Triz

Hi all,

My wife and I are due to land in the US (Austin, TX) on Apr 26 on permanent resident visas. As we're both self-employed it's a bit of a juggling act trying to get various things sorted.

One of the things we're looking at is health insurance. We're early to mid thirties, and in good shape. Having looked, we'll probably go for one of the high-deductible plans with a health savings account. Over the long-term hopefully that will save us some money.

My layman interpretation is that we should save/have enough in the HSA to cover the deductible each year, and then anything that flows over the deductible limit we can safely pocket. Does that sound correct?

The other thing is the period of time from when we leave the UK to when we get our insurance. I understand we can't apply until we go through the POE. So that leaves some time where we'd be uninsured which I'd rather avoid. How do people go about handling that initial period? Will standard travel insurance cover it?

civilservant

Standard travel insurance covers visiting a foreign county, which clearly you are not when you land in the US. This is a common question, and the answer usually ends up being 'just get covered asap'

With respect to the HSA, yes you have the right idea.

scrubbedexpat099

There are some pretty crappy new resident policies, travel insurance assumes you are going back.

carcajou

What you are looking for is a fixed-term (short-term) policy, which numerous companies offer. You can pre-purchase it so it kicks in on a certain day.

Travel insurance won't cover you in the US as a Green Card holder.

GeoffM

There are three companies listed at the bottom of the Health Insurance wiki on this site:
Health Insurance : British Expat Wiki

Note that they are temporary, non-comprehensive plans used as a last measure until your proper insurance kicks in. But they partially fill a potentially costly gap.

Triz

Thanks guys. Really useful. Will give those a shot. Cheers.

petitefrancaise

Austin is great! Lots of self-employed/start up groups.

Holler if you need any help

Triz

Thank you! That's very kind, will do.