People who move to the USA mainly have access to health services via private health insurance. This insurance can be purchased either through the employer or individually. Without health insurance, medical costs must be paid out-of-pocket, which can be very costly, so it is essential to have comprehensive health insurance to access the necessary medical services.
There is no obligation to have health insurance in the USA and, accordingly, no compulsory health insurance.
State support is only available for older people, people on low incomes and people with a recognized disability .
(Source: usa.gov Health Insurance)
Overview of health insurance options:
For people older than 65, people with recognized disabilities, and people with acute kidney failure.
Only for children and people with low income.
As many people in the USA do not qualify for state benefits, they must use a private provider for insurance cover. In many cases, the employer pays for health insurance, often through a group insurance plan for the entire company, with the costs being shared by the employee and employer.
The aim here is to make insurance cover more accessible and less expensive. Government subsidies are offered to low-income households.
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The USA has by far the most expensive healthcare system in the world. Total healthcare spending in the US in 2021 was approximately $4.1 trillion. In 2022, the average healthcare expense was $13,493 per person. In comparison, the average healthcare spending in other wealthy countries was less than half that per person. For example, the average per person in Germany is around $8,011, in Australia $6,596 and in Japan just $5,251.
(Source: Peter G. Peterson Foundation Infographic)
Healthcare costs without insurance
(Source: internationalinsurance.com Resources)
When moving from Germany to the USA, Germans are usually not covered by their German health insurance. This means that they must take out health insurance in the USA.
For German expats in the USA, taking out health insurance is mandatory, as the American healthcare system requires a certain form of health insurance cover in order to avoid high medical costs. There are different types of insurance available for German expats living in the U.S. on a long-term basis:
One of the best options for Germans looking to move to the US long-term is PassportCard as an international expat health insurance. We offer comprehensive coverage tailored to expats, ensuring extensive access to quality healthcare without the financial burden.
Uniqueness that speaks for itself and excites customers, doctors, and employers worldwide. The beginning of a new era for living abroad.
As we are a team of expats from more than 30 countries, we understand you better than anyone else.
Our customers’ satisfaction rate is 4 times better than the average. 9 out of 10 customers would recommend us.
Our team of experts in Hamburg is available for you 24/7. You will always speak to a real person within 10 seconds response.
No out-of-pocket, your card pays the doctor’s or the pharmacy’s invoice.
A wide range of benefits from doctors visits, childbirth, to surgery, hospitalization and transplants. We even cover dog sitter costs.
No need to submit claim forms or wait for approvals and reimbursements. We will load money onto your PassportCard, where and when you need it.
Medical evacuation and repatriation. Managed by real people inhouse.
Simply choose your own service or doctor you trust and that suits you best.
PassportCard as long-term international health insurance is suitable for stays in the USA of 3 months or longer.
Unlike in other countries, the PassportCard cannot be used directly for payments in the USA. As an insurance provider in the USA, PassportCard arranges payment of treatment costs and medication directly with the medical service provider or pharmacy. The customer receives a matching insurance card from UHC (UnitedHealthcare) via the insurance company. Customers do not have to make any out-of-pocket payments (apart from the contractually agreed deductibles), as these are approved by PassportCard.
Member visits medical provider
Member presents UHC card (digital)
Medical provider arranges billing with UHC directly
The customer pays any copay, coinsurance, deductible, or excess costs. The member receives an adjusted bill.
Anna
USA
“From the very first contact, I was perfectly looked after. The explanation, comprehensibility, speed and solution – everything went great.”
Max
UAE
“Your customer service is a great advantage for me because I can speak my native language.”
Mattheus
Canada
“I was impressed with how quickly treatment was approved and direct payment was arranged to the hospital. All of this happened literally within minutes.”
Nadiia
Australia
“Very useful and practical mobile app. Convenient to use debit card as insurance card.”
Emma
Spain
“The service is exceptional, the staff is very helpful and clear and solved the problems for me.”
Sonja
Sweden “I would like to thank the team at PassportCard very much, especially for the wonderful flower arrangement! I have never experienced anything like this from any insurance company in my entire life!”
We have designed a range of solutions offering varied levels of cover to suit your needs in partnership with Allianz, MGEN and Mastercard . All our products offer comprehensive hospitalization coverage, not only in your country of destination, but in the entire region it is part of.
PassportCard COMPACT If you are looking for a basic coverage that covers you when you really need it – this plan is your choice.
PassportCard COMFORT offers you all the benefits a solid expat-plan needs to have.
PassportCard PREMIUM gives you peace of mind with our most comprehensive and best cover we offer with special benefits that keeps you well and show how much we care.
Our plans include medical-travel coverage for emergency cases whilst you are travelling abroad, regardless of your chosen country of destination or zone of coverage.
Our plans include the benefit of payment with the PassportCard (not in the US), according to the card’s terms of use and the terms and conditions of the policy.
Start new with PassportCard!
As a German expat in the USA, you are not covered by your German health insurance. You will therefore need separate health insurance for your stay in America.
International health insurance is not compulsory in the USA. However, international health insurance is strongly recommended, as the cost of medical care in America is very high. If you are not insured, you will have to cover all costs yourself, which can quickly become very expensive.
Employers in the USA are generally not obliged to offer their employees health insurance (except for some collective bargaining agreements). However, one insurance option is expat insurance, which is taken out through the German employer. However, not all health benefits are included here. The following benefits are usually included: outpatient and inpatient treatment, prescription medication and repatriation in the event of illness or death. Unfortunately, routine and preventive check-ups are not usually covered, so you should take out private insurance or book additional parts to the insurance.
As an international student in the USA, you are required to have valid health insurance for the entire duration of your studies. Proof of adequate health insurance must also be provided when applying for a visa. With suitable private health insurance, you do not have to worry about exorbitantly high treatment and health costs.
If you are a pensioner over the age of 65 living in the USA and have a GreenCard, you can be insured through the government Medicare program (https://www.medicare.gov/). With no or inadequate insurance, the cost of medication, medical treatment and hospitalization can be significantly higher than in other countries. With PassportCard, people up to the age of 64 can be insured.
If you have any pre-existing conditions, it is extremely important that these are communicated openly and honestly. Concealing pre-existing conditions can lead to the refusal of insurance cover, termination of the policy or the rejection of claims. Only if complete and correct information is provided can the insurer draw up a suitable plan that includes the necessary treatment and/or medication for the illness in question.
PassportCard is a long-term international insurance, which means that insurance is only possible for a stay in the USA of 3 months or longer.
Our mobile app gives you even more freedom to access our services from anywhere. Keep track of your plan wherever you go.
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