Do you provide international health insurance in the USA?
International health insurance involving the United States can be more complex than cover in other regions. The USA has unique healthcare costs, regulatory considerations, and underwriting requirements, which means eligibility often depends on where you live and how you plan to use your cover.
If you are considering international health insurance with USA access, it’s important to understand how residency status affects eligibility and what options may be available through Expatriate Group.
International health insurance and USA residency
Whilst we don’t cover people permanently residing in the USA, we are able to cover short term (up to 1 year) policies for people looking to travel to the USA whilst they obtain their green card. Please select an Area 3 option when applying online and use your normal residence as the correspondence address.
In practical terms, Expatriate Group does not provide international health insurance for individuals who are permanent residents in the United States. This reflects the complexity and cost of the US healthcare system, which often requires specialist domestic health insurance solutions.
However, there are situations where short-term cover involving the USA may still be available.
Short-term cover for travellers to the USA
Individuals who are not yet permanent residents of the United States may be eligible for short-term international health insurance that includes USA cover.
This may be relevant if you are:
- Travelling to the USA temporarily
- In the process of applying for a green card
- Waiting for permanent residency approval
- Relocating but not yet classed as a US resident
In these scenarios, policies may be available for short-term durations (typically up to 12 months), provided eligibility criteria are met.
Applicants are generally advised to:
- Apply using their normal country of residence
- Select the appropriate worldwide cover option
- Ensure residency details are accurate during application
This allows individuals to maintain international-style cover during transitional periods.
Why USA cover is treated differently by insurance providers
The United States is one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, and this affects how international healthcare insurers structure cover.
Key factors include:
- Significantly higher treatment costs
- Complex billing systems
- Variations in state-level healthcare rules
- Higher claims exposure for insurers
Because of this, many international insurers apply stricter rules around permanent residency and eligibility.
Expatriate Group offers international health insurance options designed for globally mobile individuals, including those who may require access to treatment in the USA under specific circumstances. Reviewing your residency status and intended use of cover can help ensure you choose a policy that supports your international healthcare needs.
