Insurance for entry to the United States: when it is required and the rules for obtaining it for different categories of visas

To enter the United States, foreigners are required to meet visa requirements and have appropriate insurance. Learn more about the US healthcare system, when foreigners are required to have insurance, and where to get it

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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The United States healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world. Even a short-term hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars, and the cost of medical services is growing rapidly. Therefore, having insurance is not just a formality, but a real opportunity to protect yourself from huge financial expenses. 

We'll tell you when you need insurance to enter the United States, what rules apply to different categories of visas, and where it's best to get a policy.

Why do I need insurance for a trip to the United States?

In the United States, the vast majority of medical facilities are private or privately funded. Even a simple consultation with a doctor can cost several hundred dollars, and serious treatment can cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

Universities almost always require international students to take out student health insurance. Employers on work visas (e.g., H-1B) often offer their insurance programs or require proof of a relevant policy.

After all, if a person gets sick or has an accident without insurance, he or she will have to cover all treatment costs on his or her own. 

Features of the US healthcare system

The United States does not have a single state system of compulsory health insurance (except for certain programs for retirees (Medicare), low-income people (Medicaid), veterans, etc.) Citizens and residents usually purchase policies from private companies or receive insurance from their employers.

It is common practice for an insurance company to have a “network” of hospitals and doctors with whom it cooperates. If a patient goes to an in-network doctor, the costs are usually covered by a higher percentage, and if the patient goes to an out-of-network doctor, the insurance coverage may be minimal or not at all.

Most insurance plans have:

- Deductible - the amount that the patient must first pay on their own before the insurance company begins to reimburse the costs;

- Co-pay - a fixed amount that the patient pays for each visit to the doctor or service (for example, $20-50 per visit to the doctor);

- Coinsurance - a percentage that the patient pays after reaching the deductible, and the rest is covered by the insurance company (for example, the patient pays 20%, the company pays 80%).

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Who needs to take out an insurance policy before traveling to the United States?

The United States offers different categories of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Each type of visa has its own eligibility criteria, application procedure, and insurance requirements: 

Tourist visas (B-2)

Travel insurance is one of the required documents when applying for a visa. Border guards may also check the policy at the border crossing. If you plan to stay in the United States for less than a year, a travel health insurance policy will be sufficient. 

Student visas (F-1)

This category of visas is intended for full-time international students and their dependents. The U.S. Department of State does not set any specific insurance requirements for F visas, but in most cases, the university will require proof of insurance coverage for you and your family members. 

Exchange visas (J-1)

J visas are issued to those who come to the United States to work (exchange), travel, or for short-term study. This category of visas has very special insurance requirements: 

- The amount of medical benefits in case of illness or accident must be at least $100,000;

- Compensation for the repatriation of the body for $25,000;

- Expenses related to the medical evacuation of the patient to his/her home country for $50,000;

- Deductible should not exceed $500 in case of illness or accident. 

Work visas (H-1B)

Highly qualified specialists need an H-1B visa. To obtain it, your employer must apply on your behalf. Depending on your tax status in the United States, you may or may not be required to have a national insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) when you obtain your H-1B visa. If you are traveling to the United States for the first time to work, obtaining a health insurance policy is mandatory before entering the country.  

Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)

Unfortunately, in January 2025, the Donald Trump administration suspended the approval of immigrant applications under the Uniting for Ukraine program, which helped many Ukrainian military migrants settle in the United States.

Previously, however, Ukrainians who moved to the United States under the U4U sponsorship program were not required to have mandatory insurance to enter the country. Refugees had the right to obtain health insurance under the state Medicaid program. 

Types of health insurance in the United States

Health insurance for a trip to the United States differs from similar policies for other countries not only in cost but also in the level of coverage. In the American system, there are five main types of insurance, each of which covers a different percentage of treatment costs - from 60% to 90%.

Among the insurance plan options, the most popular are basic, hospital, general medical, and minimal. The basic plan covers consultations with a therapist, surgeries, and anesthesia. Hospital insurance covers the cost of hospital stays of up to two months. General medical insurance covers all treatment costs, and the minimum is designed for tourists under 30 years old and covers only emergency medical care.

It is important to remember that some insurers cover expenses only if you are treated by certain doctors or medical facilities. In addition, insurance plans may include a fixed deductible, partial co-payment, or a maximum benefit limit per year.

The main feature of insurance in the United States is the need for a separate policy for dental and eye care. The cost of health insurance depends on the exchange rate, the client's age, income, and region of residence.

What does health insurance in the United States cover?

The United States has two main health insurance systems: private and public. Most Americans use a combined option to get more comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. Government programs include Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain categories of people with disabilities.

It is divided into four parts:

- Part A covers inpatient care, skilled nursing facility services, hospice care, and emergency care;

- Part B includes outpatient treatment, medical procedures, diagnostic tests, and services of certain doctors;

- Part C (Managed Medicare) is an alternative that allows you to choose special insurance plans with advanced features;

- Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs.

