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Do I need to buy health insurance before going?

Although not mandatory, acquiring health insurance before traveling with an R visa is recommended to avoid high medical costs and ensure more security during your stay.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on October 20, 2025
2 min read
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When we think about moving to the United States with an R visa, many doubts may arise, and one of the most common is about the need to acquire health insurance before the trip. This question is quite relevant, considering the high cost of medical services in the country.

Although the R visa does not legally require you to have health insurance beforehand, it is strongly recommended that you consider this protection. The United States healthcare system can be quite expensive, and unforeseen events can happen at any time. Thus, having health insurance can avoid financial troubles and provide greater peace of mind during your stay.

Additionally, it is important to check if the institution or organization sponsoring your visa already offers some type of coverage or if there are specific guidelines on the subject. Even though insurance is not mandatory, investing in this protection can be a differential for a less risky international experience.

It is always worth getting well informed and looking for companies specialized in this type of service, ensuring that you are contracting a policy suitable to your needs. Also remember the importance of following all U.S. immigration laws and regulations. Seek guidance from official sources and be alert to possible scams or marketing campaigns that promise miracle solutions.

Having a cautious and well-informed approach is the best way to avoid future problems. I hope this information helps to clarify your doubt and contributes to a safer and more planned transition for your new journey in the United States.

Learn more about R-1

Requirement
Religious worker
Initial validity
Up to 30 months
Extension
Up to +30 months (max 5 years)
Hours
Min. 20 hrs/week
All about R-1

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.

Victoria's tips

Do I need to buy health insurance before going?

Although not mandatory, acquiring health insurance before traveling with an R visa is recommended to avoid high medical costs and ensure more security during your stay.

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