1. Juli 2025 — 5 min read
The U.S. has no universal healthcare—insurance is essential to access affordable medical care.
Healthcare costs are high without coverage, with even routine visits or emergencies running into thousands of dollars.
Expats can choose from employer plans, ACA marketplace plans, or private international insurance depending on visa status and length of stay.
Unlike many countries, the United States does not have a universal healthcare system. Instead, healthcare is primarily delivered through a mix of private providers, employer-sponsored plans, and government programs for eligible groups (like Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for low-income residents).
For expats, this means that you must arrange your own health insurance—whether through an employer, a government exchange, or a private provider. Without it, even a short hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Anyone living in the U.S. for an extended period—whether on a work, study, or dependent visa—should obtain health insurance. This includes:
Professionals on work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
International students (F-1, J-1, M-1)
Spouses and dependents of visa holders
Green card holders
Long-term visitors
While short-term travel insurance may cover emergencies, it’s not a substitute for full health coverage if you’re planning to live, study, or work in the U.S.
Insurance Type | Who It's For | Key Features | Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Employer-sponsored plans | Expats working for U.S. companies | Often high-quality, with partial premiums covered by employer | Check coverage start dates and dependent access |
ACA marketplace plans | Green card holders or certain visa holders | Subsidized plans under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) | May require U.S. tax filings |
Private U.S. insurance | Expats without employer coverage | Flexible plans for individuals and families | Often more expensive without subsidies |
International insurance | Digital nomads or global expats | Portable plans from providers like Cigna Global or IMG | Ensure U.S. is included in coverage |
Student health plans | International students | University-sponsored coverage, often mandatory | May be limited outside campus care |
Without insurance, even basic care in the U.S. can be costly. Here’s a look at typical out-of-pocket costs:
Medical Service | Approximate Cost (USD) Without Insurance |
---|---|
Primary care visit | $100–$300 |
Specialist consultation | $200–$500 |
Emergency room visit | $1,000–$3,000+ |
Hospital stay (per day) | $2,000–$5,000+ |
Childbirth (uncomplicated) | $10,000–$30,000 |
MRI or CT scan | $500–$3,000+ |
Ambulance transport | $400–$2,000 |
Here are some terms you’ll encounter when choosing a U.S. health plan:
Premium: The monthly cost of your insurance plan
Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in
Co-pay: A fixed fee for visits or prescriptions
Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll have to pay in a year before insurance covers 100%
Network: A list of doctors and hospitals your insurance works with
Generally, no. Most expats are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, which are reserved for U.S. citizens or permanent residents under specific conditions (age, income, disability). However, green card holders may qualify after meeting residency requirements.
Usually not. Most foreign health insurance plans don’t offer sufficient coverage for U.S. care unless you have a global insurance policy.
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Some visa types (like J-1) even require proof of insurance before entry.
Yes. Companies like Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and IMG offer international health plans that include U.S. coverage.
Consider short-term or travel insurance, but note these plans don’t meet ACA requirements and may not cover pre-existing conditions.
Some private insurers and international plans allow you to apply without a Social Security Number, but government-subsidized plans generally require one.
Review plan networks carefully: Many plans won’t cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.
Keep all paperwork: Insurance ID cards, EOB (Explanation of Benefits) forms, and medical receipts are important for claims or reimbursement.
Use urgent care centers when appropriate: For non-emergencies, urgent care is far cheaper than emergency rooms.
Telehealth options: Many plans offer virtual doctor visits for minor illnesses or mental health support.
Paying premiums or funding health-related expenses from abroad? Xe can help.
With Xe, you can:
✅ Send USD directly to insurers or U.S. bank accounts
✅ Avoid inflated currency conversion rates
✅ Transfer securely to over 190 countries
Send money to the U.S. with Xe and protect your health with peace of mind.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or immigration advice. Requirements for opening a U.S. bank account may vary by bank, visa type, and residency status. While we aim to provide up-to-date and accurate guidance for expats, always check directly with your chosen bank or a licensed advisor for the most current policies. Xe is not responsible for decisions made based on this article.
Xe combines bank-beating rates, secure transfers, and global reach to make moving money across borders fast, easy, and affordable.
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