What You Should Know About U.S. Healthcare as a Recent Graduate

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Navigating healthcare in the U.S. can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options now will save you stress (and money) later. If you're transitioning to an H-1B visa, your employer may offer health insurance—but what does that really mean for you?

How Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Works

Unlike many countries with universal healthcare, most medical care in the U.S. is private, and without insurance, even a routine doctor’s visit can be expensive. The good news? If your employer has 50+ full-time employees, they are typically required to provide health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Employer-sponsored plans are often the most affordable way to get covered because companies typically pay a significant portion of the cost. But before enrolling, it’s important to understand the details.

What to Look for in a Health Plan

Health insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a plan:

• Deductibles – The amount you pay before insurance starts covering costs.

• Co-pays – Fixed amounts you pay per visit (e.g., $20 for a doctor’s visit).

• Out-of-pocket maximums – The most you'll have to pay in a year before insurance covers 100% of costs.

• Dental & Vision Coverage – Some employer plans include these, but not all. If regular eye exams or dental checkups matter to you, make sure they’re covered—or consider a supplemental plan.

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How Health Insurance Affects Your Paycheck

One thing many international graduates don’t realize is that opting into an employer-sponsored plan affects your paycheck.

Your employer may cover a portion of your insurance premium, but the rest is deducted from your salary before taxes. This lowers your taxable income (a good thing!) but also slightly reduces your take-home pay. It’s worth reviewing the full cost breakdown to ensure the plan fits your budget and healthcare needs.

What If Your Employer Doesn’t Offer Insurance?

If your employer doesn’t provide health insurance or you need additional coverage, ISO Health Insurance offers affordable plans designed specifically for international graduates. Whether you’re on OPT or transitioning to an H-1B visa, ISO can help bridge any gaps and protect you from unexpected medical bills.

Click here to explore your health plan options with ISO.

Taking the time to understand your health insurance now will set you up for peace of mind and financial security.

Have questions? Click here to read more about why we partnered with ISO!

Best,
Ansh Mundra & Amanda Binu
The Roam Growth Team