are brought to the US to fill a key role.
Even though it is not legally required for L1 visa holders, it’s highly advisable to get health insurance for L1 visa. The cost of US healthcare can be incredibly high, and insurance is the best way to protect yourself from unexpected medical bills.
An E visa is for foreign nationals who invest or do business within the US. There are a few types: E1 for treaty traders, E2 for treaty investors, and E5 for those in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. These visas are meant to boost international trade and investment in the US. One unique thing about the E visa is that it’s usually issued for five years, but the best part is that you can renew it indefinitely as long as you still qualify.
Now, if you’re coming to the US on an E visa, having health insurance for E visa is important. While it may not be a legal requirement, healthcare in the US can be expensive, so it’s something you don’t want to go without.
The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals with great abilities in a certain field, such as science, arts, athletics, and the television industry. It's meant for leaders in their fields.
Things can get complicated regarding health insurance for O visa, but you don’t want to overlook it, especially in the US, where medical costs can add up quickly.
Securing health insurance as an expat in the US can be a complex process, and it varies greatly depending on your visa type. Whether you're on an H1B, L1, E, or O visa, health insurance coverage is crucial for your peace of mind and well-being.
At WellAway, we understand the unique needs of those living and working abroad, and our plans are designed to provide coverage no matter where you are. Whether you're looking for short-term insurance while waiting for employer coverage, or a complete health plan for your entire family, we have options for you. For more information, visit our official website and explore the range of health insurance plans for international students. We’re here to ensure that you and your loved ones are fully protected, no matter where life takes you.