Health Insurance in the USA for NRI (Non-Resident Indians)
✅ 1. Eligibility for NRI
As an NRI, you are eligible for U.S. health insurance if:
You are living/working in the U.S. with a valid visa (e.g., H1B, L1, F1, J1)
You are a Green Card holder (permanent resident)
You are a dependent of a U.S. visa holder (H4, F2, etc.)
You have legally resided in the U.S. for more than 5 years (may be eligible for Medicaid in some cases)
NRIs on a visit visa (B1/B2) are not eligible for ACA (Obamacare) but can buy visitor health insurance instead.
📝 2. Required Documents for NRI
To apply for U.S. health insurance, NRIs generally need:
Passport (with visa page)
Valid U.S. Visa (H1B, F1, L1, etc.)
I-94 record (proof of entry to U.S.)
SSN (if available)
Proof of U.S. residence (utility bill, lease, etc.)
Employment letter (for employer-based or ACA plans)
Enrollment verification (for student health plans)
🛒 3. How to Apply (Process for NRI)
🟢 Option 1: Through ACA (Healthcare.gov) – If working or legally residing
Create an account and fill your application
Choose a suitable health insurance plan
Submit identity & immigration documents
Pay the first premium to activate the policy
🟠 Option 2: Employer-Based Insurance – If working full-time in the U.S.
Ask your employer/HR about available health plans
Choose the plan during job orientation or open enrollment
Coverage begins once premiums are paid (deducted from paycheck)
🔵 Option 3: Student Insurance (F1 Visa)
Most universities offer a health plan for international students
Pay along with tuition or separately
Coverage includes hospitalization, emergencies, and basic doctor visits
🔴 Option 4: Visitor Insurance (B1/B2 Visa holders)
Visit providers like VisitorsCoverage, IMG, or Trawick International
Choose a short-term visitor insurance plan
Covers accidents, emergency room visits, urgent care, etc.
🎁 4. Benefits of U.S. Health Insurance for NRIs
✅ Access to doctors and hospitals anywhere in the U.S.
✅ Coverage for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization
✅ Access to maternity care, mental health, prescriptions (depending on plan)
✅ Peace of mind during stay in the U.S.
✅ Tax benefits if enrolled in ACA plans (with subsidy eligibility)
🛑 Important Notes:
U.S. healthcare is very expensive without insurance
Emergency Room (ER) visits can cost $1,000 to $5,000+
Most plans have deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance
Apply during Open Enrollment or when you arrive
🧾 FAQ – Health Insurance in the USA for NRIs
1. Can NRIs buy health insurance in the USA?
Yes, NRIs living in the U.S. on valid visas (like H1B, L1, F1, etc.) can buy health insurance either through the ACA marketplace, employer-sponsored plans, university student plans, or private insurers.
2. Are NRIs eligible for Obamacare (ACA) plans?
Yes, if you are lawfully present in the U.S. (e.g., work visa, green card), you can apply through HealthCare.gov and may even qualify for subsidies based on income.
3. What if I’m in the U.S. on a visitor visa (B1/B2)?
You are not eligible for ACA plans but can buy visitor health insurance, which covers emergency care, doctor visits, and short-term medical needs.
4. What documents are required to apply for health insurance as an NRI?
Passport & visa
I-94 record
SSN (if available)
Proof of address (like a utility bill)
Employment or student status proof
5. Can students on F1 visas get health insurance?
Yes, most U.S. universities offer mandatory health insurance for international students. You may also choose private international student health plans.
6. Do NRIs get health insurance through employers?
Yes, full-time employees in the U.S. often receive health coverage through their employers. This is often more affordable and includes family/dependent options.
7. How much does health insurance cost for NRIs in the U.S.?
It depends on the plan type and coverage level:
ACA plans: $200–$500/month (with/without subsidy)
Employer plans: ~$100–$300/month (shared with employer)
Visitor insurance: ~$30–$100/month (limited coverage)
8. Is health insurance mandatory in the U.S. for NRIs?
Not legally mandatory (federal mandate removed), but highly recommended because medical care is extremely expensive without insurance.
9. Can I use my Indian health insurance in the USA?
No, Indian insurance is not accepted by U.S. hospitals. You need U.S.-based coverage for treatment in America.
10. Where can NRIs buy health insurance online?
HealthCare.gov – for ACA plans
VisitorsCoverage.com – for visitor insurance
IMG Global – for international & student plans
Directly from insurers like Aetna, Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare