President Trump issued a proclamation, requiring all immigrant visa applicants to show proof that they will be covered by health insurance. This situation is subject to change quickly, but at the time of this recording, this is the best information we have.
As of November 3, during your immigrant visa interview, you will be required to convince the consular officer that either you have enough financial resources to cover all reasonable health care costs, or that you will be covered under an approved health insurance plan within 30 days of entering the U.S.
Approved health insurance includes:
- Employer-sponsored health plans, including retiree plans
- Unsubsidized health plans offered in the individual market within a State
- Short-term, limited duration health plans effective for a minimum of 364 days or until the beginning of planned, extended travel outside the United States
- Catastrophic plans
- Coverage by a family member’s health plan
- U.S. military health plans, including TRICARE
- Visitor health insurance plans with adequate medical coverage for a minimum of 364 days or until the beginning of planned, extended travel outside the United States
- Medical plans under the Medicare program
- Any other health plan with adequate coverage as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Medicaid - only for minors
This health insurance requirement does not include K1, IR2, IR5 visas or any immigrant visas for those under 18.
For all the inclusions, exclusions and stipulations, see the State Department’s website.
There is a chance that the courts file an injunction on this requirement before November 3, just as they did with the public charge rule, but as of now, it is in effect, and anyone applying for a spousal visa should be prepared to demonstrate they will have approved health insurance at the interview.
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Update: November 2,2019 - Newsweek: FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP'S HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR IMMIGRANTS SEEKING VISAS
