Orlando Harmon
As part of the green card application process, applicants must complete a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) medical examination and submit a medical report (Form I-693). This report must be completed by a designated civil surgeon and include a vaccination record. The vaccination requirements for immigrants are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and include vaccines for mumps, measles, and rubella, among others. While medical insurance typically does not cover the cost of the USCIS medical examination, it may cover the required immunizations. Aetna insurance offers a range of health benefit plans, some of which cover preventive care services, including certain vaccines, with $0 out-of-pocket expenses. However, it is important to note that most Aetna plans exclude coverage for work vaccines and travel vaccines unless they are medically necessary. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the specific details of your Aetna plan to determine if it covers the vaccinations required for the USCIS medical examination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Aetna insurance cover all vaccinations for immigration medical exam? | No. Aetna insurance covers a flu shot and non-seasonal vaccines like RSV, pneumonia, shingles, and Tdap. |
| Who performs the immigration medical exam? | A designated civil surgeon or a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) performs the immigration medical exam. |
| Who reviews the vaccination records? | The civil surgeon reviews the vaccination records at the time of the immigration medical examination. |
| Who fills out Form I-693? | The civil surgeon fills out Form I-693 and gives it to the applicant in a sealed envelope. |
| Who submits Form I-693 to USCIS? | The applicant submits Form I-693 to USCIS. |
| When to submit Form I-693? | Form I-693 can be submitted at the same time as the green card application (Form I-485), during the in-person green card interview, or in response to a Request for Evidence. |
| What is the purpose of the immigration medical exam? | The purpose of the immigration medical exam is to establish that the applicant is eligible for a green card based on health-related grounds. |
| What vaccinations are required for immigration? | The required vaccinations for immigration include mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, haemophilius influenza type B, hepatitis B, varicella, influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, rotavirus, hepatitis A, and meningococcal. |
| Are there any waivers available for the vaccination requirements? | Yes, waivers are available for certain medical grounds of inadmissibility and for those who oppose vaccinations due to religious beliefs or moral convictions. |
| Who pays for the immigration medical exam? | The applicant is responsible for paying all doctor and laboratory fees for the immigration medical examination. |
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What You'll Learn
Does Aetna cover travel vaccines?
When it comes to travel vaccines, Aetna's policies vary depending on the specific plan and circumstances. Here is a detailed overview:
Aetna's Clinical Policy Bulletins (CPBs) define the company's clinical policies, and medical necessity determinations regarding coverage decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. While most Aetna HMO plans exclude coverage of vaccines for travel, most traditional plans cover medically necessary travel vaccines for members with preventive services benefits.
The term "medically necessary" is key here. Even if a vaccine is required for travel, it may not be considered medically necessary, and therefore may not be covered. For example, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices states that the plague vaccination is not indicated for most travelers to countries where plague cases have been reported.
Additionally, most Aetna benefit plans exclude coverage of vaccines for work, and some clinics that provide travel vaccines, such as Penn Travel Medicine, do not accept insurance. In such cases, patients must pay directly and submit claims for reimbursement.
It is important to carefully review your specific Aetna plan to understand what travel vaccines may be covered. Contacting Aetna or your primary care physician can provide clarity on whether your plan covers travel vaccines and how to proceed with obtaining them.
It is worth noting that, in general, Aetna covers a range of vaccines, including the flu shot and non-seasonal vaccines like RSV, pneumonia, shingles, and Tdap.
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Are all immigration medical exam vaccinations covered?
It is important to note that Aetna insurance plans differ in what they cover, and that Aetna benefit plans generally exclude coverage of vaccines for work. However, some plans cover medically necessary travel vaccines for members with preventive benefits.
In the context of immigration, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants to complete a medical examination and submit a medical report (Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) prepared by a designated civil surgeon. The civil surgeon will review your vaccination records at the time of your immigration medical examination to see whether you have proof of required vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases that are appropriate for your age category. The required vaccinations are: mumps, measles, rubella; polio; tetanus and diphtheria toxoids; pertussis; haemophilius influenza type B; hepatitis B; varicella; influenza; pneumococcal pneumonia; rotavirus; hepatitis A; and meningococcal.
If you lack any vaccinations required for your age category, the civil surgeon will administer the vaccines as needed. The fees for these medical examinations are established by the civil surgeon and vary by physician.
As of March 11, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for aliens seeking admission as immigrants.
