tea_c

Hi guys

We've got just under a month until we take our one way flights to New York (E2 visa + me as a dependent).

I really want to say massive thank you to everyone who contributes to this board - it's been an unbelievable source of information and insight, I'm not sure I could have fully understood the visa process, understood the mortgage/ForEx issues, getting an EAD and a whole host of other things

I've got a couple of final questions ahead of our move:

US Tax - as we're moving in the middle of the tax year, how soon do we have to start thinking about making arrangements for the current tax year/next year? We will probably hire a CPA for our first year, but is this something I can park for a month or two while we get settled or is there anything we'll need to be doing as soon as we arrive?

Health insurance - my wife's company has said that health insurance won't be arranged until we have SSNs (so a couple of weeks after we arrive) and advised getting travel insurance. Is this good advice? I've read posts which suggest an SSN isn't needed for health insurance. My concern is travelling to the US with either no health insurance or travel insurance which isn't worth the paper it's written on (ie we're not on holiday).

Cheers

Tom

hmvsdog

US Taxes run on calendar year, so (unless you made any US based income in 2016), you'll first have to think about this in January 2018

As for travel insurance, that's what I did although my old UK bank account had a travel insurance addendum to it. I just clarified with them that it would be valid (it's travel insurance, not holiday insurance) and they said it would up to 90 days. You'll have your SSNs before this expires.

Good luck!
(another Tom)

Pulaski

If you try to claim on travel insurance, especially a major claim, you may find your claim rejected when the insurer discovers that this was a one-way trip - I would be sceptical about assurances to the contrary from customer service staff.

You can get interim coverage for new immigrants, which is pricey for what it is, or you could do what Americans often do, and wing-it for a few weeks in a new job. .... Coverage is often based on calendar months or even quarters, so if you join mid month or early in the quarter it could be 6-10 weeks before your employer-based health insurance kicks in.

Jerseygirl

Surely 'travel' comes to an end when they enter the USA...they then become US residents or temporary residents. I would not rely on travel or holiday insurance for coverage. We all know how expensive a broken leg or appendicitis can be...I wouldn't like to pay out of pocket because I had no viable insurance coverage.

hmvsdog

I don't disagree, but I'm only speaking from personal experience. I called my bank's underwriting company directly and was very open with my plans and they confirmed they'd cover me.

aless02

I found 'gap' insurance for a pretty reasonable rate online - it's only 'catastrophic' coverage but keeps you going in a pinch. I think it was only around $100 for a family of 4.

Pulaski

In writing?

Jerseygirl

As Pulaski said...did you receive confirmation in writing?

Ecto17

We moved out 10 days ago and husbands company have us covered on the travel insurance until next month and we have had to claim due to an unexpected root canal. We have been authorised to go ahead with the works (sadly as it hurts more now then before l had it done!!!!) and we then claim back the money. Will let you know if any issues with the claim however suspect not as they have been good in the past.

hmvsdog

Errrr..... No.

Until this very moment, I never considered that I'd have had a problem. Maybe it's as well that I didn't have to claim.

tea_c

Thanks Aless02 - I'll look into this

petitefrancaise

The SSN is needed so that the insurance company can send your coverage details to the IRS. However, it is not needed to give you covereage. In the meantime they can use your date of birth.

This from the IRS site.
https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-...urance-company

tea_c

will be interesting to see how you get on

tea_c

This is the kind of situation I'd envisaged and a bit concerned about, should the worst happen.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Ecto17

Will let you all know!!!