Can I get health insurance if I am not a US citizen?
You do not have to be a US citizen to purchase health insurance, but you do have to be a documented (lawful) permanent resident or green card holder. If you do not have legal status in the US, there are still some options available to you (see #2 below).
1. If you are documented, or fall into any of the following categories below, you can get traditional coverage through Stride Health, and take advantage of discounted (subsidized) plans:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR/Green Card Holders)
- Individuals with non-immigrant status (worker visas, student visas, and citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau)
- Asylees
- Refugees
- Victims of Trafficking
(You can see a more detailed list with descriptions of these statuses here.)
2. If you are not documented and do not fall into any of these categories, you are still eligible to enroll in a major medical plan, but are unable to apply for discounted (subsidized) plans. To submit an application, we recommend applying directly with a private insurer.
If you go uninsured, there are a couple of other options for health care. You are eligible for emergency care under Federal law. You may also seek non-emergency health services at community health centers, which do not ask about immigration status. You can find your nearest health center here.
Feel free to reach out to us at 415-930-9110 with questions!