Health Insurance in the U.S.: What Artist Visa Holders Need to Know

If you’ve just received your O-1 Artist Visa in the United States, congratulations! But before you dive into your creative journey, there’s something essential you need to understand—health insurance in America. Medical costs in the U.S. are among the highest in the world, and having proper coverage isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a necessity.

In the U.S., having health insurance is absolutely necessary!

In this article, I’ll explain why insurance is so important for artist visa holders, what options are available, and how you can protect yourself while living in the U.S.

What Is an Artist Visa (O-1 Visa)?

The O-1 visa, commonly called an artist visa, is granted to individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, music, film, design, or other creative fields. Unlike H-1B workers, most O-1 visa holders do not automatically receive health insurance from an employer, which means you need to arrange coverage on your own.

Do Visa Sponsors or Employers Cover Health Insurance?

In short—rarely.
Unlike in some countries, U.S. employers are not always required to provide health insurance, especially for freelancers or artists on O-1 visas. Even middle-class Americans often don’t have employer-covered insurance, so it’s up to you to secure your own plan.

The Reality of U.S. Medical Costs

American healthcare is world-class in quality—but also world-class in cost. Here are some average expenses without insurance:

• Ambulance ride: $1,000+ (over ¥100,000)
• Surgery: $3,000+ (over ¥300,000)
• Doctor’s visit: $200–$300 (¥20,000–¥30,000)

For an uninsured artist, one accident or emergency could lead to overwhelming debt.

My Personal Experience With U.S. Healthcare

When I was misdiagnosed with glaucoma by a doctor in Japan, it was only at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York that I received the correct diagnosis—retinal detachment. Thanks to skilled specialists and advanced technology, I received proper treatment and recovered.

This experience showed me that while costly, U.S. healthcare can be more accurate and reliable in certain situations.

Health Insurance Options for Artist Visa Holders

If you’re a student, or even a freelancer with an O-1 visa, you’ll likely need to explore private health insurance. One reliable option is ISO International Student Insurance, which also offers plans for non-students.

Example Coverage I’ve Used:

• Retinal detachment surgery: $3,000+ covered
• Women’s health exams
• Emergency medical care: $1,000+ covered

ISO Monthly Premiums:

• Ages 20–24: $79/month
• Ages 25–29: $89/month
• Ages 30+: $119/month

Plans can be paid quarterly or annually, and may even help with tax deductions.

Is Health Insurance Really Necessary in New York?

Absolutely.
Living in New York means unexpected things can happen—accidents, sudden illnesses, or even health risks from diet and lifestyle. Without insurance, the financial burden can be devastating. Think of health insurance as your safety net and peace of mind.

How to Enroll in ISO Insurance

1. Visit the ISO website.
2. Select “Non-student” if you hold an O-1 artist visa.
3. Enter your age to see monthly rates.
4. Choose and purchase your plan online.

Final Thoughts

For O-1 artist visa holders in the U.S., securing health insurance is not optional—it’s essential. While ISO is one recommended option, compare different plans to find what best suits your budget and needs.

Your health is the foundation of your artistic journey—don’t risk it by going uninsured.