Why Isn’t the USCIS I-693 Immigration Medical Exam Covered by Insurance?

Why Isn't the USCIS I-693 Immigration Medical Exam Covered by Insurance? 

If you are preparing to adjust your immigration status or apply for a Green Card, you may be required to complete a USCIS Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

One question we hear frequently is:

“Why doesn’t my health insurance cover my I-693 immigration medical exam?”

The answer can be confusing, so we want to help explain the difference between a regular medical visit and an immigration medical examination.

Why Doesn't Health Insurance Usually Cover the I-693 Exam?

The I-693 examination is different from a routine doctor's appointment or medical care you receive because of an illness or health condition.

Your health insurance is generally designed to cover eligible medical care and services according to the terms of your insurance plan. An immigration medical examination, however, is performed specifically to satisfy an immigration requirement.

USCIS specifically states in its Form I-693 instructions that the applicant must pay all costs of the immigration medical examination, including costs associated with required follow-up tests or treatment. Payments are made directly to the civil surgeon or other healthcare provider.

For this reason, patients should generally expect to pay for their I-693 examination themselves rather than expecting their regular health insurance to cover the complete immigration medical exam.

Why Is the I-693 Different From a Regular Physical?

A routine physical is generally performed as part of a person's ongoing healthcare.

The I-693 examination serves a different purpose. It documents medical information required by USCIS as part of an immigration application.

USCIS requires the examination to be completed by a designated civil surgeon, and the completed form is submitted as part of the immigration process.

In other words:

Regular physical:
Designed primarily to monitor and maintain your personal health.

I-693 immigration medical exam:
Designed to document that you have completed the medical examination required for your immigration application.

What Should I Do Before My Appointment?

Before scheduling your I-693 examination, ask the medical office about:

• The total cost of the immigration medical examination
• What laboratory testing is included
• Whether vaccinations are included or charged separately
• What documents you should bring
• Whether additional testing may result in additional charges
• Whether the office accepts your preferred form of payment

You should also bring your vaccination records and other medical documents requested by the civil surgeon. USCIS recommends bringing medical records, including vaccination records, to the initial appointment.

Don't Be Surprised by the Cost

One of the most important things to understand is that having health insurance does not necessarily mean your I-693 immigration medical examination will be covered.

The examination is an immigration-related requirement, and USCIS places responsibility for the examination costs on the applicant.

Understanding this before your appointment can help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected questions about insurance coverage.