If you’re coming to the US on a K-1 visa, your health insurance options will depend on whether you’re married yet. This guide covers what type of insurance you need before and after the wedding, including temporary coverage, spouse-sponsored plans, and options through the Marketplace or private providers.
What Insurance Do I Need With a K1 (Fiance) Visa?
The type of insurance you need depends on your immigration status:
- Before you get married: You’ll need a temporary health insurance plan, as you won’t be eligible for the Health Insurance Marketplace, and you can’t be added to your spouse’s insurance plan yet.
- After you get married: Once you are married and apply to change your immigration status, your spouse can add you to their domestic health insurance, or you can enroll in a separate insurance plan through the Marketplace or privately.
Temporary Health Insurance for K1 Visa
When you first enter the US on a K1 visa, you have to purchase temporary private insurance (also called short-term or visitor insurance). These types of plans help cover unexpected medical needs until you get married and become eligible for a more comprehensive plan.
The reason you need temporary insurance is because during the initial 90-day K-1 period, you are not considered “lawfully present” under ACA (Affordable Care Act) rules. You become lawfully present only after filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
You can find health insurance plans through private insurance brokers that allow you to compare and choose through different plans.
What Are the Best Health Insurance Plans for a K1 Fiance Visa?
Some of the best health insurance plans for K1 visa holders include the following:
- International major medical (IMM). IMM is an international insurance plan that offers coverage outside your home country. The plan can be active from 10 days up to 330. If you purchase this policy, you can access a PPO network.
- Patriot America. You can purchase a Patriot America plan from 5 days to two years while in the US. You can get coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions and access the United Healthcare PPO network with this plan.
- Atlas America. With Atlas America, you can get coverage for up to 365 days while in the US, and you can also get an extension on your insurance plan. In addition, it offers coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
- Safe travels USA comprehensive. If you purchase Safe Travels USA, you can get have access to the First Health PPO network in the US and get coverage for sudden and onset issues due to pre-existing conditions.
For more details or a personalized quote, visit Insubuy.
Long-Term Health Insurance (After Getting Married)
After you get married and apply for Adjustment of Status, you become “lawfully present” under ACA rules (even if you don’t have your Green Card yet), and you can enroll in a more comprehensive health insurance plan. These are your options:
Health Insurance Through Your Spouse
Your spouse can enroll you in their health insurance as soon as you get married. However, depending on the policy, coverage may not start until you have been a US resident for a certain period (e.g., three months). If your spouse has insurance through their work, they will have to check with their human resources department for the exact eligibility requirements.
Health Insurance Through the Marketplace
If you cannot be added to your spouse’s health insurance, you can purchase your own plan through the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov or your state exchange). Through the Marketplace, you can access:
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Subsidies or tax credits based on your household income
- ACA-compliant health insurance plans
Make sure to apply within the required timeframe (Nov – Jan) after your eligibility begins, or you may need to wait until the next open enrollment period.
Health Insurance Through Private Companies or Brokers
Whether or not you qualify for Marketplace or employer-based insurance, you can always purchase health coverage through private insurance companies or licensed brokers. This option may suit you if you want a wider range of plans or providers.
Additionally, private insurance companies or brokers that are not on the Marketplace have more flexibility when it comes to coverage amounts, premiums, and benefits. For example, many Marketplace insurers do not cover dental or vision for adults, but you can find private insurers’ add-ons or plans that do cover these.
Private brokers often allow you to compare plans side by side to find one that fits your needs and budget.
However, be careful when purchasing a health insurance plan off the Marketplace since they are not always ACA-compliant (i.e., they may not cover pre-existing conditions).
Health Insurance Through Employment
If you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and start working in the US, you may receive your own health insurance through your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ACA-compliant insurance mean?
To be ACA-compliant, a health insurance plan must cover the 10 essential health benefits, offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, and not charge you more based on your health history. The 10 essential health benefits that must be covered in ACA plans are:
- ambulatory patient services
- emergency services
- hospitalization
- maternity and newborn care
- mental health and substance use disorder services including behavioral health treatment
- prescription drugs
- rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- laboratory services
- preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- pediatric services, including oral and vision care
Are there penalties for not having health insurance while on a K-1 visa?
Whether you have health insurance won’t affect the outcome of your visa application. Technically, you don’t need visitor medical insurance as a fiance visa holder, but you are highly encouraged to buy health insurance since healthcare in the US is very expensive. For example, the average cost to treat a broken arm in the US is around $2,500, and that is without surgery.
Can I apply for Medicaid or other public programs after marriage?
As a non-US citizen, you can only enroll in Medicare or Medicaid after living in the US for at least five years with a Green Card
What documents do I need to enroll in health insurance as a K-1 visa holder?
If you're applying for temporary/private insurance (before marriage)
- Passport with K-1 visa
- Proof of entry into the US (I-94 travel record)
If you're enrolling in your spouse’s employer-sponsored insurance (after marriage)
- Marriage certificate
- Your passport
- Possibly your Social Security number (if issued), though some employers allow enrollment without it initially
If you're applying for Marketplace coverage (after filing for Adjustment of Status)
- Proof of immigration status
- Marriage certificate
- Income verification (joint tax return or pay stubs if applicable)
- Proof of residence in your state
Can my fiancee add me to their health insurance plan before the wedding?
It’s unlikely that your fiancé can add you to their health insurance plan before marriage, as most plans only allow spouses, not fiancés, as dependents. In addition, you can typically only add someone outside of open enrollment if a qualifying life event occurs (such as getting married).
Once you’re legally married, your spouse can usually add you during the special enrollment period triggered by the marriage.
When does health insurance coverage through my spouse’s plan begin?
Coverage start dates vary depending on the employer’s policy. In most cases, once you get married, your spouse has 30 to 60 days to notify their employer and request to add you during a special enrollment period. After you’re added, the coverage usually begins either:
- On the first day of the next month
- On the date the request is processed, depending on the employer’s rules
It’s important to check directly with your spouse’s HR or benefits department to confirm the timeline and any required documentation (such as your marriage certificate).