How To Get Health Insurance before starting work

[SophieTheGamer 9]

Hi all, 

 

I’m towards the end of getting my visa approved and I’m looking into options for health insurance until I find a job and work health insurance kicks in, does anyone have any info or details 

that could help ?

[TBoneTX 45,273]

Thread is moved from Off Topic to the "Moving to the US" forum.

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

Is your spouse covered by their employer? Have them check into adding a spouse, if so. I know it says you are coming under a CR1, and we were a K1, but my employer allowed me to add my husband once we were married stateside, and even before his SSN had been issued.

 

If not - as someone else mentioned, research the marketplace for your state. There are a variety of personal plans.

[SophieTheGamer 9]

17 hours ago, Paul & Mallory said:

Is your spouse covered by their employer? Have them check into adding a spouse, if so. I know it says you are coming under a CR1, and we were a K1, but my employer allowed me to add my husband once we were married stateside, and even before his SSN had been issued.

 

If not - as someone else mentioned, research the marketplace for your state. There are a variety of personal plans.

My husband is a full time student for another year and hes currently on Medi Cal,  so we arent sure if they will cover me yet we need to look into it more. If not ill need coverage till i get a job and it kicks in.

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

4 hours ago, SophieTheGamer said:

My husband is a full time student for another year and hes currently on Medi Cal,  so we arent sure if they will cover me yet we need to look into it more. If not ill need coverage till i get a job and it kicks in.

Yes, still check - you never know.

 

If not, just check our the coverage marketplace for your area (it varies by state, and sometimes by region). You should be able to find a plan to cover you in the meantime, even if it's just basic coverage for now. I read a post the other day about a beneficiary who isn't covered yet and had an accident where they needed stitches. The hospital bill will be pretty steep, since they have no coverage. It's better to be safe than sorry - even a self-bought plan is cheaper than hospital bills.

[SophieTheGamer 9]

2 minutes ago, Paul & Mallory said:

Yes, still check - you never know.

 

If not, just check our the coverage marketplace for your area (it varies by state, and sometimes by region). You should be able to find a plan to cover you in the meantime, even if it's just basic coverage for now. I read a post the other day about a beneficiary who isn't covered yet and had an accident where they needed stitches. The hospital bill will be pretty steep, since they have no coverage. It's better to be safe than sorry - even a self-bought plan is cheaper than hospital bills.

Yeah I totally get it, In Australia healthcare is practically free so I want to make sure I'm covered. I work as a nurse in healthcare so I want to be sure haha

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

1 minute ago, SophieTheGamer said:

Yeah I totally get it, In Australia healthcare is practically free so I want to make sure I'm covered. I work as a nurse in healthcare so I want to be sure haha

Same in Sweden - it was one of the strong factors when deciding between the US and Sweden, lol. It'll take getting used to - my husband has had to adjust. I was able to add him to my insurance I have at work as a spouse, but what I pay every month nearly tripled just by adding him (rather than just double). As an American, I was actually surprised. I asked my HR what it would cost if we had a child and needed family coverage, and the price was astronomical. I get we are a larger country than most, and not sure totally free healthcare would really work here... but it blows my mind how much they charge people just to be able to manage if they get sick or have an accident. It's ridiculous.

[CEE53147 559]

On 6/14/2018 at 7:42 AM, SophieTheGamer said:

Hi all, 

 

I’m towards the end of getting my visa approved and I’m looking into options for health insurance until I find a job and work health insurance kicks in, does anyone have any info or details 

that could help ?

Not all employers provide health insurance.

[CEE53147 559]

On 6/21/2018 at 2:39 AM, SophieTheGamer said:

My husband is a full time student for another year and hes currently on Medi Cal,  so we arent sure if they will cover me yet we need to look into it more. If not ill need coverage till i get a job and it kicks in.

Depending on the state of residence, new immigrants do not qualify for Medicaid (which is what Medi Cal is). CA is more generous than most states. 

 

Student health insurance generally has a family option.  Ask about it.  It is very basic but fine if you have no health issues. It is generally required for full time students at reputable universities.

Edited June 23, 2018 by CEE53147