Medical Benefits for Fiance(e) Upon Arrival in U.S.

[Texas Farang 0]

Initial discussions with my company's HR folks indicate that my fiancee cannot be included in my group medical/dental coverage and would not be considered a domestic partner -- even though the intent of the entire I-129F process is to arrange for immigration to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. Further, by completing the required I-134 Affidavit of Support form the U.S.-based partner is in fact required to certify support.

I'm hoping that there are VJers who have encountered this challenge and can offer some advice and insight. How did you provide medical insurance for your fiance(e) prior to marriage?

[athena_ny 1]

Initial discussions with my company's HR folks indicate that my fiancee cannot be included in my group medical/dental coverage and would not be considered a domestic partner -- even though the intent of the entire I-129F process is to arrange for immigration to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. Further, by completing the required I-134 Affidavit of Support form the U.S.-based partner is in fact required to certify support.

I'm hoping that there are VJers who have encountered this challenge and can offer some advice and insight. How did you provide medical insurance for your fiance(e) prior to marriage?

I didn't...he had his own medical through his employer (yeah, we didn't go the K-1 route), but no dental, and we had to be married for them to cover him. (Though my employer would have covered him if he were the same sex as me ... )

With some companies and their policies, it's hard to get a K-1 fiance covered. Worst comes to worst, get married ASAP and get an SSN (since a lot of companies want/need this info again, based on their policies) so she can be added.

[Jesse and Hema 2]

When my fiancee was here to visit (B-2), I got her medical insurance through IMG Global and was satisfied with cost and service. Fortunately, she didn't have to use it, so I can't testify to how good the coverage actually is. I'm planning to purchase from IMG global again for the time frame before marriage.

Good luck!

[athena_ny 1]

When my fiancee was here to visit (B-2), I got her medical insurance through IMG Global and was satisfied with cost and service. Fortunately, she didn't have to use it, so I can't testify to how good the coverage actually is. I'm planning to purchase from IMG global again for the time frame before marriage.

Good luck!

Was that traveler's insurance?

[Jesse and Hema 2]

Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

[pushbrk 12,883]

Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

This is worth checking out too. You join the organization but don't have to have the hobby.

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=6

[*julez* 124]

Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

I wouldn't recomend traveler's insurance as they contain specific clauses which indicate that if you are immigrating you are not covered through the travel policy. You need to find a short term immigrant's insurance. Google it, its out there!

[Jesse and Hema 2]

I wouldn't recomend traveler's insurance as they contain specific clauses which indicate that if you are immigrating you are not covered through the travel policy. You need to find a short term immigrant's insurance. Google it, its out there!

I've seen IMG advertised online, claiming that it will provide coverage for this specific scenario ("the ad said something like, 'want to get coverage before you're married?' on a page about K-1 visas).

Before I purchase again, I will definitely call to make sure, though! Thanks for the heads-up... Something worth looking into..

[athena_ny 1]

Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

I wouldn't recomend traveler's insurance as they contain specific clauses which indicate that if you are immigrating you are not covered through the travel policy. You need to find a short term immigrant's insurance. Google it, its out there!

That's why I was asking ... I heard about people obtaining traveler's ins. and having issues since they were actually immigrating.

[Jesse and Hema 2]

I've seen IMG advertised online, claiming that it will provide coverage for this specific scenario ("the ad said something like, 'want to get coverage before you're married?' on a page about K-1 visas).

Before I purchase again, I will definitely call to make sure, though! Thanks for the heads-up... Something worth looking into..

Just an update: To be sure, I called IMG and their Patriot America plan will cover the visitor, regardless of whether he/she is immigrating or not.

[msu17 0]

We didn't get him anything, just prayed that he didnt get hurt for the 1 month he was here before the wedding. He got added the day after the weddign though

[Texas Farang 0]

I've seen IMG advertised online, claiming that it will provide coverage for this specific scenario ("the ad said something like, 'want to get coverage before you're married?' on a page about K-1 visas).

Before I purchase again, I will definitely call to make sure, though! Thanks for the heads-up... Something worth looking into..

Just an update: To be sure, I called IMG and their Patriot America plan will cover the visitor, regardless of whether he/she is immigrating or not.

Excellent - exactly what I had hoped to hear. This will at least give us coverage until the "event" in April -- help fend off any potential disaster. I figure if I have insurance we won't need it, but if we don't...

Thanks for doing the research and sharing the info. That's what makes VJ such an asset.

Happy New Year.

[William33 110]

It all depends on the company you work for, in terms of dependant insurability. In our case, my wife was covered 12 months before arrival in the US and remains covered to date. All this activity occurred without a SS number. When you sign up for, or have a window to change health insurance parameters, do so, to include your SO. By law, a SS is not required for coverage. Cry BS to all other requests. You may need, proof of marriage, although rarely asked for. .

My advice, cut HR out of the loop, as the insurance company calls the final shots…

Best of luck and Happy New Year!!!

[Alt name 1]

For a fiance, the best bet is travel insurance. Google it.

For a spouse, no SS# is required. All that is needed is name, DOB, and proof of marriage, and you only have the "life change grace period" to do it.

[Jamie76 0]

I'd recommend against travelers insurance. Your Fiancee is not coming here as a tourist (or general short-term travel) which travelers insurance is geared towards. If you go this route and for some reason your fiancee gets sick, there is a good chance said insurance will not cover it.

Edited January 1, 2008 by Jamie76