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. HistoryMedical visa suspension follows attack by Pakistan-linked militants in India
After India’s medical visa suspension post-Pahalgam attack, Pakistani patients faced expulsion by April 29, 2025, under strict new laws. No further exceptions or new visas exist. The freeze on travel…
Immigrants are vital to Canada’s healthcare system
Canada’s healthcare depends on immigrants, who represent up to 61% in some roles. They alleviate staff shortages, boost…
Fear of Deportation Keeps Many Immigrants from Seeking Medical Care
Fear of deportation discourages immigrants—undocumented, legal residents, and citizens in mixed-status families—from seeking medical care, leading to untreated…
Canadian immigration policies urged to welcome US healthcare pros
Canada urgently needs doctors and nurses, with 6.5 million people lacking regular care. Immigration and credentialing barriers hinder…
Finland changes rules for foreign berry pickers to protect workers
Finland’s 2025 reforms require non-EU berry pickers to have valid work permits and healthcare approval before arrival. These…
How Long Before a Permanent Visa is Approved After Medical Check in Australia?
The time to receive a permanent visa after a medical examination in Australia varies depending on visa type,…
India Limits Medical Visas for Bangladesh, Creating Space for China
India's stricter medical visa policy has impacted Bangladeshi nationals seeking affordable healthcare, pushing many to consider alternatives like…
Immigration’s Quiet Role in Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce
Immigration plays a vital role in addressing the U.S. healthcare workforce crisis caused by staff shortages, burnout, and…
For Immigrants to the U.S., a Broken Healthcare System Looms Larger Than Visas
Immigrants to the U.S. should prioritize concerns about the struggling healthcare system over visa worries. The system faces…
Canada to Unveil New Support Plan for Healthcare Workers
On February 27, 2025, the Government of Canada announced plans to support healthcare workers by introducing new immigration…