Policy Overview
How H-1B holders who are laid off can continue their exact employer health coverage for up to 18 months under COBRA — and the strategic timing for enrollment.
Plan Details & Expat Advice
Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), employees who lose job-based coverage due to termination, layoff, reduction in hours, divorce, or aging off a parent's plan can temporarily continue their exact employer health plan. For H-1B holders during the 60-day grace period after a layoff: COBRA is critical. You have exactly 60 days from losing coverage to elect COBRA, and coverage is retroactive to the day you lost it. Strategic approach: if you lose your job and don't immediately need medical care, wait until you need care before electing COBRA (you can pay retroactively to activate it). If you find a new job within 60 days, you can skip COBRA entirely. COBRA ends when: (a) the 18-month period expires, (b) you get new employer coverage, (c) you become eligible for Medicare, or (d) you leave the US.
Coverage Limits & Conditions:
Coverage duration: up to 18 months (29 months if disabled). Coverage: exact same plan as employment — same network, same doctors, same prescription coverage. Premium: 102% of full cost (employee + employer share + 2% admin fee).
Average Costs & Premium Structure:
Typically $600–$900/month for individual coverage; $1,500–$2,500/month for family coverage. Expensive because the employer's contribution (often 70–80% of premium) ends immediately on termination.
🏥 Navigating the U.S. Healthcare System
For newly arrived expats and international visitors, the United States medical system operates via private insurers, employer-sponsored plans, and independent network provider groups. Understanding terms like deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums under ACA rules (45 CFR 156.130) is essential.
❓ Frequently Asked Healthcare Questions
A copay is a fixed dollar fee for a service (e.g. $30 per doctor visit). Coinsurance is a percentage of the total medical bill paid after meeting your deductible (e.g. 20% of a surgery cost).
Yes. Urgent Care clinics treat non-life-threatening conditions much faster and cheaper than hospital Emergency Rooms.
• Healthcare.gov Official Marketplace: healthcare.gov
• Medicare.gov Official Portal: medicare.gov
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- 📋 In-Network: Confirm your doctor is inside the PPO Network before booking appointments.
- 🔍 Brochure: Always read the detailed certificate of insurance.
- 🚨 Emergencies: Understand differences between urgent care and emergency room costs.