Health Insurance

[Steph&Alex 0]

Hi my fiance is moving to the USA in a couple of weeks, but we still haven't figured out health insurance. We're young and I'm still on my father's health insurance, but I'm pretty sure he isn't eligible to be added to it as well. I know almost nothing about health insurance and what would be best for him. Any advice on what to do about health insurance for him, my fiance?

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

You are correct that he cannot be added to your dad's insurance. In fact, you may loose coverage once married too- look into that.

If you want him to have health insurance immediately/ very soon after arriving, check out "short term insurance". This is designed for people who are not covered by employer's insurance for a matter of months, we had that when we first arrived from Blue Cross. It goes into effect the day the check is post marked, and lasts for up to 180 days. Once you are married and he gets a job, hopefully he will have insurance via the employer.

[Steph&Alex 0]

You are correct that he cannot be added to your dad's insurance. In fact, you may loose coverage once married too- look into that.

If you want him to have health insurance immediately/ very soon after arriving, check out "short term insurance". This is designed for people who are not covered by employer's insurance for a matter of months, we had that when we first arrived from Blue Cross. It goes into effect the day the check is post marked, and lasts for up to 180 days. Once you are married and he gets a job, hopefully he will have insurance via the employer.

I've already looked into my health insurance and they can't kick me off. So I'm covered. Thanks for the short term insurance suggestion we will be looking into it. I also need suggestions for the long run seeing as he's a freelance web designer and will not be getting a job with a company that would be able to supply health insurance. Thanks!!

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

Long term you'll have lots of choices- it won't be cheap, but if he has no pre-exisiting conditions, it is do-able. I would stay with the big ones such as Blue Cross, Kaiser etc. If you have a favourite doctor you think would suit him too, you could always call them and see what insurances they take, then check out their websites.

[DandT14 272]

The last time I looked into it, Blue Shield had the best rates for an individual w/o maternity coverage. Of course, it depends on the state. You also have to check and see if they will cover non-citizens. (I'm guessing since you called him your fiance, he doesn't have a greencard yet.) Most insurance companies ask for a SSN. I've heard you can refuse to give it, but I've never tested that out.