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Do I need to have mandatory health insurance?

It is not mandatory to have health insurance with the R visa, but it is recommended due to the costs of the American healthcare system and may be required by the employer in some cases.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on April 20, 2025
2 min read
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We will explain the topic in a simple and straightforward way. In the context of the R visa for religious workers, there is no specific federal law requirement for the visa holder to have mandatory health insurance. This means that, from an immigration standpoint, obtaining a health plan is not a condition required for the issuance or maintenance of the R visa.

However, it is worth emphasizing that, even though it is not an immigration requirement, having health insurance is a practice strongly recommended for everyone who will live in the United States. The American healthcare system is known for its high costs, and in case of emergency or need for medical care, a good health plan can prevent significant financial difficulties.

In some states or for certain positions, the employer may also offer or even require that you are covered by health insurance, which can be a common practice to ensure the well-being of the employee.

It is important to remember that following the laws and regulations of the United States is fundamental for any immigration process. Moreover, it is always wise to seek guidance from reliable sources and specialized professionals to be informed about best practices, avoiding falling victim to scams or misinformation that may arise from marketing campaigns promising easy solutions.

Stay informed, consult official and specialized sources, and make choices that protect your health and rights while living 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 have mandatory health insurance?

It is not mandatory to have health insurance with the R visa, but it is recommended due to the costs of the American healthcare system and may be required by the employer in some cases.

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