5 Types of Insurance You’ll Need After Arriving In the US

When you first arrived in the US, how soon did you realize how serious insurance is here compared to back home? There is insurance that is mandatory, others that are recommended, and some that seem excessive but are commonly purchased. Everywhere you turn, there is insurance. On the news, in advertisements, on podcasts and TV shows.

How do you make sense of it all? How do you determine what is actually necessary? Using part of your salary towards insurance isn’t wasteful; even if it seems unnecessary at the time, it can be your saving grace during a difficult time.

However, we understand that as immigrants, we need to be objective and cautious with our money. Therefore, it is important to know the types of coverage you will need in order to be truly protected while living here in America. And as always, you can count on BRZ! We have selected the 5 ESSENTIAL TYPES OF INSURANCE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE JUST ARRIVED IN THE USA.

1. Auto Insurance

If you own a car, auto insurance is mandatory in 49 of the 50 US states. Each state defines their minimum requirements. Any additional coverage is entirely up to you.

In most states, the minimum requirement is for liability, which will cover costs if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle. You still can– and should– have coverage included that protects you and your car, among other things.

Even if you are not required to have insurance, it is recommended that you do. After all, the financial responsibility does not depend on whether or not you are insured.

2. Health Insurance

You may already know that medical care in the US can be very expensive and that free public healthcare does not exist here. If you are not covered by a health plan that is paid for by the company you work for, you should consider investing in an individual plan.

In fact, according to the Affordable Care Act, you may have to pay a fine if you don’t have any kind of health insurance.

You can start your search by checking your insurance options at HealthCare.gov. Search for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace and take the time to read as much as you can. It is very important to have as much information as possible when it comes to your insurance. It is, after all, your health we are talking about!

This federal program is available to all US citizens and immigrants with authorized legal status. However, even undocumented immigrants can obtain benefits by applying for coverage on behalf of documented individuals. There is a section dedicated to immigrants on the Health Care website with all the necessary information, from eligibility criteria to immigration status issues, necessary documents and useful guidelines.

3. Disability

Studies show that one in four young people may suffer some type of disability before reaching retirement. Scary, isn’t it? Any financial plan should include making sure you have enough income to support your family in the event that something happens that prevents you from working for a long period of time.

To reassure you– most people recover from their disability and return to work. Sometimes they recover 100% and return to work normally. Other times, they are forced to accept different jobs with lower income.

If you have long-term disabilities and have regular immigration status, you may be eligible for benefits through Social Security. But it can be difficult to get these benefits and can take some time, and you may find that you need to supplement this coverage.

4. Home Insurance

Securing housing is the first thing we need to do to feel at home in a new country. Whether it’s buying a house or condo, or even renting property, that place becomes your safe haven.

If you purchased your property through financing, you were probably required to take out your insurance. Even still, there are additional coverages you can purchase that are your choice, which is why it is so important to get a complete quote. When in doubt, talk to BRZ to find coverage that will meet all your needs.

To help you understand the different categories of home insurance:

Renters Insurance: This is home insurance for renters. It covers everything your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover. This includes your furniture, appliances and even your cell phone and other personal items.

Condo Insurance: Known as HO-6, this is insurance for condominiums. It only covers your unit and what’s inside, while the condominium association will have insurance for common areas.

Homeowners Insurance: This is insurance for those who own the property. This includes your house and other structures built on your land, like your garage, and your personal possessions.

Parts of the coverage, such as liability and personal property, are usually included in the standard home insurance policy, but it’s good to be aware of the specifics of the things you own, the region where you live, the current climate and make adequate coverage. Insurance against dangers such as fire, theft, earthquakes and floods are purchased separately.

5. Life Insurance

We have the misconception that life insurance is limited to older people, but this is not true. Life insurance will likely cost you less than the cost of dinner once a month and can guarantee your safety in the event of a crippling illness, an injury that will take you months (and many dollars) to recover from, or even guarantee a funeral without wiping out the savings of your loved ones.

We know it seems a little morbid and nobody wants to think about these things, but avoiding the topic will not prevent it from happening. Insurance exists for that very reason– so you don’t have to think about it anymore.

Insurers offer a variety of plans and options in order to meet the needs of each customer profile.

Get In Touch with BRZ

Every person has unique needs, risks and family backgrounds. We have put together what we consider to be essential in order for you to have complete peace of mind as you continue in your pursuit of the American dream.

However, you are the one who knows what it is in your life that you need to keep safe and protected. Give us a call today! Our agents are ready and more than capable to help you find the best insurance package for you!