Medical Insurance...SO Confused!

[rhirhi 35]

My fiancé recently brought up the fact that I'll need medical insurance when I get out there. We've only just submitted our I-129F so we've a long way to go yet, but I like to be prepared!

I've done a search through the forums here and on Google and can't fid anything which specifically addresses my concerns, so apologies if I'm being dull here.

1) I've read that when it comes to filing my taxes, I'll be penalised for every month that I've gone without insurance. Does this include the time between arrival and marriage? Does it only count once I am married? Or is it only once I get my greencard?

2) Is there any "special" type of insurance, or conditions, which I will need when I do get insurance?

3) Is it better to go onto my fiancé's plan once we are married, or to get my own? It's tricky as I won't be able to work (and get health insurance through a job) for a number of months as you all know...this is all giving me a headache!

I'll be moving to MA if that makes a difference to any of this.

[Boiler 46,013]

Get married asap.

Get added to her plan.

The Obamacare thing is not operational yet.

[lost_at_sea 995]

If he has a work provided plan that'll take you, then that will be by far the most straight forward plan and it'll likely not cost you both a dime more.

In the interim, look up temporary coverage if you want some emergency insurance before you marry. Some UK provided travel insurance may be sufficient.

Edited July 16, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Boiler 46,013]

Travel Insurance is not applicable he is immigrating.

[claire and joe 2]

Travel Insurance is not applicable he is immigrating.

I didnt know that ! I was going to get a months travel insurance so i was at least covered while we were sorting everything out ! !

How will they know ?

[Boiler 46,013]

If it is a minor issue you would usually pay and reclaim when you return.

If it is major issue then the first thing the Insurer would be looking at is repatriation, for obvious reasons.

[rhirhi 35]

I'm not TOO concerned about having medical issues in the interim between arrival and marriage, I'm just concerned that I'll get into trouble for not having anything! Will I be penalised come tax return time for not having insurance between arrival and marriage?

SUCH a confusing issue

[rjm_cmyk 75]

I'm not TOO concerned about having medical issues in the interim between arrival and marriage,

Errmmm - you are aware of the costs of even the simplest medical care in the US ? A simple trip to A&E can cost thousands and you really don't want emergency dental care.

I've seen how much it costs first hand and I'll be getting some cover for any interim between arrival and marriage as I think it unsafe to rely on UK travel insurance.

[rhirhi 35]

Errmmm - you are aware of the costs of even the simplest medical care in the US ? A simple trip to A&E can cost thousands and you really don't want emergency dental care.

I've seen how much it costs first hand and I'll be getting some cover for any interim between arrival and marriage as I think it unsafe to rely on UK travel insurance.

I'm aware. Maybe I didn't phrase that very well. My question is due to my lack of understanding of the system...ie to avoid penalty will I need insurance from the moment I touch down on US soil, or is it only possible to get insurance once I am married? If so, what happens in the interim between arrival and marriage? All insurance I have looked at only covers US citizens.

[Boiler 46,013]

Have you discussed this with your SO who would be aware?

[rhirhi 35]

Yes, he's just as confused as I am. He was on his parent's insurance til a certain age then moved to his work's insurance, so his dealings with insurance have never been complicated. The bit I'm most confused about pertains specifically to those immigrating to the US- will I need insurance straight away or only after marriage?

Sorry, I'm not sure if I'm making much sense here!

[Boiler 46,013]

Need, well if you get sick/injured, yes.

Obviously many AMericans (most?) have either no insurance or inadequate insurance.

[rhirhi 35]

OK, I know that I need insurance should I get sick or injured before I get married and my fiancé's insurance kicks in. That's the bit that I do understand, however the bit I don't understand is whether I will be penalised when I complete my first tax return if I don't have insurance between arrival and marriage (about 1 month).

From what I've read, US citizens (or certainly MA citizens) are fined for each month that they go without, what I don't understand is whether there will be a grace period for K1s until they get married.

I doubt I'll end up going without, I just want to get the full picture.

[rhirhi 35]

As an aside, hope I haven't thrown a spanner in the works for anyone else who is yet to emigrate! Just got my head around the visa process and I'm finding all these extra little bits which need to be considered. Frustrated and confused!

[lost_at_sea 995]

From what I've read, US citizens (or certainly MA citizens) are fined for each month that they go without, what I don't understand is whether there will be a grace period for K1s until they get married.

I doubt I'll end up going without, I just want to get the full picture.

Do you have a link to what you were reading?