Green card holders — US permanent residents — occupy a unique position when it comes to travel insurance. Unlike US citizens, they may face immigration restrictions on extended trips abroad. Unlike non-immigrants, they often have access to US health insurance. This guide explains when and why visitor insurance for green card holders makes sense, and which plans to consider.
Quick Answer
Green card holders need travel medical insurance when traveling outside the USA — most US domestic health plans do not cover international medical care. They may also need visitor insurance during coverage gaps (e.g., after returning from a long trip abroad before new US coverage kicks in). IMG Patriot America Plus and WorldTrips Atlas America are top choices.
The Coverage Gap Most Green Card Holders Don't Know About
Millions of green card holders travel internationally every year — visiting family in their home countries, attending events, or taking extended vacations. What many don't realize is that their US health insurance almost certainly does not cover medical care outside the United States.
Employer-sponsored insurance, ACA marketplace plans, and even Medicare — the programs most permanent residents rely on — are domestic US plans. They pay claims for care received inside the United States. The moment you cross the border, you are functionally uninsured for medical emergencies. A hospitalization in India, the Philippines, China, or any other country can result in large out-of-pocket bills that your US insurer will not reimburse.
Three Situations Where Green Card Holders Need Visitor Insurance
1. Traveling Outside the USA
If your US health insurance doesn't cover international care, you need travel medical insurance whenever you leave the country. This covers emergency hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical evacuation home to the US.
2. Returning After an Extended Trip Abroad
Green card holders who spend months abroad may have had their US health insurance lapse. When they return, there may be a gap period before new coverage begins — especially with employer plans that have waiting periods. Visitor insurance bridges this gap.
3. New Permanent Residents Waiting for Coverage to Begin
Newly arrived green card holders may not qualify for Medicaid immediately (there is often a 5-year waiting period for newly arrived permanent residents) and may not yet have employer insurance. Visitor insurance provides coverage during this transition period.
Important: Green Cards and Extended Time Abroad
Green card holders who spend more than 6 months continuously outside the United States may be considered to have "abandoned" their permanent residency. If you plan an extended stay abroad, consult an immigration attorney about maintaining your permanent resident status. Travel insurance is the least of your concerns if your green card is at risk.
Best Visitor Insurance Plans for Green Card Holders — 2026
IMG
Patriot America Plus
Top-rated plan for permanent residents needing temporary coverage during gaps or while traveling abroad. Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions and includes 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance.
Max Coverage
Up to $1M
Deductible
$0–$2,500
Pre-Existing
Acute onset
- ✓High coverage limits up to $1,000,000
- ✓Acute onset of pre-existing conditions covered
- ✓Covers USA residents traveling internationally
- ✓Prescription drugs included
- ✓24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
Trawick International
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Ideal for permanent residents with pre-existing conditions who need gap coverage. Includes telemedicine access for non-emergency consultations and flexible deductible options.
Max Coverage
Up to $1M
Deductible
$0–$5,000
Pre-Existing
Acute onset
WorldTrips
Atlas America
High coverage limits up to $2,000,000 at competitive prices. A strong choice for permanent residents who want maximum protection during international travel or coverage gaps.
Max Coverage
Up to $2M
Deductible
$0–$5,000
Pre-Existing
Acute onset
How to Buy Visitor Insurance as a Green Card Holder
- Use Tower Hill's quote tool — enter your age, travel dates, and destination country or USA.
- Select the coverage amount — $100,000 minimum; $500,000+ recommended for older travelers or high-risk destinations.
- Choose a deductible — a $0 deductible means insurance pays from the first dollar of care.
- Complete the purchase — policy documents are emailed instantly.
- Keep the insurance ID on your phone or printed with your travel documents.
Visitor Insurance Is Temporary — Not a Replacement for US Health Insurance
Visitor insurance is designed to fill coverage gaps — not to permanently replace a comprehensive US health plan. If you are a new permanent resident, work toward enrolling in employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid (once eligible), or an ACA marketplace plan as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover green card holders traveling outside the USA?
No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover medical care received outside the United States. If you have Medicare and plan to travel internationally, you need separate travel medical insurance for coverage while abroad.
Can I use visitor insurance as my only health insurance while in the USA?
Visitor insurance can be used as temporary coverage during a gap period in the USA — for example, while waiting for employer coverage to begin. However, it is designed for temporary use and is not a substitute for comprehensive US health insurance long-term.
Are green card holders eligible for ACA marketplace plans?
Yes. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to purchase health insurance through the ACA marketplace (healthcare.gov). Depending on income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly cost.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Visitor insurance plans cover the 'acute onset' of pre-existing conditions — sudden, unexpected medical emergencies related to known conditions. Ongoing treatment, routine prescriptions, and scheduled procedures for pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from visitor insurance plans.