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Insurance coverage for immigration medical exams can be a bit confusing, but it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not.
In the United States, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires medical exams for certain visa applicants and immigrants. These exams are typically performed by a designated civil surgeon.
The cost of these medical exams can range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of exam and the location.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam is a common concern for many individuals seeking immigration to the United States. In most cases, health insurances do not cover the cost of the exam, as it is considered an immigration-related service.
It's advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage. This will give you a clear understanding of what you're responsible for paying out of pocket.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, competitive pricing and flexible payment options are available for green card medical exam services.
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Does Insurance Cover Immigration Medical Exam
Health insurance typically doesn't cover the cost of a USCIS immigration medical exam, as it's considered an immigration-related service.
However, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific policies and coverage.
In most cases, insurance providers view immigration medical exams as a separate expense from regular medical care.
Types of Insurance that Cover Immigration Exams
If you're looking for insurance that covers immigration exams, you'll want to consider health insurance plans that include medical exams as part of their coverage.
The USCIS recommends using their find a doctor tool to find a nearby civil surgeon who is authorised to perform immigration medical exams, which may be covered by your health insurance plan.
You'll need to contact the doctor's office and let them know you want to schedule a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes, which should be covered by your insurance.
In some cases, your health insurance plan may require you to pay out-of-pocket for the medical exam and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
The doctor's office will likely require you to bring a valid government-issued identification document, such as a passport or driver's license, and your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if you have one, to the appointment.
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USCIS Exam Process
The USCIS Exam Process is a thorough examination designed to assess your health status to ensure you don't pose a threat to public health or safety. It's mandatory for individuals seeking immigration to the United States.
The medical exam for a green card includes a detailed review of your immunization record and medical history, physical and mental assessment, screening test for alcohol and drugs, and screening for specific medical conditions outlined by the U.S. government.
To schedule an appointment, you can call the USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or use the USCIS find a doctor tool to find a nearby civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical exams. You should let the doctor's office know you want to schedule a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
The doctor will review your immunization and medical history, and may ask questions about your health and perform a physical examination that includes an examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin.
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USCIS Exam Process
The USCIS Exam Process is a thorough and mandatory requirement for individuals seeking immigration to the United States. It's carried out by a government-authorized physician to assess your health status and ensure you don't pose a threat to public health or safety.
The medical exam includes a detailed review of your immunization record and medical history, a physical and mental assessment, screening for alcohol and drugs, and screening for specific medical conditions outlined by the U.S. government.
To schedule an appointment, you can call the USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or use the USCIS find a doctor tool to find a nearby civil surgeon. If applying abroad, find your local US embassy or consulate online and follow their instructions.
You'll need to bring valid government-issued identification, your Alien Registration Number (if any), and any previously completed Form I-693. It's also a good idea to gather your medical records, review vaccination requirements, and stay hydrated and rested before the exam.
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The exam itself will involve a physical examination, including an examination of your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as well as blood tests for tuberculosis and syphilis, and a urine test for gonorrhoea. The doctor will also review your immunization and medical history, so be prepared to answer questions about your health.
Here's a breakdown of the required tests and screenings:
- Blood test for tuberculosis (required for applicants 2 years and older)
- Blood test for syphilis (required for applicants between 18 and 44 years of age)
- Urine test for gonorrhoea (required for applicants between 18 and 24 years of age)
Medical exam results will be provided in a sealed envelope, which you must not break or open. A copy of the results will usually be given to you for your records, so be sure to ask for one if you don't receive it.
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Exam Form Filling
Filling out the exam form can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in the USCIS exam process. Your designated civil surgeon will guide you through the process to ensure you fill out the form correctly.
Provide accurate and complete information about your medical history, vaccinations, and any past or current medical conditions. This will help the surgeon make an informed decision about your eligibility for a green card.
Double-check your form for accuracy before submission to avoid any delays or issues.
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Vaccine Waivers on Health Grounds
If you're an immigration applicant, you may be deemed ineligible if you lack proof of having had all required vaccinations. USCIS may approve a waiver of vaccination inadmissibility based on health grounds.
You can get a vaccine waiver from Civil Surgeon Dr. Neema Malhotra, who grants waivers based on your medical condition, pregnancy, and contraindications. Please bring your health history with you for review by Dr. Malhotra.
There is an extra fee for waivers, and the current USCIS Filing Fee for the I-601 waiver is $1,050. The typical USCIS processing time for the I-601 waiver is 9 months to over 2 years.
We charge an additional $295 to handle the I-601 waiver support documentation. There is no guarantee that I-601 waivers will be granted by USCIS.
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Preparation and Scheduling
To prepare for your immigration medical exam, gather all your relevant medical records, including vaccination history, previous medical conditions, and any ongoing treatments or medications. This will ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Review the vaccination requirements specified by the U.S. government and make sure you have received all necessary vaccinations. Don't forget to check with your doctor or medical practice to confirm their specific requirements.
Stay hydrated and rested in the days leading up to your exam, as prioritizing your health will ensure you're healthy on the day of the exam. This is especially important if you're planning to immigrate to the U.S.
To schedule an appointment, call the USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or use their find a doctor tool to find a nearby civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical exams. Be sure to let them know you want to schedule a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
If you're applying from abroad, find your local U.S. embassy or consulate online and follow their instructions for scheduling a medical exam. Make sure the doctor's office knows you want a medical exam for immigration purposes.
Here's a list of what to bring to your appointment:
- Valid government-issued identification document (passport, state ID, or driver's license)
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any
- Any previously completed Form I-693
- Any ongoing medications or medical conditions to share with your doctor
Exam Details
The USCIS Immigration Medical Exam is a thorough examination designed to assess your health status to ensure you don't pose any threat to public health or safety.
The exam includes a detailed review of your immunization record and medical history, a physical and mental assessment, screening test for alcohol and drugs, and screening for specific medical conditions outlined by the U.S. government.
During the medical examination, you can expect the doctor to review your immunization and medical history, and perform a physical examination that includes checks on your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin.
A blood test for tuberculosis is required for all applicants 2 years and older, a blood test for syphilis is required for all applicants between 18 and 44 years of age, and a urine test for gonorrhoea is required for all applicants between 18 and 24 years of age.
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The basic examination fee covers the costs of the medical examination, but not the costs of vaccinations and immunity testing. These can be received at 3P4Care Avondale, retail pharmacies, or your primary care doctor's office.
Here's a breakdown of the tests required during the medical examination:
Medical exam results will be provided in a sealed envelope, which you must not break or open. A copy of the results will usually be given to you for your records, and you can ask for one if you don't receive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a USCIS medical examination cost?
The cost of a USCIS medical examination is $349 without insurance and $249 with insurance coverage. This fee includes all necessary lab tests and x-rays.
How do I get a medical exam for immigration?
To schedule a medical exam for immigration, call the USCIS 800-number to receive a list of approved doctors and make an appointment with one of them. You can often get an appointment the next day by simply calling the doctor's office and mentioning it's for USCIS.
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