"Bridge" health insurance after moving to USA

[usabound12456 0]

Hi there,

Between the time I physically immigrate to the USA and the time I start my work (which has offered me and my spouse health insurance), I won't be covered for any health insurance. This period will be about 4-5 days.

To be on the safe side, I want to buy insurance, but not sure from where. Would I purchase travel insurance from Canada, even though I would no longer be a resident? Can I purchase health insurance in the USA in advance for 4-5 days?

Any insights appreciated. Thanks!

[heo luoi 206]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/408016-health-insurance-k1/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/344255-k1-and-health-insurance/

[Ash.1101 1,756]

While those are both very old topics there are a couple of helpful tips in there, including this link: http://www.immigrationhealth.com/index.htm


Check with what ever state you're moving into and see if they have any incoming immigrant insurance options. Honestly though, I don't know how easy of a time you will have getting onto those plans if you only need them for 4-5 days as almost EVERYTHING insurance statewide could take more than a week or so just to process and then ask for more info.

It would probably be easier to get onto any third party provider plan (NOT state based), but that link should help.

[heo luoi 206]

I know I have seen several very recent ones. I didnt troll how 'new' they were or not.

Heres one from earlier today.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/573503-healthcareinsurance/?hl=%2Binsurance#entry7876556

[Exocet 88]

Just get some travel insurance to cover you for those few days. That's the easiest and most logical choice. US medical insurance plans won't let you get a plan for a few days.

But you should make sure that you know the details of when your work coverage will start. It seems highly unlikely it will start the day you start work... because chances are you will have to fill out forms and then your company will have to submit them.. and then it usually takes the rest of the month you're in plus a full calendar month before you are actually covered.

And make sure you read the details of the travel insurance.. because most of them are useless and won't actually cover you for anything anyway... but yeah... get some just in case

Good luck!

[usabound12456 0]

Just get some travel insurance to cover you for those few days. That's the easiest and most logical choice. US medical insurance plans won't let you get a plan for a few days.

But you should make sure that you know the details of when your work coverage will start. It seems highly unlikely it will start the day you start work... because chances are you will have to fill out forms and then your company will have to submit them.. and then it usually takes the rest of the month you're in plus a full calendar month before you are actually covered.

And make sure you read the details of the travel insurance.. because most of them are useless and won't actually cover you for anything anyway... but yeah... get some just in case

Good luck!

While those are both very old topics there are a couple of helpful tips in there, including this link: http://www.immigrationhealth.com/index.htm

Check with what ever state you're moving into and see if they have any incoming immigrant insurance options. Honestly though, I don't know how easy of a time you will have getting onto those plans if you only need them for 4-5 days as almost EVERYTHING insurance statewide could take more than a week or so just to process and then ask for more info.

It would probably be easier to get onto any third party provider plan (NOT state based), but that link should help.

Thanks everyone. I figure travel insurance is the best call, just want to ensure I would be covered if I am technically becoming a resident of the USA in that time.

Thanks!

[D.Ba 85]

No to travel insurance!

Travel insurance is for people who LIVE PERMANENTLY in a state and go abroad to VISIT. If you immigrate, you no longer live permanently in your home state! Travel insurance will not cover.

Temporary health insurance in US is very easy to get. Do it online, pay, covered immediately. And you can get insurance for 3 days, two weeks, a month - premium calculated on a daily basis.

[usabound12456 0]

No to travel insurance!

Travel insurance is for people who LIVE PERMANENTLY in a state and go abroad to VISIT. If you immigrate, you no longer live permanently in your home state! Travel insurance will not cover.

Temporary health insurance in US is very easy to get. Do it online, pay, covered immediately. And you can get insurance for 3 days, two weeks, a month - premium calculated on a daily basis.

Can you suggest an insurance company?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I would agree with the fact that you might want to read the fine print if you buy Canadian travel insurance before you leave. It could very well indicate that taking up permanent residency would not be valid...if it came down to it, you would have to prove you had not permanently emigrated, which you in fact did.

Google short term health insurance in your state - I'm not familiar with the terms or waiting periods but it makes sense to have some since you're not getting married immediately. I personally took the gamble, but in my case it was just 2 weeks until I was married and on my now husband's policy at work. Chances are nothing will happen, but you never know - a quick trip to Urgent Care in Virginia sans insurance because you have strep won't set you back more then probably $200...but break your leg and go to emergency and you'll owe $5K

Edited October 31, 2015 by Udella&Wiz