How health insurance works in the US

There is no NHS-style national system. Almost everyone is covered through an employer, buys a plan on the government Marketplace, or qualifies for a public programme like Medicaid or Medicare.

Key points to understand

The four routes to cover: employer plan, the Marketplace, Medicaid/Medicare, or a student plan

The four routes to cover: employer plan, the Marketplace, Medicaid/Medicare, or a student plan. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Employer plans are the norm — the employer pays part of the premium, you pay the rest from your paycheck

Employer plans are the norm — the employer pays part of the premium, you pay the rest from your paycheck. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Going uninsured is legal in most states but financially dangerous: one accident can run into tens of thousands

Going uninsured is legal in most states but financially dangerous: one accident can run into tens of thousands. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.