If you are planning to travel to U.S.A, do ensure that you abide by the various requirements. Here are few important pointers regarding the Health and Medical requirements.
- Visitors’ Medical Health Insurance is mandatory while traveling to U.S.A. You are therefore recommended to take a comprehensive medical insurance, which also covers unforeseen medical expenses.
- As a visitor or new immigrant, you will not be eligible for domestic health insurance plans. An insurance is therefore necessary because treatment in U.S.A., particularly in case of hospitalization is very expensive. Even a visit to the doctor for minor problems may cost several hundred dollars. This does not include the medication or laboratory tests fees.
- A Health Insurance is mandatory to maintain a legal visa status if you hold a F or J Visa (non-immigrant student visas). If you are an Indian student going to U.S.A. for higher studies, do check our University Search for your university specific student medical insurance requirements.
- Only emergency cases are handled without prior payment. In case of other services, treatment is refused without evidence of medical insurance or upfront payment.
- Any medications you buy over the counter in U.S.A. requires a doctor’s prescription.
- Long-term visitors with children need immunization certificates against measles, diphtheria, rubella and poliomyelitis to enroll them into a school. In certain states, immunization against mumps, tetanus and whooping cough is also required.
- Act 212 (1) of Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) lists individuals inadmissible into U.S.A. on health grounds. In general, individuals with communicable diseases of public significance, a history of/suffering from physical and mental disorders perceived to be a threat to public property and safety, non-compliance to vaccination requirements and drug abusers/addicts are inadmissible foreigners. Click here for more details.
- It is recommended that you take a Hepatitis B vaccination when traveling to United States of America.
- Take precaution against mosquito-borne diseaseWest Nile Virus (during the summer and autumn months) and that by infected-tick bites-Lyme Disease.
- Under the 96 Act, foreigners intending to immigrate permanently are inadmissible unless they have received vaccinations for mumps/measles/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis(whooping cough)/tetanus (DPT), polio, influenza, Hepatitis B and others as recommended byAdvisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
- Apart from Hepatitis B, all the vaccinations mentioned above are “routine vaccinations” and must be taken even if one is not traveling.
For more information on Visa Laws, Baggage Guidelines, Prohibited and Permitted items and other important Custom Laws, click here.
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