Health Insurance for L-1 Visa Holders and Intracompany Transferees

L-1 intracompany transferee visas are popular among multinational corporations moving employees to US offices. The insurance picture is generally simpler than H-1B because L-1 transferees usually move within a single company — but specific gaps remain.

Coverage From the Foreign Office

Most L-1 holders maintain insurance from their original (foreign) office during the transfer process. This typically does NOT extend to coverage in the US, leaving a gap during the transition period.

The Move-In Gap

Between leaving the home country and US employer insurance starting, L-1 transferees face the same coverage gap as other immigrants. 30-90 days is typical. Visitor or new immigrant insurance bridges this period.

US Office Insurance Onboarding

Once on the US payroll, L-1 holders typically receive standard employer health insurance. Verify the start date with HR — many companies activate coverage on the first day of the month following hire, not the hire date itself.

L-2 Dependents (Spouse and Children)

L-2 spouses can work in the US with work authorization — opening the door to their own employer insurance. Children under 21 are dependents who can be added to the L-1 holder's plan.

Extended Assignments

L-1 assignments can extend up to 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B). For extended stays, consider whether your home-country insurance for family members back home should be supplemented or replaced.

Bottom Line

L-1 transferees have simpler insurance situations but should not overlook the move-in gap. Ombrela offers L-1-specific transition coverage.