Do I need health insurance to obtain an IR-1 visa?

The IR1 visa is intended for spouses of American citizens, and its process focuses on proving the family relationship and meeting immigration criteria, without requiring the purchase of a health insurance plan as part of the issuance requirements.

Although the American immigration system requires a medical examination – performed by an accredited physician – its purpose is to identify diseases that may pose public health risks, not requiring prior possession of health insurance.

Therefore, there is no obligation to purchase health insurance when applying for the IR1 visa. After obtaining the visa and residing in the U.S., it is wise to consider health insurance to manage costs and ensure access to medical care.

It is essential to strictly follow immigration laws and seek information from reliable sources, avoiding miracle promises and possible scams. We wish you success on your journey in the United States!

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.