Medical Insurance
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Northern California
Posts: 71
Medical Insurance
Hi all
I will be entering the US at the beginning of August and 'activating' my IR-1 visa. I'm only staying for 5 weeks to settle my daughter into school, and will then be returning to the UK to sort out some loose ends. Can I use travel insurance to cover my medical expenses for the 5 week period when i am temporarily in the US, or do I need to start paying for medical insurance in the US? I ask because my husband is a freelancer, and the cost of adding family members to his policy is high. A couple of extra months free from medical insurance payments would help.
I will be entering the US at the beginning of August and 'activating' my IR-1 visa. I'm only staying for 5 weeks to settle my daughter into school, and will then be returning to the UK to sort out some loose ends. Can I use travel insurance to cover my medical expenses for the 5 week period when i am temporarily in the US, or do I need to start paying for medical insurance in the US? I ask because my husband is a freelancer, and the cost of adding family members to his policy is high. A couple of extra months free from medical insurance payments would help.
#2
Re: Medical Insurance
I would lean towards no, as you'll be a permanent resident of the USA immediately
#3
Re: Medical Insurance
From what I've read on other posts on this topic, no... because you won't be a "traveler" (tourist). You'll be a permanent resident.
Rene
Rene
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Medical Insurance
Sounds like you will not have made the move from the UK until later so should be OK on UK Travel Insurance.
The move will be sometime later.
The move will be sometime later.
#5
Re: Medical Insurance
I'm just back from USA same scenario as you as I finalised my immigration by staying a few weeks then came home to settle my affairs here. I asked the many insurance companies that I got quotes from if I was able to use travel insurance -gave a full explanation on my situation. They all said I was entitled to use travel insurance, I would be fully covered as I was returning to my home address in UK. If you don't have a return residential address in UK you can't use travel insurance.
Last edited by isi16; Jul 22nd 2018 at 7:14 pm. Reason: Change in wording
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 12,865
Re: Medical Insurance
Maybe for the OP, but what about the OP's daughter? If they are starting school here, I don't see how they could be classed as a tourist in the time before the OP eventually moves over.
Last edited by Giantaxe; Jul 23rd 2018 at 3:40 am.
#7
Re: Medical Insurance
I'm just back from USA same scenario as you as I finalised my immigration by staying a few weeks then came home to settle my affairs here. I asked the many insurance companies that I got quotes from if I was able to use travel insurance -gave a full explanation on my situation. They all said I was entitled to use travel insurance, I would be fully covered as I was returning to my home address in UK. If you don't have a return residential address in UK you can't use travel insurance.
#8
Re: Medical Insurance
I did have it in an e-mail from the company I bought my insurance from yes. Easy enough to verify, if you are coming back to this country you're classed as a tourist. You can also buy one way insurance that covers you for a pre determined period but its very expensive
#9
Re: Medical Insurance
I would presume from reading the original question that 'i will be returning' , implies it wasn't including the daughter.....
Last edited by isi16; Jul 24th 2018 at 12:06 am. Reason: Change in wording
#10
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Medical Insurance
OP asked about himself not his Daughter.
Logical answer and the one I expected, not that Insurance is always a logical business, residency has many many definitions and having a US GC does not in itself mean you are not also Resident somewhere else.
Logical answer and the one I expected, not that Insurance is always a logical business, residency has many many definitions and having a US GC does not in itself mean you are not also Resident somewhere else.
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 118
Re: Medical Insurance
I went over in April to use my IR-1 visa and pretty much came back to the U.K. straight away too. I believe the travel insurance I have through my bank account covered me for that. I made my permanent move two weeks ago and googled travel insurance for immigrants. I was able to buy a policy that covers me for 31 days. It was around £100. The company is called Go walkabout and I took out the gold policy.
I know if you are not returning then you couldn’t use this but you may be able to cover your daughter for 31 days. You can check them out online.
I know if you are not returning then you couldn’t use this but you may be able to cover your daughter for 31 days. You can check them out online.
Last edited by leema5; Jul 24th 2018 at 1:44 am.
#12
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Northern California
Posts: 71
Re: Medical Insurance
Thank you all for your comments and advice. My daughter will be covered under her Dad's insurance immediately. It's just me that wants to use travel insurance for my brief visit in August. I took a look at Go Walkabout. I will use that on my second visit when I become resident.
#13
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Medical Insurance
Thank you all for your comments and advice. My daughter will be covered under her Dad's insurance immediately. It's just me that wants to use travel insurance for my brief visit in August. I took a look at Go Walkabout. I will use that on my second visit when I become resident.