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Insurance for New Immigrants
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Insurance Guide for New Immigrants
Moving to the United States means navigating a new insurance system. Unlike many countries, the U.S. relies heavily on private insurance rather than government programs. This guide explains what coverage you need, what you’re eligible for, and how to get started.
At a Glance
- Health insurance eligibility depends on immigration status—options range from employer plans to Medicaid
- Auto insurance is legally required in almost every state if you drive
- Renters insurance protects your belongings and is affordable
- Building credit helps lower insurance rates over time
- Some coverage has waiting periods—plan ahead for gaps
Health Insurance
Health insurance in the U.S. is essential. Medical care is expensive, and being uninsured can lead to significant debt or delayed care.
Eligibility by Immigration Status
| Status | ACA Marketplace | Medicaid | Employer Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen (naturalized) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Green Card holder | Yes | Yes (5-year wait in some states) | Yes |
| Refugee/Asylee | Yes | Yes (no waiting period) | Yes |
| Work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) | Yes | Usually no | Yes |
| Student visa (F-1, J-1) | Limited | Usually no | Limited |
| DACA recipients | State-dependent | Usually no | Yes |
| Undocumented | No | Emergency only | Limited |
Your Options
Employer Coverage If your employer offers health insurance, this is often your best option:
- Employer pays a significant portion of premiums
- Coverage starts when you start the job (sometimes after a waiting period)
- May cover spouse and dependents
ACA Marketplace Legal residents can shop at Healthcare.gov (opens in new tab) :
- Open enrollment: November-January
- Premium tax credits available based on income
- Coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions
Medicaid Income-based coverage for low-income residents:
- Some states have 5-year waiting period for green card holders
- Refugees and asylees have no waiting period
- Children may qualify even if parents don’t
Student Health Insurance If you’re on a student visa:
- Many universities require health insurance
- Student health plans are often available through the school
- Check if your visa requires specific coverage levels
What If You’re Not Eligible?
If you’re not eligible for standard coverage:
- Emergency Medicaid covers emergency room care
- Community health centers offer sliding-scale fees
- Some hospitals have charity care programs
- Short-term visitors can purchase travel medical insurance
Auto Insurance
If you drive in the United States, auto insurance is required in almost every state.
State Requirements
Every state (except New Hampshire) requires minimum liability insurance:
- Bodily injury liability: Covers injuries you cause to others
- Property damage liability: Covers damage to others’ property
Minimum amounts vary by state—check your state’s requirements.
Getting Coverage Without U.S. History
New immigrants often face challenges:
- No U.S. driving record
- No U.S. credit history
- No prior U.S. insurance
What to expect:
- Higher initial premiums
- Rates decrease as you build history
- Some insurers are more immigrant-friendly
Tips for Getting Coverage
- Get a U.S. driver’s license: Required for most policies
- International driving record: Some insurers accept translated records
- Shop multiple companies: Rates vary significantly
- Consider telematics programs: Usage-based discounts can help
- Bundle policies: Discounts for combining auto with renters insurance
International Driver’s Licenses
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid temporarily:
- Typically valid for 1 year
- Must obtain U.S. license within that time
- Not all states accept IDPs equally
Renters Insurance
If you rent an apartment or house, renters insurance protects your belongings.
What It Covers
- Personal property: Furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.
- Liability: If someone is injured in your home
- Additional living expenses: Temporary housing if your place is damaged
Cost
Very affordable: typically $15-25/month for $20,000-30,000 in personal property coverage.
Why It’s Important
- Your landlord’s insurance does NOT cover your belongings
- Replaces electronics, furniture, clothing after theft or fire
- Required by many landlords
- Helps establish insurance history
Building Credit and Insurance History
In the U.S., credit scores affect insurance rates. As a new immigrant, building credit history takes time but is worth the effort.
How Credit Affects Insurance
In most states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores to set rates. No credit history often means higher rates initially.
Building Credit
- Open a bank account
- Get a secured credit card
- Make small purchases and pay in full monthly
- Keep accounts open over time
- Apply for a regular credit card when eligible
Building Insurance History
- Maintain continuous coverage without lapses
- Pay premiums on time
- Avoid claims when possible
- Document your clean record
Types of Insurance You’ll Encounter
Required
- Auto insurance: If you own/drive a car
- Health insurance: Required under ACA (penalty removed, but coverage still important)
- Workers’ compensation: Your employer must provide this
Often Required
- Renters insurance: Many landlords require it
- Flood insurance: Required in flood zones with a mortgage
Recommended
- Life insurance: If others depend on your income
- Disability insurance: Protects your income if you can’t work
- Umbrella liability: Extra protection beyond auto and renters
Common Questions
Can I Get Insurance Without a Social Security Number?
Health insurance (ACA): Requires SSN or document number for eligible immigrants.
Auto insurance: Some insurers accept ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
Renters insurance: Usually possible without SSN.
Will Insurance Companies Accept Foreign Documents?
- Driving record: Some accept translated foreign records
- Previous insurance: May be considered by some companies
- Education: Foreign degrees may qualify for some discounts
What If I Leave the Country?
- Health insurance: May have out-of-country coverage limits
- Auto insurance: Notify insurer of extended absence
- Renters insurance: Coverage may continue or may need suspension
New Immigrant Insurance Checklist
First Month
- Health insurance: Enroll through employer or explore marketplace options
- Understand eligibility: Know which programs you qualify for
- Emergency numbers: Know how to access emergency care
When You Get a Car
- Driver’s license: Obtain your state license
- Auto insurance: Shop multiple insurers
- Compare quotes: Rates vary widely for new residents
When You Rent
- Renters insurance: Get a policy before moving in
- Document belongings: Create an inventory with photos
- Understand lease requirements: Some landlords require specific coverage
Ongoing
- Build credit: Open accounts and pay on time
- Maintain coverage: Avoid gaps in insurance history
- Review annually: Rates should decrease as history builds
- Ask about discounts: Multi-policy, good driver, etc.
Not Sure What You Need?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations for your situation.
Next Steps
- Determine eligibility—understand which health coverage you qualify for
- Get required coverage—auto insurance if driving, renters if required
- Start building credit—open a secured credit card
- Shop around—compare quotes from multiple insurers
- Keep documentation—maintain records of coverage and payments
Related Checklists
- Moving States Checklist - State-by-state insurance requirements when relocating
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can immigrants without green cards get health insurance?
Legal immigrants can purchase health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for marketplace plans or Medicaid in most states, but can purchase private insurance directly and access community health centers.
Is there a waiting period for immigrants to get Medicaid?
Most legal immigrants must wait 5 years before qualifying for Medicaid. Exceptions include refugees, asylees, and certain other humanitarian categories who can access Medicaid immediately.
Do I need a Social Security Number to buy insurance?
For ACA marketplace plans, you need a Social Security Number or document number from immigration documents. For private insurance purchased directly, requirements vary by insurer.
How do I get auto insurance as a new immigrant?
You can get auto insurance with a valid driver’s license, which requirements vary by state. Some states accept foreign licenses, others require you to obtain a state license first. International driving permits may work temporarily.
What health insurance options exist during the immigration process?
Options include visitor health insurance, short-term health plans, or private insurance from insurers that don’t require citizenship status. Once you have legal status, ACA marketplace plans become available.
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State Insurance Guides
Insurance requirements, costs, and available programs vary significantly by state. Find state-specific resources to complement your insurance for new immigrants coverage research.
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