Jeffrey Wade
As part of the green card application process, applicants must complete a medical examination and submit a medical report (Form I-693) prepared by a designated civil surgeon. The purpose of the medical examination is to establish that the applicant is eligible for a green card based on health-related grounds. The cost of the medical examination varies by doctor and is the responsibility of the applicant. While medical insurance likely won't cover the USCIS medical examination, the required immunizations may be covered.
Characteristics and Values Table for Immigration Medical Exams and Insurance Coverage:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of Medical Exam | Varies, approximately $250 and above |
| Insurance Coverage for Exam | Likely not covered by insurance |
| Required Immunizations | May be covered by insurance |
| Form I-693 Submission Fee | No fee required |
| Medical Report Validity | 2 years from the date of signing by the civil surgeon |
| COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement | Removed as of March 11, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance may cover the cost of required immunisations
While most insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams, some may partially cover certain aspects of the examination or required immunisations. The cost of the medical exam varies significantly by location and provider, with reported costs ranging from $100 to $650.
It is important to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details, as some plans may cover certain vaccines. If you have health insurance coverage, getting vaccines through a local pharmacy is typically the most cost-effective route. Some pharmacies, such as Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Walgreens, or CVS, take insurance and can provide vaccines at a lower cost. Additionally, some local health departments offer free or low-cost vaccinations, which can help reduce the overall cost of the immigration medical exam.
It is worth noting that the cost of the immigration medical exam is typically not covered by insurance as it is considered an administrative expense rather than a medically necessary procedure. However, this may vary depending on your insurance plan and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand what, if any, costs related to the immigration medical exam may be covered.
Furthermore, some educational institutions may offer discounted or free services to international students, so it is worth exploring this option if you are a student undergoing the immigration process.
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$70
Insurance may not cover the cost of the medical exam
Some insurance plans may partially cover certain aspects of the examination or required vaccinations. For example, one person's insurance covered their vaccines but not the rest of the exam. Another person was able to get their tetanus vaccine through insurance at CVS. Therefore, it is important to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Additionally, the location of the exam can impact the price. Urban areas and regions with higher living costs tend to have more expensive medical services. The facility and provider can also affect the cost, with rates and services varying depending on the medical facility and civil surgeon you visit. Vaccines are typically cheaper at drug store pharmacies or the local health department than at private medical facilities.
It is worth noting that some providers bundle the physical exam, lab testing, and vaccine record review with counseling for $300 to $500. Furthermore, some educational institutions may offer discounted or free services to international students.
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The cost of the medical exam varies by doctor
The cost of the immigration medical exam varies by doctor. The fees are established by the civil surgeon, and there may be additional costs for vaccinations and follow-up treatments. For example, UC San Diego Health charges $490 for the immigration physical, which includes basic labs and vaccine recommendations. However, the price can differ depending on location and the specific clinic. One person from Texas reported paying around $500 for the exams, including blood work, while another person in Vancouver paid $355. It is worth noting that insurance typically does not cover the cost of the immigration medical exam itself, but it may cover the required vaccinations and follow-up treatments associated with the immigration physical.
When scheduling an immigration medical examination, it is essential to inquire about the associated costs and payment methods accepted by the civil surgeon or designated clinic. It is also advisable to explore alternative options for obtaining the necessary vaccinations at a lower cost, such as through local state health departments or pharmacies like Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Walgreens, or CVS, which often accept insurance.
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The total cost of the medical exam can be expensive
It is worth noting that insurance typically does not cover the cost of the immigration medical examination itself. However, insurance may cover the cost of vaccines required for the exam. For example, one person mentioned that their insurance covered the cost of the vaccines, but they still had to pay $450 out-of-pocket for the rest of the expenses.
The cost of the medical exam can also vary depending on the location. For instance, someone from Texas reported paying $500 for their exams, while another person from Vancouver mentioned a cost of $355. It is advisable to contact multiple clinics and doctors to compare prices, as costs can vary significantly.
Additionally, some people may choose to get their vaccines at a lower cost or for free from places like Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Walgreens, or CVS, which often accept insurance. Checking with the local state health department can also help find cheaper or free vaccination options.
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Some places offer free or cheaper immunisations
While insurance typically does not cover the cost of the physical exam, some insurance plans may partially cover certain aspects of the examination or required vaccinations.
Vaccines are typically cheaper at drug store pharmacies or local health departments than at private medical facilities. Some local health departments offer free or low-cost vaccinations. If you have health insurance coverage, getting vaccines through a local pharmacy is typically the most cost-effective route.
Some places to get cheaper immunisations include Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Walgreens, or CVS, where most of them take insurance.
Additionally, some educational institutions may offer discounted or free services to international students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a requirement when applying for a green card.
The purpose of the medical examination is to establish that you are eligible for a green card based on health-related grounds.
Your medical insurance will not likely cover the immigration medical examination, but the required immunizations may be covered by your insurance.
The fee for the exam varies by doctor and location. It is a good idea to call a few authorized doctors in your area to check the fees. Prices can vary by a few hundred dollars.
You may receive a waiver if you can establish that compliance with the vaccination requirements would be contrary to your religious beliefs or moral convictions. To be eligible for this waiver, you must prove that you are opposed to all vaccinations, that your objection is based on religious beliefs or moral convictions, and that these beliefs or convictions are sincere.
