Healthcare
Health insurance requirements for visa applications, travel medical insurance comparisons, and guides to accessing healthcare systems as an immigrant in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Top questions about Healthcare
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat are the potential risks for immigrants with pending cases due to these policy changes?
Immigrants with pending cases face higher arrest risks and should be aware that they could still be arrested by ICE if they are believed to be in the country without legal status.
Read: ICE Expands Arrest Discretion Near Courthouses Amid Legal ConcernsWhat changes occurred in U.S. healthcare facilities regarding immigration enforcement on January 21, 2025?
On January 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security ended the designation of healthcare facilities as 'sensitive locations', removing protections that shielded hospitals and clinics from immigration enforcement actions.
Read: Thousands of Health Workers Face Deportation, Putting Care at RiskWhat are the risks for people with pending immigration applications under current policies?
People with pending applications and no criminal record may be less likely to face removal under Biden, but there are no guarantees.
Read: Comparing Deportation Policies Under Obama, Trump, and Biden AdministrationsHow did the rescinding of 'Protected Areas' status affect immigrant care-seeking?
The shift from sensitive locations to universal enforcement has deterred immigrants from seeking essential prenatal and emergency birthing care.
Read: Chronic Stress from ICE Raids Threatens Pregnant Immigrants and InfantsHow do the changes under Project 2025 affect immigrants' access to healthcare?
Proposals under Project 2025 remove long-standing limits on enforcement at schools, hospitals, and religious sites, causing families to skip care due to fear of being stopped inside these places.
Read: Immigrants Live in Fear — A Persistent Thread in U.S. History
5-Year Waiting Period Keeps Immigrants Off Medicaid/chip, Even as States Use State-Only Funds
New federal rules as of Oct 2026 restrict Medicaid for many immigrants, leaving states to decide whether to fund coverage for non-citizens and visa holders.
California Ranks Lower for Immigrants as Sanctuary Laws Collide with Job Opportunities
California, New York, and Illinois lead the 2026 rankings for best immigrant states, balancing job growth, sanctuary laws,…
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Backs One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Promotes CBP Home App
Guide for California immigrants on 2026 tax rules, including federal senior deductions, state Social Security exemptions, and foreign…
Undocumented Immigrants Must File Taxes with Itins Despite Data-Sharing Agreements
Essential 2026 tax guide for undocumented immigrants: Learn ITIN filing requirements, income thresholds, and how tax records impact…
State Department Issues Guidance on Public Charge Rule in Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Public Charge rules in 2026 differ between domestic and overseas cases, with stricter health scrutiny applied at consulates…
Florida Tightens Medicaid Restrictions for Immigrants Under One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Florida and federal officials tighten immigrant Medicaid rules for 2026, preserving child coverage while increasing ICE data-sharing and…
New York Expands Emergency Medicaid for Immigrants, but Essential Plan Coverage Still Limited
New York protects immigrant health coverage in 2026 with state funds, shielding Medicaid and Essential Plan access despite…
Texas Keeps Five-Year Waiting Period for Medicaid/chip Eligibility in 2026
Texas Medicaid and CHIP rules tighten for immigrants in 2026, narrowing eligibility and increasing data-sharing risks as federal…
California Freezes Medi-Cal Enrollment for Immigrants with Satisfactory Status
California has frozen new full-scope Medi-Cal for many adult immigrants in 2026. Children and pregnant people remain covered,…
California Freezes Medi-Cal Enrollment for Immigrants with Satisfactory Status
California has frozen new full-scope Medi-Cal for many adult immigrants in 2026. Children and pregnant people remain covered,…