Medicaid is a federal program funded jointly with state governments and intended for low-income individuals. It helps cover health care costs for those with low incomes and limited resources.

SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) is a government program that provides insurance coverage to children from middle-income families who cannot get Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

Private health insurance typically covers most doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and home health care. However, standard plans do not include cosmetic surgery, experimental treatments, or routine procedures.

When choosing health insurance in the United States, it is important to pay attention to several key aspects:

1. Whether the insurance allows you to visit any doctor, hospital or pharmacy of your choice;

2. Does it include dental, ophthalmologist and other specialists' services?

3. Does it cover special cases, such as pregnancy, mental health care, physiotherapy, or chronic illnesses?

4. Whether it provides compensation for home or nursing home care;

5. What is the level of deductible (the amount that must be paid before coverage begins);

6. What part of the costs will have to be paid by you.

In the event of an insured event, you should immediately contact the insurance company, indicating your name, location, policy number and the nature of the event. The operator will explain further actions and direct you to the appropriate medical institution.

Where to buy a health insurance policy for a trip to the USA?

When planning a trip to the United States, it is important to take care of insurance in advance to cover possible medical and unforeseen expenses. Visit Ukraine portal offers convenient insurance policies that meet all the requirements of the United States and provide financial protection during your trip.

To avoid risks, you should buy insurance only from trusted companies. At Visit Ukraine, you can quickly purchase a reliable policy with a guaranteed payment, flexible coverage terms, and convenient online payment. It takes only a few minutes to complete the application, and then the insurance document is sent to your email.

Choose the best insurance conditions for your trip, save money and travel safely!

Health insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal

Health insurance is a key element of safe travel that will help you avoid significant financial costs in case of illness or accident abroad. 

On Visit Ukraine, you can apply for an insurance policy in just a few minutes. Online registration is a convenient and reliable way to get the necessary protection without wasting time.

The basic policy usually includes:

- Medical consultations and diagnostic procedures;

- Treatment for illnesses and injuries;

- Emergency medical care and hospitalization;

- Coverage for medicines prescribed by a doctor; Emergency dental care;

- Medical evacuation to a hospital.

The extended insurance package additionally includes coverage for vaccinations, emergency surgeries and specialized care, repatriation of the body in case of death, flight delay or cancellation costs, compensation for loss of luggage, protection of personal vehicles in case of an accident, and the cost of paperwork for returning home.

The Visit Ukraine platform offers a wide range of insurance programs, so everyone can find the best option for their trip. Apply for a policy online and travel without any worries!

The cost of a medical insurance policy

Travel insurance on Visit Ukraine portal

Travel insurance is not only a requirement of many countries, but also a guarantee of safety and financial stability while traveling. Medical services abroad can cost tens of thousands of euros, especially in case of emergency hospitalization or complex surgical interventions. Getting an insurance policy through the Visit Ukraine service allows you to get reliable protection quickly and conveniently, regardless of your location.

The coverage of the insurance policy depends on the chosen package, but usually includes:

- Medical expenses - payment for treatment in case of illness or injury, both inpatient and outpatient;

- Dental care - emergency dental treatment in case of acute pain;

- Evacuation and transportation - covering the costs of transportation to a hospital or returning home in case of a serious illness;

- Repatriation - coverage of expenses for transportation of the body in case of sudden death of the insured;

- Compensation in case of flight cancellation or delay - reimbursement of expenses for meals and accommodation while waiting for the flight;

- Compensation in case of loss of luggage - financial assistance in case of its damage or loss by the carrier;

- Legal assistance - consultations in case of violation of your rights abroad or the need to restore documents;

- Protection in the event of an accident - legal support, assistance in transportation in case of a car malfunction after an accident.

When choosing a policy, it is important to consider the geography of the insurance (whether it covers all the countries of your route), coverage limits and additional options depending on the nature of the trip.

The cost of a travel insurance policy

Benefits of buying an insurance policy on Visit Ukraine portal

By choosing Visit Ukraine, you get a wide range of insurance programs adapted to different travel formats. The application process takes only a few minutes, as the whole process is done online. You can choose a cost-effective plan that provides maximum protection at a fair price.

Benefits of insurance with Visit Ukraine:

1. Fast processing - you will have an electronic policy in a matter of minutes;

2. Guaranteed quality - cooperation only with trusted insurance companies;

3. Round-the-clock support - help at any time of your trip.

Choose the best insurance solution - from basic programs to premium packages with extended coverage. Apply for a policy online and travel confidently with reliable protection!

We remind you! US citizens are massively hanging black flags in protest against Donald Trump's statements. Europe has a similar policy - “do not talk about Ukraine without Ukraine”. Find out how people from different countries support the Ukrainian state and how you can join in supporting Ukraine without coming to Ukraine in person.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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