Jeffrey Wade
The cost of an immigration medical exam is usually not covered by insurance in the United States. These exams are considered a special service for immigration purposes and are not classified as routine medical care or preventive services by most insurance plans. However, some clinics may accept insurance, and insurance may cover the required vaccinations. The fees for the exam can vary depending on the physician and location, so it is advisable to call ahead and ask about the total cost, including any additional fees for laboratory tests, vaccinations, or follow-up visits.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of Immigration Medical Exam | $250-$600 |
| Cost of Required Vaccines | $40 per vaccine |
| Form | I-693 |
| Waivers | Available for some medical grounds of inadmissibility |
| Vaccination Requirements | COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required as of March 11, 2025 |
| Medical Examination Coverage by Insurance | Varies, not likely covered |
| Vaccination Coverage by Insurance | Varies, may be covered |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance coverage for the immigration medical exam
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. The purpose of the medical examination is to establish that you are eligible for a green card based on health-related grounds. There are four basic medical conditions that may lead to ineligibility: communicable diseases of public health significance (e.g. tuberculosis, gonorrhea, infectious leprosy, and infectious syphilis), failure to show proof of required vaccinations, physical or mental disorders with harmful behaviour, and drug abuse or addiction.
The cost of the immigration medical exam varies by doctor and location, ranging from $250 to $900. The exam includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam, a review of your vaccination record, and specific tests such as the QuantiFERON blood test for tuberculosis (TB) screening.
Regarding insurance coverage for the immigration medical exam, it is important to note that the exam itself is typically not covered by insurance. However, the required immunizations and vaccinations may be covered. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm what specific services are covered under your plan. Additionally, prices can vary significantly, so it is advisable to call several authorized doctors in your area to compare fees and discuss insurance coverage options.
While insurance may not cover the full cost of the immigration medical exam, there are alternative options to consider. Some individuals have reported getting their vaccines from local pharmacies or public health clinics, which can be more affordable than obtaining them from hospitals. Additionally, certain waivers may be available for medical grounds of inadmissibility, so consulting with an immigration attorney can help determine if you are eligible for any waivers.
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Insurance coverage for required immunisations
Insurance coverage for vaccinations required for immigration medical exams varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific plan. While some individuals have reported that their insurance covered all the necessary vaccinations, others have stated that their insurance did not cover certain vaccines or the immigration medical exam itself. Therefore, it is essential to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider directly to determine the extent of your coverage for the required immunizations.
During the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon will review your vaccination records to determine if you have proof of the required vaccinations for your age category. It is your responsibility to provide any written vaccination documentation or evidence of immunity to the civil surgeon. If you are missing any age-appropriate vaccinations, the civil surgeon can administer the necessary vaccines, or you can choose to obtain them from your private healthcare provider. However, only a civil surgeon is authorized to complete the vaccination assessment on Form I-693, so you must return to them with proof of receiving the missing vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons, which include vaccination requirements for immigrants. These instructions are updated regularly, and certain vaccines may be added or removed from the list of requirements. For example, as of March 11, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigrants seeking admission to the United States. It is important to stay informed about the current vaccination requirements to ensure you meet the necessary standards for immigration.
The fees for immigration medical examinations, including vaccinations, can vary by physician. Some individuals have reported paying between \$250 and \$600 for the medical exam, with additional costs for vaccines. In some cases, these fees may be covered by insurance, but it is recommended to contact your insurance provider for clarification on your specific plan's coverage. Additionally, some local health departments or pharmacies may offer free or discounted vaccinations, providing a more affordable alternative for those without insurance coverage.
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Insurance coverage for the TB test
The coverage of immigration medical exams, including TB tests, by insurance depends on the insurance provider and the insurance plan. Most health and/or travel insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams. However, some insurance plans may cover certain aspects of the exam, such as vaccinations and lab tests.
For those immigrating to Canada, the Tuberculosis (TB) Immigration Medical Surveillance (TB IMS) is a requirement for specific individuals by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The cost of TB IMS in Ontario can be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Those who are not eligible for OHIP and have private health insurance should contact their insurance provider to find out if the TB immigration medical surveillance medical check-up is covered by their policy. The cost of the TB IMS medical check-up and tests can be as high as $250.
In the United States, the USCIS requires Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to be completed by a civil surgeon. The cost of the medical exam is typically between $300 and $600, and insurance coverage varies. Some individuals have reported that their insurance covered all or some of the vaccinations required for the exam, while others stated that their insurance did not cover the exam or the TB test specifically.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration medical examinations as of March 11, 2025.
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Insurance coverage for blood work
Blood work is a necessary component of the immigration medical exam, which is required for applicants for permanent residency (green card holders). The cost of the medical exam varies by location and provider, with reported costs ranging from $100 to $500, but typically averaging around $200.
Unfortunately, most health and/or travel insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams, and this includes the cost of blood work. However, insurance plans may cover the cost of any necessary vaccinations.
It is important to check with the doctor's office about fees and whether they accept your health insurance. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to get your vaccinations at a local pharmacy or health department at a discounted rate.
The immigration medical exam involves a physical examination, blood and urine tests, and a review of immunization records. The civil surgeon will administer any necessary vaccinations. The exam results are valid for six months, and the entire process typically requires two separate visits.
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Insurance coverage for vaccines
It is important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes the vaccination requirements and immigration medical examination instructions, which civil surgeons are required to follow. These instructions include a detailed table listing all required vaccines. The CDC assesses whether new vaccines recommended by the ACIP (an advisory committee to the Department of Health and Human Services) should be required for immigration purposes based on specific criteria.
When undergoing an immigration medical examination, individuals must submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, completed, signed, and sealed by a civil surgeon. The civil surgeon will review vaccination records to determine if the individual has proof of the required vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases appropriate for their age category.
Some individuals have reported that their insurance covered all vaccinations during the immigration medical exam, while others have stated that their insurance only covered specific vaccines or did not cover any vaccines at all. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage for specific vaccines.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration medical examinations as of January 20, 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of an immigration medical exam is not normally covered by insurance in the United States. These exams are considered a special service specifically for immigration purposes and are not classified as routine medical care or preventive services under most insurance plans.
While the exam itself is typically not covered, the required immunizations may be covered by your medical insurance.
The fees for the exam can vary depending on the physician and the location. The exam can cost anywhere from $250 to $800.
An immigration medical exam is a comprehensive health assessment required for immigrants seeking residency in a new country. The exam includes a physical examination, a review of medical history, and laboratory tests.
