Temporary Medical Insurance

[K1visa_user 0]

Hi all

I came to USA last month on K1 visa. We recently got married and yet to file for AOS.

I'm planning to work, but I heard that it takes around 3 months to get EAD (I havent applied yet). Meanwhile, I would like to get a temporary medical insurance policy till I get a job. My husband tried to include me in his company's medical insurance and it is pretty costly. I searched online and there are many polices and companies. I'm confused. I would like to get a cheaper and reliable insurance policy, for 3-6 months. Any suggestion?

Kavitha

[K1visa_user 0]

I came to USA last month on K1 visa. We recently got married and yet to file for AOS.

I'm planning to work, but I heard that it takes around 3 months to get EAD (I havent applied yet). Meanwhile, I would like to get a temporary medical insurance policy till I get a job. My husband tried to include me in his company's medical insurance and it is pretty costly. I searched online and there are many polices and companies. I'm confused. I would like to get a cheaper and reliable insurance policy, for 3-6 months. Any suggestion?

Kavitha

[Mononoke28 135]

I can't imagine that getting private insurance coverage for yourself can be less expensive than joining your husband's insurance policy. Most insurances will cost between $300-$400 per month.

Diana

[Dan J 277]

Depending on the company/state laws, you may be required to have an EAD or GC before you can get private insurance.

Even unless you go for a plan with a large deductible ($2000-5000), you will pay $300-500 per month.

If you have any pre-existing conditions, it will not be covered, or you will pay quite a bit extra.

[payxibka 10,047]

I came to USA last month on K1 visa. We recently got married and yet to file for AOS.

I'm planning to work, but I heard that it takes around 3 months to get EAD (I havent applied yet). Meanwhile, I would like to get a temporary medical insurance policy till I get a job. My husband tried to include me in his company's medical insurance and it is pretty costly. I searched online and there are many polices and companies. I'm confused. I would like to get a cheaper and reliable insurance policy, for 3-6 months. Any suggestion?

Kavitha

Oxymoron = temporary reliable and cheap medical insurance....

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Being part of a group plan is always cheaper then individual medical insurance, chances are the coverage is better as well. The cost is spreadout between all the participating employees.

Is it really cheaper to get your own insurance rather then be added to your husband's? I find that hard to believe Any company who covers you for short periods is likely to charge you an arm and a leg and I would read the coverage info carefully before signing on the dotted line.

PS: I formally worked for one fo the larger insurance companies in Canada and it's amazing how many folks don't read the fine print when comparing policies...cheapest is not necessarily best.

Good luck

[Lansbury 19]

If you just want it for a short time it might be worth considering just getting insurance that covers emergency and hospital treatment and pay for any visits to the doctors office yourself. That would be cheaper if you are fit and well.

My niece used to sell medical insurance and I remember her saying that sort of policy was about 50% cheaper than buying full cover.

[Dan J 277]

Being part of a group plan is always cheaper then individual medical insurance, chances are the coverage is better as well. The cost is spreadout between all the participating employees.

Is it really cheaper to get your own insurance rather then be added to your husband's? I find that hard to believe Any company who covers you for short periods is likely to charge you an arm and a leg and I would read the coverage info carefully before signing on the dotted line.

PS: I formally worked for one fo the larger insurance companies in Canada and it's amazing how many folks don't read the fine print when comparing policies...cheapest is not necessarily best.

Good luck

Group plans are only cheaper if the employer subsidizes it. Otherwise its more expensive as they are required generally, to cover people with pre-existing conditions.

Yes it is cheaper to get private insurance, if the cost is not subsidized by the employer and/or you have a very high deductible.

Because its so expensive, most people make their choices based on cost and not coverage.

[slbois 0]

It is better to be added to an already existing plan offered by an employer. If you are searching an individual medical plan, you can be rejected very easily for prior health problems, current medical conditions, even your weight, etc. Even if you are not flat our denied, the rates are far more expensive.

[Jigi 0]

hi,

Its better u are accomodated with your hubby . Its better that way

Jigi

[Kathryn41 3,205]

At my pharmacy yesterday I saw this pamphlet on private health insurances - there are a variety of plans available to meet your needs and pocketbook. I picked it up remembering this thread. Here is their website: http://www.vitalonehealthplans.com Their phone number is 1-877-848-2566. Plans are not available in NJ, NY and WA.

I am not sure if this will help, but I hope it does.

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

My wife's premiums would have tripled if she had added me to her plan. I searched and found Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. I was able to get a good plan with premiums less than $100. The interesting thing is that my wife's plan is also with BCBS but it's BCBS of Minnesota. Mine is with BCBS of Wisconsin.

NB: Mel works in Minnesota.

Edited March 1, 2008 by Mel_and_Daniel