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What if I don't have vaccination records?
If you don't have vaccination records for your immigration medical exam, you may still be able to satisfy the vaccination requirements in other ways. Here are some options to consider:
Blood Test
If you have received the required vaccinations but do not have the records to prove it, a doctor may perform a blood test to demonstrate that you are immune to certain diseases and therefore do not require the vaccinations. This option may incur additional costs, as you will be responsible for paying all doctor and laboratory fees associated with the medical examination.
Obtain Vaccinations
If you are missing any required vaccinations, you can typically receive them at your designated medical facility. Civil surgeons or panel physicians are authorized to administer the necessary vaccines. You can locate a designated civil surgeon through the myUSCIS Find a Civil Surgeon page or by calling the USCIS Contact Center. If another healthcare provider has the vaccine, you may also be able to receive it there and then provide documentation to the civil surgeon.
Waivers
In certain cases, you may be eligible for a waiver if you cannot meet the vaccination requirements. For example, if vaccination requirements conflict with your religious beliefs or moral convictions, you may receive a waiver. Additionally, USCIS provides waivers for some medical grounds of inadmissibility, which you can discuss with your immigration attorney.
Form I-693
Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is a crucial component of the immigration medical exam process. This form must be completed by a designated civil surgeon or panel physician and submitted with your green card application. It is important to note that the form should remain sealed when submitted to USCIS, and they will not accept it if it has been opened or altered. Therefore, ensure you request a copy of the completed form for your personal records before sealing.
Timing of Submission
The timing of submitting Form I-693 can vary depending on your specific case. It may be beneficial to submit the form simultaneously with your green card application (Form I-485) or during your in-person green card interview. Alternatively, you may submit it in response to a Request for Evidence related to your pending green card application. Consult with your immigration attorney to determine the best strategy for your situation.
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What is the USCIS medical exam?
The USCIS medical exam is a mandatory process for immigrants applying for a green card. The exam is designed to ensure that immigrants meet the health-related standards for admissibility into the United States. The medical examination, along with the vaccination record and the resulting medical exam report, provide the information that the USCIS uses to determine an immigrant's eligibility.
The USCIS medical exam includes a medical history review, physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests for syphilis. The physical examination includes an examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin. The purpose of the medical examination is to establish that the applicant is eligible for a green card based on health-related grounds. There are four basic medical conditions that may lead to ineligibility:
- Communicable disease of public health significance, including tuberculosis, gonorrhea, infectious leprosy, and infectious syphilis, among others.
- Failure to show proof of required vaccinations, including mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria toxoids, among others.
- Physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior.
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
The medical examination must be performed by a designated civil surgeon, and the applicant must submit the completed Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their green card application. The applicant is responsible for paying all doctor and laboratory fees for the medical examination, and prices can vary by a few hundred dollars. The exam results are valid for a period of two years from the doctor's signature date.
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What vaccinations are required for immigration?
As part of the green card application process, applicants must complete a medical examination and submit a medical report (Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) prepared by a designated civil surgeon. This form is submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The vaccination requirements for immigrants are determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC outlines two main criteria for determining which vaccines are required for immigration:
- The vaccine must be age-appropriate as recommended by the ACIP for the general US population.
- The vaccine must protect against a disease that has been eliminated in the United States or is in the process of being eliminated.
Some of the vaccines that are required for immigration include:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
- Pertussis
- Haemophilius influenza type B
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
- Rotavirus
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal
It is important to note that the list of required vaccines can change over time, and certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of a panel physician. Additionally, as of March 11, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer listed as a required vaccination for immigrants seeking admission.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Aetna benefit plans exclude coverage of vaccines for work. However, Aetna's Clinical Policy Bulletins (CPBs) define the company's clinical policy, and medical necessity determinations in connection with coverage decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. It is best to check your plan documents to learn if your plan covers a service or call the number on your member ID card.
The required vaccinations are: mumps, measles, rubella; polio; tetanus and diphtheria toxoids; pertussis; haemophilius influenza type B; hepatitis B; varicella; influenza; pneumococcal pneumonia; rotavirus; hepatitis A; and meningococcal.
You must take any written vaccination documentation you have to the civil surgeon when you have your immigration medical examination. The civil surgeon will review your vaccination records at the time of your immigration medical examination to see whether you have proof of required vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases that are appropriate for your age category.
