When Foreigners with Universal Healthcare Come to the USA: Can They Acquire Private Health Insurance?

When individuals from countries with universal healthcare visit the United Statesmdash;whether for a short-term work assignment, a holiday, or specialized medical treatmentmdash;one question often arises: Can they acquire private health insurance to cover their stay, or are they still covered by their home country's health system?

Foreigners and Home Country Coverage

The answer largely depends on the specific terms and conditions provided by the individual's home country. For many, their universal healthcare coverage may extend to medical services received while abroad, but this varies widely by country.

Even if a visitor is covered, there may be no direct billing agreements between their home healthcare provider and US healthcare facilities. Therefore, the visitor would typically need to negotiate and pay the full bill upfront. They would then need to seek reimbursement from their home country’s healthcare system upon return. However, the amount of reimbursement, if any, is decided by the coverage provider and might not fully cover the expenses incurred.

Accessing Private Health Insurance for Visitors

For visitors, purchasing private health insurance in the USA is more complex than in their home country. US insurance rates are typically determined by postal code and/or county of residence, requiring the visitor to have a permanent mailing address in the US during their stay.

In addition, since payments for health insurance are usually processed through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, using SWIFT for international payments would not be an accepted method. Some health insurance companies do accept credit or debit card payments, but this is less common. Therefore, it's crucial to have a US bank account to facilitate these payments.

Choosing the Right Insurance Plan

Selecting the right insurance plan involves more than just comparing prices; the terms and coverage are essential considerations. Most comprehensive health insurance policies typically cover both accidents and diseases, and some even offer full coverage for annual exams. Visitors should carefully consider whether they need such extensive coverage and if they are willing to be affiliated with a primary care physician close to their declared US residence.

It's also important to note that US health insurance is state-regulated. Therefore, a smaller insurance company may not have direct payment agreements with out-of-state healthcare providers. This regulatory landscape means that purchasing the typical US health insurance policy might not be the best solution for a visitor, especially if they are only planning a temporary stay.

Special Cases: Middle Eastern Patients in the USA

Some countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, often send their citizens for specialized medical treatment in the USA. In my hometown, Ochsner Medical Center frequently treats Middle Eastern patients for liver transplants, funded by their government. These patients are often government employees who rely on government-provided healthcare while abroad.

While these cases are relatively common, the process for acquiring private health insurance can still be challenging. These patients might still need to procure private health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses and to ensure a smoother healthcare experience in the USA.

Conclusion

For individuals from countries with universal healthcare systems visiting the USA, obtaining private health insurance is a complex task. It is essential to consider factors such as home country coverage, the intricacies of the US healthcare system, and the specific needs and duration of the stay. Consulting with a healthcare advisor and conducting thorough research can help visitors navigate these complexities and ensure they have adequate coverage while in the USA.