Travel to the United States for Medical Purposes – Stabroek News

Installment 24-07

In this edition of our Ask-the-Consul, we will provide important information about traveling to the United States for medical purposes. 

What type of visa is required if I want to seek medical treatment in the United States?

The standard B1/B2 visitor visa is appropriate for seeking medical treatment in the United States. 

Do I need to provide any specific documents when applying for a visa for medical treatment in the United States?

Yes.  If you are applying for a visa specifically to enter the United States for medical purposes, you must provide:

•              A medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you are seeking medical treatment in the United States.

•              A letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States stating that they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment, including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses, and

•              Evidence that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid.  This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns of either the applicant or the person/organization paying for treatment.

Am I guaranteed the visa if I can provide the documents specified?

While we understand that obtaining medical treatment in the United States might be an applicant’s preferred option, consular officers are required by law to ensure applicants meet all eligibility criteria for a nonimmigrant visa.  There is no guaranteed visa.

The next available visa appointment is months away, but my medical situation is urgent.  Can I get an earlier appointment?

We try our best to accommodate applicants who have an urgent need to travel to the United States.  Applicants may follow the instructions under “Emergency Travel” at https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ to request an expedited appointment.

While on vacation, I had a medical emergency and used Medicaid to pay for the treatment and care.  Is that a problem?

In the United States, Medicaid provides medical payment for those who are unable to pay for immediate medical attention for a serious and sudden health issue, such as a heart attack or a serious injury that could lead to a dangerous health outcome without medical help.  It is NOT intended to be used by foreign visitors to treat pre-existing medical conditions.

If it is determined that a visitor deliberately used U.S. public insurance such as Medicaid to pay for medical treatment and care while in the United States, including for the birth of a child, their visa may be cancelled.  Subsequent visa applications may also be denied since it may be more difficult to establish that the applicant will not become a public charge/burden to the U.S. Government again.

A good travel practice is to obtain travel insurance when traveling to a foreign country so that you are financially covered in the event of medical emergencies.

Can I visit the United States while pregnant?

There are no specific regulations prohibiting pregnant foreign nationals from entering the United States; however, entry is permitted or denied at the discretion of the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.  If the CBP Officer determines you are attempting to enter the United States for the sole purpose of giving birth or that you plan to use U.S. Government Medicaid to pay for the birth, you may be denied entry.

When determining if you will be allowed to enter the United States, CBP officers may inquire about the date that your child is due for delivery and the length of time you intend to stay in the United States.

I would like my baby to be born in the United States.  I will pay all medical bills associated with giving birth.  Is that permissible?  

No.  Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child) is NOT a permissible basis for issuance of a visitor visa.

In limited circumstances, where it can be established that a birth requires specialized medical treatment that is not available in the applicant’s home country, an applicant will be considered for a nonimmigrant visa for the sole purpose of giving birth.

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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics.  Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/.  Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice.  Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information.  Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.